How to remove Arcus Ransomware and decrypt .Arcus files

What is Arcus Ransomware

Arcus Ransomware is a severe type of malware designed to encrypt files on infected systems, rendering them inaccessible to users. This ransomware has two known variants, one being closely tied to the Phobos ransomware family. Victims find their files renamed with extensions that mark them as encrypted: one variant appends the victim’s ID, an email address, and .Arcus to filenames, such as image.jpg becoming image.jpg.id[ID].[email].Arcus. Another version simply affixes “[Encrypted].Arcus” to the end of file names. The encryption used by Arcus is typically strong, employing advanced algorithms to ensure that decryption without a proper key is next to impossible. This ensures that victims are compelled to pay the ransom for file recovery, as attempting to decrypt without the correct tools can lead to data damage.

A crucial part of Arcus’s attack is the ransom note, which varies based on the variant in action. The Phobos variant drops a document titled “info.txt” and might spawn a pop-up message, both detailing the instructions for ransom payment and threatening exposure of sensitive data via a “LeakBlog” if compliance is not met. The alternate variant leaves behind a Arcus-ReadMe.txt file, advising victims to contact the attackers through email or a secure chat application. Unfortunately, no free decryption tools are currently available for either variant, making it difficult for victims to restore files independently. To decrypt .Arcus files, users are compelled to consider the attackers’ demand, though this is not recommended as it can encourage further cybercrime with no guarantee of data recovery. Instead, ensuring regular backups and robust cybersecurity measures can mitigate the impact of such attacks.

How Arcus Ransomware infects computers

Arcus Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive methods commonly employed by cybercriminals. One prevalent approach is via phishing emails, where unsuspecting users are lured into opening malicious attachments or clicking on harmful links disguised as legitimate communications. These emails may appear to be from trusted sources, increasing the likelihood of engagement. Another method involves exploiting software vulnerabilities, which can occur when systems are not regularly updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, Arcus can spread through malicious advertisements on compromised websites, redirecting users to sites that automatically download and execute the ransomware. Furthermore, the use of pirated software or downloading files from unreliable peer-to-peer networks and third-party sites can also increase the risk of infection. Once inside a system, Arcus proceeds to encrypt files, demanding a ransom for their release, thereby causing significant disruption and potential data loss.

1. Download Arcus Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Arcus 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 Arcus Ransomware

Arcus Ransomware files:


Arcus-ReadMe.txt
{randomname}.exe


Arcus Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Arcus files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Arcus 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 .Arcus 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 Arcus 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 .Arcus files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 Arcus 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. Arcus 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