What is a ccc File Extension?
In order to tell you more about the ccc file extension, we have to explain what a file extension is. Each file on your computer has a file or a filename extension. It is added at the end of a filename, and you can either see it or not, depending on your interface view settings. The extension appears as a suffix to a filename after a dot. For example, in the filename BootstrapLibrary.dll, “dll” is the file extension. File extensions are not random. It is an abbreviation that tells us more about the file characteristics or what the file is used for. The ccc file extension is also used to mark several file types, but the problem is that some of those files can be malicious.
During our research, we have found that at least six file types that make use of the ccc file extension. It may refer to a BibExcel file, Curtain Call bitmap image file, Corel WordPerfect Office calendar file, Dev-C++ code completion cache (which you probably will not have unless you are into programming), a FLEXnet Manager file, and a TeslaCrypt encrypted file. As far as the legitimate files with the ccc extension are concerned, their presence on your computer depends on whether you have the appropriate program that utilizes such files. However, if ALL of your files seem to have the ccc extension, then we are definitely dealing with the TeslaCrypt ransomware application here.
When most of your files have the .ccc extension, and you cannot access them, it means they have been encrypted by a malicious application called TeslaCrypt. To put it simply, encryption is a particular process that encodes information (your files, in this case) in a way that only the party that has the decryption code can read it. Meaning, if you do not have the decryption key, you cannot open your encrypted files. Needless to say, none of the victims of this ransomware infection would have a decryption key, and that is the reason the program bullies users into “purchasing” one.
How to Remove ccc File Extension screenshot
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As you can probably tell, the ccc file encryption that is associated with the ransomware infection does not tell much about the potential utilization of a file. It is more of a tell-tale sign that your computer’s system has been compromised by TeslaCrypt. This ransomware program is another version of CryptoLocker, which is one of the most prominent ransomware infections out there. The program encrypts your files using the RSA encryption algorithm. The algorithm itself is not malicious. It is a cryptosystem that is used to secure various data transmissions worldwide. The problem is that cyber criminals can make use of this plug-lick cryptosystem as well.
You probably got infected with TeslaCrypt Ransomware when you opened a malicious email attachment. It is important that you do not open any spam email attachment or click an outgoing link because spam email messages are often used to distribute malware. However, if you have gotten this program on your computer already, then you must have noticed that there are other than just the ccc extension files on your PC. You will also find files like howto_recover_file_[random].html and howto_recover_file_[random].txt. These files supposedly should help you restore your files, but in reality these files only contain instructions how you should pay transfer the ransom money to the people behind TeslaCrypt.
It goes without saying that you should NEVER pay a single cent to the people behind this infection. Not to mention that it is very likely that the cyber criminals will NOT issue a decryption key, so you will only lose your money if you fall for this trick.
The easiest way to get rid of the ccc extension and get your files back is to restore them from a backup drive. If you do not have it, then you should look for a powerful decryption tool online. However, please be ready if it happens that there is no way to decrypt the affected documents. This is a very common consequence of this infection, but even if there were no other way but to start anew, you should still remove the ransomware program from your computer along with its files. We will show you how to download a free antispyware scanner in the instructions below.
Please employ general safety measures to avoid similar infections. Avoid opening email messages from unknown senders and make sure you have the newest version of an antivirus program running. Also, do not hesitate to address a professional if you any assistance with ensuring your PC’s security.
In non-techie terms:
To summarize everything in a simple manner, if you cannot open your files and most of them has .ccc written at the back of the name, it means you have been infected by a ransomware program. These programs terrorize users into transferring big amounts of money to the cyber criminals. You should keep your money to yourself and remove the program that encrypted your files. While you are at it, it would be a good idea to scan your PC with a security tool of your choice to look for other potential threats.