How to remove Arsium ransomware

Arsium is a new ransomware building program that allows criminals to create their own ransomware threats

Arsium ransomware is a term used to describe a tool that has been compiled in order to create a unique ransomware virus. The post about it has been posted on a hacking forum called Nulled by a user “arsium” on 2nd of August, 2019.^[1] As it turns out, the ransomware can currently encrypt data on desktop only, but the hacker claims that he/she will expand the functionality further.

Arsium ransomware offers to choose from a variety of encryption algorithms, such as RC4, AES, and many others. Such algorithms are typically used to encode all the files on the machine and prevent their access. Additionally, the files are appended with an extension, such as .encrypted or any other the bad actor might come up with (the default one offered by this builder is .fucked).

As soon as Arsium virus would encrypt data, it would also drop a ransom note that explains to users what happened to their computer and how to proceed next. Ransomware developers often offer free decryption of a few files that do not include important information in order to gain victims' trust. However, it is a well-known fact that hackers can bluff and never send you the decryptor. Just as with any other cryptovirus, experts^[2] recommend staying away from malicious actors and rather proceeding with Arsium ransomware removal.

Encrypted files are not the only feature that Arsium ransomware has, however, Upon infection, the malware would also alter the way Windows operates and add new keys in the registry, download and install new files, create new processes, delete Shadow Volume Copies, and perform other system changes.

In such a way, the virus operation is ensured, and all the files that are added when the computer is infected would also be immediately encrypted. Therefore, it is vital to remove Arsium ransomware before using the computer for any reasons. Besides, some malware might be distributed with the help of trojans or backdoors, meaning that another infection might be lurking inside the PC.

In order to make sure that no other malware is involved and as well terminate the present one, you should scan your computer with FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or any other reputable anti-virus software. After that, you could use backups to copy your files over or make use of third-party recovery software. We provide some examples at the end of this article.

Ransomware viruses can be spread in a variety of ways – learn to protect yourself

Ransomware is one of the most severe computer infections because the encrypted data usually cannot be recovered after its removal. Luckily, some of the infections might not function properly and fail to encrypt files or delete Shadow Volume copies (it is usually typical to ransomware that is still in development stages).

Nevertheless, the ramifications of ransomware infection can be devastating and extremely costly if it comes to the organizations. Some of the companies have to completely rebuild their IT infrastructure after the attack of a file locking malware – one of the best such examples is Maersk which paid around $300 million to recover from NotPetya attack.^[3]

As evident, ransomware authors usually rely on sophisticated distribution methods, such as exploits, vulnerabilities, RDP, spam emails, and other methods in order to deliver the payload that starts the infection. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of the infection by following these simple tips:

• Install anti-malware software with real-time protection feature
• Enable Firewall
• Install ad-block
• Stay away from spam email attachments that ask for macro function to be enabled
• Use strong passwords for all your accounts and never reuse them
• Do not use default RDP port when connecting
• Stay away from software cracks and pirated programs
• Patch your computer with security updates
• Set automatic updates for all your installed applications.

Remove Arsium ransomware from your machine to use it normally again 

Arsium ransomware removal is not only necessary to ensure that the computer is safe to use again, but also for a safe file recovery process. As we previously mentioned, all the files that are imported after the ransomware infection took place would be encrypted as well.

To remove Arsium ransomware, you need anti-malware software. While it is possible to delete the infection manually, it is not recommended for regular users, as the malware makes a great number of changes within the system. Be aware that some of the ransomware might try to disable or otherwise prevent security software from working. In case Arsium virus would try doing so, you should enter Safe mode with networking as explained below and perform a full system scan from there.