How to remove APEX Ransomware and decrypt .Apex files

What is APEX Ransomware

APEX Ransomware is a highly disruptive strain of malicious software that targets Windows systems, designed to extort victims by rendering their files completely inaccessible through strong cryptographic algorithms. Detected in the wild by malware researchers and submitted to public repositories like VirusTotal, this ransomware encrypts a wide array of personal and business files, systematically appending a new custom extension, .Apex, to every file it processes, such as transforming report.pdf into report.pdf.Apex. On top of the file modification, it generates a ransom note named APEXNOTE.txt in every folder where encrypted files reside. The encryption employed by APEX employs robust methods—likely using AES or RSA encryption, as with many modern ransomware variants—making unauthorized file recovery virtually impossible without a unique decryption key held by the attackers. The ransom note typically demands a payment of $10,000 in Bitcoin through a specified darknet portal, threatening to destroy the decryption tool if the ransom is not paid within 24 hours.

No legitimate free decryption tools currently exist for victims of APEX Ransomware, as its encryption approach appears sophisticated and lacks known vulnerabilities. Security experts strongly discourage paying the ransom, since there is no guarantee the threat actors will provide a working decryption utility, and paying only encourages further criminal activity. As for decrypting files with the .Apex extension, users are left with few options: unless a decryptor is developed and released by reputable sources or law enforcement acquires the criminals’ private keys, decryption remains impossible. Experts advise checking the No More Ransom Project and other reputable cybersecurity community resources periodically for new tools, as discoveries do occur when weaknesses are found or criminal operations are dismantled. Meanwhile, file recovery efforts should focus on restoring from clean backups, if available, or attempting data recovery software—which only occasionally yields results if the original file data hasn’t been overwritten. Users are urged to immediately isolate the infected system to prevent further spread, remove APEX and associated malware using robust antivirus solutions, and report the incident to local authorities. Regular backups and cybersecurity hygiene remain the best defense against ransomware like APEX.

How APEX Ransomware infects computers

APEX Ransomware infects computers through a variety of deceptive methods commonly exploited by cybercriminals. It often infiltrates systems via malicious email attachments that appear legitimate, enticing users to open them and inadvertently execute the ransomware. This malware can also spread through compromised websites, where unsuspecting visitors download seemingly harmless files or click on enticing ads, triggering the infection. Additionally, APEX may propagate through infected software from peer-to-peer networks, where users download pirated software or crack tools laden with malware. Unpatched software vulnerabilities serve as another entry point, allowing the ransomware to exploit system weaknesses. Once inside a system, APEX encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption, causing significant disruption and potential data loss.

1. Download APEX Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Apex 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 APEX Ransomware

APEX Ransomware files:


APEXNOTE.txt
{randomname}.exe


APEX Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Apex files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Apex 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 .Apex 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 APEX 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 .Apex 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 APEX 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. APEX 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