How to remove Optimus Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Optimus Ransomware

Optimus Ransomware is an insidious ransomware strain emerging from the cybercriminal landscape that encrypts victims’ files, holding them hostage for a ransom. Drawing its foundation from the Chaos ransomware family, Optimus operates by renaming file extensions to seemingly random combinations of four characters, such as ‘.zm3i’ or ‘.gexv’, effectively rendering the files inaccessible without a decryption key. Upon infection, this ransomware alters the victim’s desktop background and drops a ransom note in the form of a text file titled OPTIMUS_readme.txt. The ransom note ominously informs the victim that their system is under complete control, with all files encrypted by “unbreakable” methods. It demands a payment of $50 in Bitcoin within 24 hours to avoid permanent data deletion, yet notably omits contact details, suggesting either developmental incompleteness or oversight by the attackers.

Decryption of files encrypted by Optimus Ransomware remains a challenging endeavor due to the robust encryption standards applied, typically AES or RSA algorithms, which are notoriously difficult to crack without the relevant decryption keys. As of the latest updates, no free decryption tools exist for victims, and paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee the return of file access, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regular backups. Cybersecurity experts recommend against paying the ransom, as it further fuels the ransomware ecosystem. Instead, the focus should be on removing the ransomware using trusted security tools, like Combo Cleaner, to prevent further damage. Recovery efforts may include using reputable data recovery tools; however, success with these methods can be limited. In such scenarios, prevention through comprehensive data backup practices and immediate containment of the infection, such as disconnecting the infected device from the network, should be prioritized to mitigate future risks.

How Optimus Ransomware infects computers

Optimus Ransomware, a variant based on the Chaos ransomware family, infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive techniques designed to exploit user trust and system vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often distribute this ransomware by embedding it in key generators, pirated software, and cracking tools, which unsuspecting users download from unreliable sources. Additionally, infected USB drives and malicious email attachments, often disguised with seemingly legitimate macros, serve as common vectors for spreading the infection. The ransomware can also be deployed via compromised websites, misleading advertisements, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, which lure users into downloading the malicious payload. Furthermore, technical support scams and exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems provide additional avenues for this ransomware to breach systems. Once inside, Optimus Ransomware encrypts files and demands a ransom, leveraging fear and urgency to coerce victims into compliance.

1. Download Optimus 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 Optimus Ransomware

Optimus Ransomware files:


OPTIMUS_readme.txt
{randomname}.exe


Optimus 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 Optimus 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 Optimus 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. Optimus 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