How to remove Arai Ransomware and decrypt .araicrypt files

What is Arai Ransomware

Arai is a malicious program that targets corporate users to encrypt business data and demand victims pay money for its return. While restricting access to data, the virus alters files with the .araicrypt extension leading to blank icons as well. For instance, a file like 1.pdf would change to 1.pdf.araicrypt and lose its original icon. After this, data becomes inaccessible and no longer usable. The next step Arai does is creating a text note called READ_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_FILES.txt

This note gives clarification on what happened and how victims can recover from it. In short, cybercriminals inform that all important data (databases, customer data, etc.) has been copied and local backups have been deleted. It is also said that in case of non-compliance with the provided instructions, victims will lose a chance to recover the data and also become subject to suffering both financial and reputational – due to potential data publication that may ensue afterward. Otherwise, victims should contact the swindlers using one of the given email addresses and pay for decryption (supposedly expensive and in cryptocurrency). In such a case, the extortionists promise to wipe out the collected data and not publish it, therefore. Unfortunately, trusting threat actors is also a risk meaning your data can still be published and promised decryption tools may not be given. The problem with such infections is that they put victims to facing dead end where all recovery options have their risks. Trusting cybercriminals is not recommended while discompliance may also outflow in potential data publication. In addition, it is also worth noting that data decryption without the help of cybercriminals is very complex and oftentimes even impossible. The only most likely option is to recover files using backups of it. If you have them available and non-infected, then file recovery is not a problem and it is only data publication that victims may be afraid of. In our guide, you will also find information about general recovery and decryption tools used in recovering ransomware damage. However, it is very possible that their capacity will not be enough to succeed in decrypting your data – but you can still give them a try if no other option is present. Note that prior to trying any of the above-mentioned recovery methods, the ransomware virus must be deleted from your system to prevent its malicious activity. Feel free to use our guidelines to do it as well.

How Arai Ransomware infected your computer

Infections like ransomware seek distribution through phishing-type channels. A virus of such may be disguised as some legitimate-looking file (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF, EXE, JavaScript, RAR, ZIP, etc.) and be part of e-mail spam letters. These letters often present information explaining the “importance” of opening such files (or links). They exploit the names of popular parties (Delivery companies, Tax Authorities, Banks, etc.) to make users believe such messages are valid in what they claim. Unfortunately, following what such spam messages say will most likely lead to malware ending up on your system. Thus, it is important to avoid such e-mail letters and double-check the information you get into the inbox or spam folder. Apart from this, many infections may also target users via fake software installers or updates, malicious cracking tools, system vulnerabilities, backdoors, keyloggers, and other types of suspicious channels as well. To be more protected against such threats in the future, we recommend you read our guide below and learn more practical tips on this topic.

1. Download Arai Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .araicrypt 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 Arai Ransomware

Arai Ransomware files:


READ_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


Arai Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .araicrypt files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .araicrypt 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 .araicrypt 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 Arai 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 .araicrypt 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 Arai 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. Arai 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