.AAA File Extension
CryptoWall Ransomware Encrypted File
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What is a AAA file?
A file with an .aaa extension is a file that has been encrypted by version 3.0 of CryptoWall ransomware. It is encrypted with RSA-2048 encryption so it is not possible to open the file by simply changing the .aaa file extension.
More Information
Version 3.0 of CryptoWall ransomware is a type of malware utilized by cybercriminals that encrypts a user's files. It was prevalent in late-2015 and early-2016.
After the ransomware takes the files hostage, it forces the victim to pay the perpetrator to unlock the files. It is typically introduced to a victim's computer through spam emails with malicious links or file attachments. When an unsuspecting user downloads and opens the file attachment or clicks the embedded link in the email, the virus runs on the computer.
When the ransomware runs on a user's computer, it encrypts files on the computer and adds the .aaa extension onto the names of the files. The types of files typically targeted include personal documents, images, videos, and backup files, such as .JPG, .ODT, .PPTX, .XLSX, .MP4, and .WMV files. For example, a image.jpg file becomes image.jpg.aaa.
The virus then generates a HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT, HELP_YOUR_FILES.PNG, or HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML file in each folder on the user's computer that contains infected AAA files. The .HTML, .PNG, and .TXT files provide information explaining the hostile takeover of the user's files and how the user can recover their files by paying a ransom payment.
How to open a AAA file
No known program can restore AAA files to their original state. The best way to recover your files is to retrieve them from a recent backup or perform a System Restore to a point before your computer was infected.
Warning
FileInfo.com recommends you never pay a ransom to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. Paying a ransom encourages ransomware distributors to continue their efforts, and there is no guarantee that paying a ransom will give you access to your files. Instead, you should restore your data from a recent backup created before the ransomware infected your computer.