How to remove Archiveus

Archiveus – one of the first ransomware viruses that got cracked by security researchers quickly

Archiveus is a quite primitive trojan that enters users computers silently and encrypts all personal files. The virus also drops an “Instructions how to get your files back.txt” ransom note which explains victims that the user got infected with the Archiveus virus while browsing pornographic websites. To retrieve their data, victims have to unlock all files located in EncryptedFiles.als using a password of more than 30 symbols long. Hackers then inform users that they have to contact them via restoring@safemail.net or restoringfiles@yahoo.com email and make several purchases in three different online pharmacy stores before they are provided the password. Fortunately, Archiveus ransomware was decrypted successfully by Sophos security researchers^[1] in a short period after the ransomware surfaced.

Archiveus trojan typically infiltrates machines via spam emails, file-sharing sites, and other deceptive means. As soon as it enters the device, it scans the computer for various files, including:

• db
• key
• pdf
• rar
• txt
• xls
• xml
• zip, etc.

As soon as the scan is complete, every personal file is deleted from its original location and a copy created which is then placed into EncryptedFiles.als folder. Every time the victim tries to open any file, he or she is presented with the following ransom note “how to get your files back.txt”:

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO GET YOUR FILES BACKREAD CAREFULLY
This is automated report generated by auto archiving software.
All your documents, text files and databases was archived with the long password.
You can not guess the password for your archived files – password length is more than 30 symbols that makes all password recovery programs fail to bruteforce it (guess password by trying all possible combinations).

Do not try to search for a program that encrypted your information – it simply does not exist in your hard disk anymore. System backup will not help you to restore files. Reporting to police about a case will not help you, they do not know the password. Reporting somewhere about our email account will not help you to restore files. Moreover, you and other people will lose contact with us, and consequently, all the encrypted information.

WE DO NOT ASK YOU FOR ANY MONEY! We only want to do business with you. You can even EARN extra money with us. If you really care about the documents and information in encrypted files, you should send an email to restoring@safemail.net or restoringfiles@yahoo.com This is your only way to get your files back and save your time.

We do not want to do you any harm, we do not ask you for money, we only want to do business with you.

Archiveus ransomware also modifies Registry entries that can then be associated with the .ALS files. Therefore, each time the victim clicks on the file the malicious executable is run.

Fortunately, security experts managed to crack the Archiveus malware quickly. The password for the affected files is mf2lro8sw03ufvnsq034jfowr18f3cszc20vmw, and it applies to every user who is affected. Nevertheless, unlike in other Crypto-viruses, Archiveus removal has to be performed after data recovery. Otherwise, getting access to your files will be impossible. 

Archiveus trojan also creates Demo.als file as a proof that decoding data is possible. Nevertheless, users should simply ignore hackers and remove Archiveus ransomware after they recover personal data. Unfortunately, the trojan is quite buggy, and several files might become corrupted after decryption. Therefore, the only safe way to get your files back is by using backups.

As soon as you are done with the data retrieval, you should remove Archiveus virus using FortectIntego or other reputable security software. 

Be careful when browsing the internet and opening spam emails

According to researchers,^[2] users are used to browsing the internet carelessly, be it questionable websites or suspicious spam emails. However, it seems like users take no actions until it is too late and they get infected with a file locking virus. Therefore, it is crucial to be attentive online.

One of the main trojan distribution methods is via phishing emails.^[3] These messages often contain an attachment that can be disguised as a legitimate document (.pdf, .doc, .html, .txt, .rar, etc.). As soon as users click on the file and allow the malicious macros to run, the payload is executed on the targeted machine. Alternatively, users might be prompted to click on a cleverly designed hyperlink which would immediately initiate the installation of the virus.

Another dangerous part of the internet is the questionable websites. Certain sites (file-sharing, porn, online dating, etc.) are less secure than others – especially those who offer to download executables. Therefore, avoid questionable domains and download the software and its updates on legitimate sites only.

Finally, make sure you install security software and keep your system backups up to date.

Make no mistake – recover your files before you eliminate Archiveus virus

Although it took researchers only a few weeks to find malware's weakness and uncover the password, it is crucial to take caution when following the Archiveus removal procedure. Be aware that you have to recover your files by using a mf2lro8sw03ufvnsq034jfowr18f3cszc20vmw password for data locked inside the EncryptedFiles.als folder. 

As soon as you are done with the file recovery, you can remove Archiveus virus using reputable security software. Beware that the virus can tamper with the proper operation of the anti-virus program. Thus, you might have to access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below.