How to remove AlienWare Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is AlienWare Ransomware

In the realm of evolving cyber threats, AlienWare Ransomware emerges as a particularly insidious form of malware. This ransomware variant is based on the Chaos framework, and upon infiltrating a computer system, it encrypts various file types, rendering them inaccessible. It appends a unique set of four random characters as new file extensions, effectively altering and isolating each file from user access. For instance, a document such as report.docx might be transformed into report.docx.a1b2 after encryption, leaving its contents inaccessible without the appropriate decryption key. AlienWare’s attack does not stop at mere encryption; it also alters the user’s desktop wallpaper as a stark notification of the attack, increasing the psychological pressure on the victim. After encryption, the ransomware delivers a ransom note, read_it.txt, onto the desktop, further directing victims on how to pay the ransom for file decryption.

Unfortunately, there are no legitimate third-party decryption tools available for AlienWare Ransomware. This lack of solutions exists partly because the ransomware encrypts files with sophisticated algorithms that require specific keys for decryption, keys that are typically held solely by the cybercriminals behind the attack. Consequently, victims often face the harsh decision of paying ransoms to potentially untrustworthy sources or losing access to their data indefinitely. Many cybersecurity experts advise against paying ransoms as it encourages further criminal activity and offers no guarantee of data recovery. While no direct decryption tools are available, it is still advisable for victims to disconnect infected devices from networks immediately and seek professional cybersecurity help to potentially mitigate future risks or retrieve backups from uninfected sources. Prevention, through regular data backups and comprehensive security software, remains the most effective way to protect against threats like AlienWare.

How AlienWare Ransomware infects computers

AlienWare Ransomware infiltrates computers through multiple deceptive channels commonly exploited by cybercriminals. It often arrives as a malicious attachment or link embedded in phishing emails that appear legitimate, enticing users to open them. In addition, it can be distributed via compromised websites or through software vulnerabilities that allow the ransomware to penetrate the system when users visit or interact with infected content. Another frequent method involves the use of pirated software, key generators, and other unofficial downloads that carry the malware payload, tricking users into installing it under the guise of a legitimate application. Moreover, attackers may leverage malicious advertisements or drive-by downloads, which automatically execute the ransomware when a user visits a compromised site. By employing these tactics, AlienWare Ransomware gains unauthorized access to systems, where it encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption, leaving victims with few options other than restoring data from backups or seeking third-party decryption tools, if available.

1. Download AlienWare Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like AlienWare Ransomware

AlienWare Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


AlienWare Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with AlienWare Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like AlienWare Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. AlienWare Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro