A new iteration of the Dharma ransomware family has been identified. It encrypts files with strong cipher algorithm, renames them with the file extension .arena and render them completely unusable until a ransom is paid. Keep reading to find manual removal solution of the new Dharma – .arena file virus. After the removal process, there is no need to pay the ransom as alternative data recovery methods may work efficiently for .arena files restore.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover .arena Files
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.arena File Virus – Penetration Techniques
The attack vectors that are likely to be implemented by .arena file virus authors’ are:
Spam Email Campaigns – this is the most preferred way of ransomware distribution. It allows hackers to use various witty tactics like posing as legitimate sources (Microsoft, PayPal, Google, Skype, etc.) and crafting messages that force users to interact with a malicious attachment or a link. The attachment usually contains a document, PDF, archive, JavaScript, image, or video that are ransomware payload carriers. Once the corrupted file is opened on the PC it may either infect the system with .arena file virus automatically or ask you for additional action mimicking Windows error or software feature.
Social Media Channels – they are usually an attack vector that allows cyber criminals to create fake profiles and post statuses that include corrupted link. Once you land on the hacked web page the ransomware code may land on the PC unnoticeably even without asking for your permission.
The hackers can also craft infected documents and software installers which are then uploaded to download sites and P2P networks such as BitTorrent. The documents contain scripts that lead to the .arena virus infection.
.arena File Virus – System Attack
The .arena file virus payload is believed to contain a single executable file that is coded to trigger the attack. Previous versions of Dharma ransomware (.cesar, .onion, .wallet) prove that the threat has complex code designed to affect essential Windows features like the Run and RunOnce registry keys. These keys store values that figure out which files and processes to be started each time the Windows system starts. The .arena file virus uses them to set the automatic start of its payload ensuring its stable presence on the system. Other changes applied to these keys by .arena virus are associated with its ransom note. In the end of the attack, the ransomware drops a file that needs to be displayed on the victims’screens. The file contains short instructions that read the following:
All your data has been locked us
You want to return?
write email [email protected]
There is no information what the amount of the demanded ransom is, but we recommend you to avoid its payment until you try your best at dealing with the ransomware removal and .arena files recovery. There is no guarantee that hackers have a working solution that will decrypt corrupted data.
The files encrypted by .arena file virus upon infection are believed to be all that have one of the following extensions:
.PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG
The original code of all these files is modified by strong cipher algorithm once the ransomware hits the system. They are also renamed with the malicious .arena file extension and cannot be accessed without the unique decryption key.
What Should Be Done in Case of .arena File Virus Infection?
In a case of infection with .arena ransomware virus, the computer is still usable but whenever a new file is added it is automatically encrypted too, if not immediately then after a PC reboot. This is why we recommend to all victims of the threat to remove the malware from the computer.
WARNING! Manual removal of .arena File Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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.arena Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
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– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
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– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover .arena Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with .arena file virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
