How to remove Artemis Ransomware and decrypt .artemis, .ultimate or .999 files

What is Artemis Ransomware

Discovered by a malware researcher named S!Ri, Artemis belongs to the PewPew ransomware family. Frauds behind this family have spread a number of high-risk infections that run data encryption. Artemis is the most recent variant of file-encryptor that cuts access to most stored data using multi-layer cryptographic algorithms. These algorithms make data thoroughly encrypted, which disables users from opening them. Besides that, encrypted files locked off by Artemis get changed in visual means as well. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will change to something like 1.pdf.id-victim's_ID.[khalate@tutanota.com].artemis and reset its original icon. This string consists of the victims’ ID, khalate@tutanota.com email address, and .artemis extension at the end. Then, as soon as encryption gets to a close, Artemis prompts the info-decrypt.hta to appear across the entire screen. Recent versions of the malware use ReadMe-[victim’s_ID].txt ransom note name and use .ultimate and .999 extensions (1.pdf.id[victim's_ID].[UltimateHelp@techmail.info].ultimate and 1.pdf.id[victim’s_ID].[restoredisscus@gmail.com].999).

This file states some general information along with recommendations to recover your data. Victims are instructed to contact cyber criminals through their e-mail address (khalate@tutanota.com or khalate@protonmail.com in case victims receive no answer in 12 hours). After getting in touch with them, victims will be given the price of decryption in BTC and the payment address to perform this transfer. Before doing so, victims are also proposed to test free decryption. They can send up to 5 files that are less than 4MB in total, non-archived, and contain no valuable information. In addition to that, malware developers warn victims against renaming files or using third-party tools to recover the data as it can lead to permanent damage. Usually, these warnings are true and should not be neglected by victims. Third-party tools can be helpful, but only if encrypted files can be unlocked. For now, there is no possibility to grant 100% decryption of Artemis files unless there are bugs or flaws overlooked by developers inside of the virus. This is why the best way to recover your data without paying the ransom is backup copies. Backup copies of files stored on infected PC are likely to be blocked as well, so you should have them located on external storage. Only after deleting the virus you can plug in your portable storage and transfer the copies of blocked files back to your PC. We have also mentioned some third-party tools, which may help you restore some files. Both removal and recovery instructions are presented further down this guide.

How Artemis Ransomware infected your computer

Crypto-extortionists and other malicious software can often be spread through spam messages, trojans, unreliable program or update installers, fake software activation tools (keygens), backdoors, keyloggers, and other suspicious channels. Spam messages are most often e-mail letters attached with malicious files or links leading to fake download pages. These files are usually .docx, .pdf, .exe, .zip, .rar or .js formats that store executable scripts to run installation of malware. Some of them have “Protect View” mode, which prevents users from unleashing malicious content. This feature is enabled by default in MS Office documents post-2010 versions, which helps avoid the automatic installation of malware. However, once you allow editing mode, the malicious file will cause ransomware or other infections. Simply downloading the file should not cause any issues unless you opened it up eventually. This is why it is important to avoid interaction with such files in case they were received from unknown resources. Even your friend’s account on social media can be hacked and become an intermediary for delivering some malicious link or file. Whatever the case, users should be more careful whilst surfing the web. Your awareness and experience might be the most important factor to save you from malicious software. Antimalware programs is also a good addition to your protection, but none of them can ensure you are 101% secure from all threats on the web. Below, we have discussed some of the most essential tips and software to stay protected against threats like Artemis Ransomware in the future.

1. Download Artemis Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .artemis, .ultimate or .999 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 Artemis Ransomware

Artemis Ransomware files:


ReadMe-[victim's_ID].txt
info-decrypt.hta
{randomfilename}.exe


Artemis Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .artemis, .ultimate or .999 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .artemis, .ultimate or .999 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 .artemis, .ultimate or .999 files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 Artemis 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 .artemis, .ultimate or .999 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 is no items in the list choose 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 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 Artemis 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. Artemis 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