How to remove ARCH WIPER Ransomware and decrypt .Arch files

What is ARCH WIPER Ransomware

ARCH WIPER Ransomware is a destructive strain of malware that specifically targets Windows systems by encrypting user files and rendering them inaccessible. During infection, it appends the .Arch extension to each file it encrypts, turning a file such as document.jpg into document.jpg.Arch. This behavior helps victims and security professionals identify the presence of the ransomware, even if the actual ransom note is missed. ARCH WIPER Ransomware uses advanced cryptography for file encryption, typically leveraging robust algorithms like AES or RSA, making decryption nearly impossible without the decryption key that the attackers control. Unlike most ransomware, its developers do not demand a ransom for file recovery. Instead, it leaves a unique ransom note labeled WIPED.txt on the infected system, often dropping this note in the victim’s desktop or every affected folder. The note bluntly informs victims that their data is “permanently corrupted and unusable” and insists there is no recovery possible, urging users to reset their device and start over.

Currently, no official decryption tools exist for files encrypted by ARCH WIPER Ransomware. Security researchers have not discovered any weaknesses in this malware’s encryption scheme, and there are no public third-party solutions or decryptors available on reputable platforms like the No More Ransom Project. This means that .Arch files remain inaccessible unless a significant flaw is eventually identified in the ransomware’s code or law enforcement recovers the private decryption keys from the attackers. Victims seeking to decrypt their data should be cautious of services promising paid decryption, as these are typically scams exploiting people’s desperation. At present, the only realistic options to restore data are using pre-infection backups or attempting file recovery using specialist tools such as Recuva, although these generally have limited success if the encrypted files have been overwritten. To avoid further data loss or additional infections, immediately isolate the affected device, remove the malware with reputable security software, and report the incident to local cybersecurity authorities. Regular offline backups and heightened awareness can offer the best defense against future attacks of this nature.

How ARCH WIPER Ransomware infects computers

ARCH WIPER Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through several common cybercriminal tactics. One primary method is via malicious email campaigns, where attackers send emails with infected attachments or links that, when opened, execute the ransomware. Additionally, the malware can spread through pirated software, fake software updates, or cracked applications, which users might download from untrustworthy sources. Cybercriminals also exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems, allowing the ransomware to be installed without user intervention. Once inside a system, ARCH WIPER encrypts files and appends the “.Arch” extension to them, rendering them inaccessible. To avoid such infections, it is crucial to maintain updated antivirus software, be cautious with email attachments, and avoid downloading software from unofficial sources.

1. Download ARCH WIPER Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Arch 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 ARCH WIPER Ransomware

ARCH WIPER Ransomware files:


WIPED.txt
{randomname}.exe


ARCH WIPER Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Arch files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Arch 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 .Arch 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 ARCH WIPER 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 .Arch 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 ARCH WIPER 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. ARCH WIPER 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