How to remove Arai ransomware

Arai ransomware uses encryption algorithms to lock users' files and demand for a ransom

Arai ransomware is a malicious program developed by cybercriminals to extract money from innocent users. The file-locking virus infiltrates the system and uses complicated encryption algorithms to lock users' personal files, like photos, videos, and documents.

The ransomware attaches an .araicrypt extension to locked files. If a file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption, it would look like this – picture.jpg.araicrypt. The icons also turn to white pages, and the thumbnails are unavailable. Shortly after, a ransom note is generated on the machine. 

Distribution methods

The full READ_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_FILES.txt ransom note reads as follows:

===========================================
All Your Files Have Been Encrypted !!
===========================================
All of your backups and shadow copies have also been deleted so forget restoring
them.
===========================================
We also have been able to steal your confidential files (databases, customers data's,
HR etc…) all over your network workstations and servers.
===========================================
If you want to hear your mind instead of our instructions, you will loose stupidly your
files but you will also see your files being published online or sell to tiers (and we'll do it)

In this case, beleive us that you're going to suffer a big financial loss and a big loss
of reputation.
===========================================
We are aware that you don't want this case too happens.

If you want to restore files and want us to delete your confidentials files, contact us right
with a message to the contact address below. Include the KeyID in your message pls.
===========================================
AraiHelp@secmail.pro

If there's no answers from us in the next 15 hours, contact us to :

AraiHelp2@secmail.pro

Note that you have only 48 hours to contact us. After this delay, there will be no data
recovered and your files will be published.

Key Identifier:
–

The note from Arai ransomware is targeting companies more than home users. The threat actors threaten to steal the information and leak it to the public or sell it to third parties if victims do not contact them in time. People are given 48 hours to contact cybercriminals. Otherwise, they will not recover the data, and the files will be published.

Threat actors want to be paid in cryptocurrencies^[1] in return for a decryption key. They choose this method of payment because it provides anonymity. We strongly advise our readers not to pay the ransom as cybercriminals cannot be trusted. Many ransomware victims do not receive the promised decryption tools after paying the ransom.

Protect yourself from ransomware attacks

It is unknown what particular methods are used to spread Arai ransomware, but there are some general ways cybercriminals do it. Typically, the malicious code gets introduced by an executable file (.exe) that may have been in a zip folder, embedded within Microsoft Office document’s macros,^[2] or disguised as fax or other viable attachment.

Many people like to install something called “cracked” software because they do not want to pay for licenses. Sites distributing such programs are the perfect breeding ground for PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) and malware. They are unregulated and unsafe.

The most common distribution way is for hackers to use OS or software vulnerabilities.^[3] That is why it is vital to keep everything updated. Software developers often release security updates for newly found vulnerabilities, so you can be exposed if you do not do that. 

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[4] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Arai ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.