How to remove Architects Ransomware and decrypt .architects files

What is Architects Ransomware

Architects Ransomware is a type of file-encrypting malware, that enciphers files on a computer, making them unusable, and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is a data encryption Trojan that is designed to cheat money from users. Once it infects a computer, it encrypts all files on the PC, no matter what kind of files they are, and adds the .architects extension to their filenames. The ransom note is left in every directory containing encrypted files and is called readme.txt. The note instructs the victim to contact the attackers via email to buy the decryption key. There are no known decryption tools for Architects Ransomware. However, victims can seek help from legitimate data recovery companies, we recommend Stellar Data Recovery Professional. It is essential to have a reputable antivirus installed and kept updated, and security programs must be used to run regular system scans and remove detected threats and issues.

Paying the ransom is not recommended, as it funds criminal activity and may not guarantee the decryption key’s delivery. Architects Ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm to encrypt files, which is a symmetric encryption algorithm that can encrypt files with high speed. The ransomware generates a public and private key pair for each infection and encrypts the private key with the public key. The ransom note warns against using third-party decryption tools and claims that sensitive information was exfiltrated from the system. The victim is alerted that should they refuse to cooperate with the attackers, the stolen content will be leaked.

How Architects Ransomware infected your computer

Architects Ransomware is a type of malware that infects computers through various means, including phishing emails with malicious links or attachments, portable computers, exposure to public WiFi, and Zero-Day vulnerabilities. One of the most common ways that ransomware spreads is through phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments. Cybercriminals make use of drive-by downloads to steal and collect personal information, inject banking Trojans, or introduce exploit kits or other malware to endpoints, among many others. Drive-by downloading occurs when a user unknowingly visits an infected website, and then malware is downloaded and installed without their knowledge. Another common source is by a device or server having a vulnerability because it is not kept fully up to date with security fixes and updates.

1. Download Architects Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .architects 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 Architects Ransomware

Architects Ransomware files:


readme.txt
{randomname}.exe


Architects Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .architects files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .architects files. Download it here:

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 .architects 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 Architects 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 .architects 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.

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 Architects Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Architects 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.