How to Remove Arena Files Virus

How to Remove Arena Ransomware?

Readers recently started to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer:

    all your data has been locked us
    You want to return?
    write email sindragosa@bigmir.net

Security experts have detected a new version of the infamous Dharma Ransomware. The new variant adds the .arena extension at the end of all encrypted files. And thus, it is known as Arena File Virus and Arena Ransomware. If this virus has made its way to your PC, the news is very bad. Arena Ransomware is a deadly parasite. It locks your files and demands a hefty ransom. Upon installation, Arena scans your HDD. It targets user-generated files, such as text documents, pictures, videos, databases, archives, etc. Then, the virus encrypts the files with a strong AES encrypting algorithm. This encrypting technology is the strongest known. And so, currently, there are no decryption tools for this virus. Yet, you should not jump into impulsive actions. Please, familiarize yourself with the virus first. Only then will you be able to make an informed choice. Always keep in mind that Arena Files Virus is created by hackers. They programmed Arena to infect your entire system. The virus can make changes to your System Registry, it can create and modify files. This parasite is never idle. It works in the background and makes your computer useless. If you create new files, the ransomware will lock them too. You should not use your PC to enter sensitive information as the virus is spying on you. Yes, that is right. The virus knows what you are doing. This parasite communicates with a Command and Control server (the hackers). These criminals have proven to be smart. They designed this clever ransomware. They also designed the ransomware payment method. Cleverly, they did not specify the exact amount of the requested sum. The victims are supposed to contact the crooks via email. Don’t do it. Don’t negotiate with criminals. They are using psychological strategies to trick you into paying more than you should. They will negotiate, they will threaten, they will do anything to get your money. Don’t put yourself in such situation. You can never win. Focus on the removal of the virus. Arena Ransomware is a sophisticated infection. To remove it completely, you will have to perform some advanced task. If you make a mistake, your system will crash, you may even end up with the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. We strongly recommend you to use a professional anti-malware application. This is the easiest and safest way to fix your computer!

How did I get infected with?

The Arena Files Virus is mainly distributed via spam email attachments. The scheme is simple. The crooks write on behalf of well-known companies, organizations, banks, official departments, etc. If you don’t expect such an email, proceed with caution if you receive one. Before you open the message, verify the sender. Let’s say you receive a message from your telecom, go to their official website and compare the email addresses listed there with the one you have received a message from. If they don’t match, delete the pretender immediately. If you are not quite sure yet. Open the message, but don’t let your guard down. Reliable companies will use your real name to address you. If the email starts with “Dear Customer,” or “Dear Friend,” this is a clear red flag. The crooks usually describe the attached files as important files like invoices, paying statements, job applications, etc. The crooks also tend to add links in the body of the email. Don’t click on anything. These links can be corrupted. One click is all it takes for a virus to be downloaded. Only your caution can keep your PC clean. Always do your due diligence. And keep your anti-virus program up to date. It is, after all, your last defense wall.

Why is Arena dangerous?

Arena File Virus is deadly. It enters your computer unnoticed and locks your precious files. You can see the icons of your pictures, videos, and documents, but you cannot open or use them. Your PC is useless. You cannot use it for work, neither can it be an entertainment station. The only way to remove the Arena’s lock is to pay the demanded ransom. Desperate times require desperate measures. Yet you should not rush. Paying the ransom is not the answer. No one can guarantee you that the crooks will keep their part of the deal. Hackers tend to ignore the victims once they get the money. Even if they send you a decryption tool, it may not work properly. If such an event occurs, you cannot demand a refund. The ransom is usually paid in Bitcoin. This cyber currency is untraceable. Even authorities cannot help you get your money back. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that you must remove the ransomware first. If you don’t, it may record paying details. You wouldn’t wish such information to become a possession of criminals. Use a trustworthy anti-virus software and remove Arena Ransomware for good!

Arena Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Arena Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with Arena encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate Arena encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.