Cryptolocker-v3 Virus

Cryptolocker-v3 adds its specific “.ecc” extension to the name of every file. For example, your photo named as “my_photo.jpeg” will be transformed into “my_photo.jpeg.ecc“, report in Excel tables named “report.xlsx” – to “report.xlsx.ecc“, and so on.

HELP_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt file, which can be found in every folder that contains the encrypted files, is a ransom money note. Inside of it, you can find information about ways of contacting Cryptolocker-v3 ransomware developers, and some other info. Inside of the ransom note, there is usually an instruction saying about purchasing the decryption tool. This decryption tool is created by ransomware developers.

The HELP_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt file by the Cryptolocker-v3 ransomware states the following frustrating information:

Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted
with strongest encryption and unique key, generated for this computer.

 

Private decryption key is stored on a secret Internet server and nobody can
decrypt your files until you pay and obtain the private key.

 

If you see the main locker window, follow the instructions on the locker.
Overwise, it\'s seems that you or your antivirus deleted the locker program.
Now you have the last chance to decrypt your files.

 

Open hxxp://34r6hq26q2h4jkzj.tor2web.fi or hxxp://34r6hq26q2h4jkzj.onion.cab
in your browser. They are public gates to the secret server.

 

If you have problems with gates, use direct connection:
1. Download Tor Browser from hxxp://torproject.org
2. In the Tor Browser open the hxxp://
   Note that this server is available via Tor Browser only.
   Retry in 1 hour if site is not reachable.
Copy and paste the following Bitcoin address in the input form on server. Avoid missprints.
 14nxNAFwV8ZC3JRAxifJteBDN19WEqFMzS
Follow the instructions on the server.

The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.ecc” extension look like:

How did I get Cryptolocker-v3 ransomware on my computer?

However, nowadays there are only two ways of Cryptolocker-v3 injection – email spam and trojans. You may see a lot of messages on your email, stating that you need to pay different bills or to get your parcel from the local FedEx department. But all such messages are sent from unknown email addresses, not from familiar official emails of these companies. All such letters contain the attached file, which is used as a ransomware carrier. If you open this file – your system will get infected by Cryptolocker-v3.

In case of trojans presence, you will be offered to download and install ransomware on your PC under the guise of something legit, like a Chrome update, or update for the software you are storing on your computer. Sometimes, trojan viruses can be masked as legit programs, and ransomware will be offered for download as an important update, or a big pack of extensions which are essential for proper program functioning.

There is also the third way of ransomware injection, however, it becomes less and less popular day-to-day. I am talking about peering networks, such as torrents or eMule. No one can control which files are packed in the seeding, so you can discover a huge pack of different malware after downloading. If circumstances force you to download something from peering networks – scan every downloaded folder or archive with antivirus software.