How to remove Dharma-Arena Ransomware and decrypt .arena files

What is Dharma-Arena Ransomware

Dharma-Arena Ransomware belongs to CrySis family, previous wide-spread ransomware of this type was Dharma Ransomware, that we described on this blog. Dharma-Arena Ransomware was detected by security researches first time in August 2017. Since then, it had numerous updates. This version appends following composite extensions:

.id-{id}.[lola2017@tuta.io].arena
.id-{id}.[black.mirror@qq.com].arena
.id-{id}.[Brazzers@aolonline.top].arena
.id-{id}.[trump123@cock.li].arena
.id-{id}.[VanDamme@aolonline.top].arena
.id-{id}.[mikecoins@qq.com].arena
.id-{id}.[support@decrypt.ws].arena
.id-{id}.[batmanbitka1@cock.li].arena
.id-{id}.[luckyman@cock.li].arena
.id-{id}[suppyes@cock.li].arena
.id-{id}.[chivas@aolonline.top].arena
.id-{id}.[m.heisenberg@aol.com].arena
id-{id}.[sindragosa@bigmir.net].arena

Where {id} is 8-digit alphanumeric identificator. After encryption ransomware creates file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, that contains following text. Some versions create INFO.hta file with following message:

Different versions of Dharma-Arena Ransomware demand different ransom amounts. It varies from 0,20 to 0,73 BitCoins, which is near $5000. Security experts do not recommend to pay developers of ransomware, as this encourages them to create new variations and does not guarantee decryption of your files. Actually, most times malefactors don’t send decryption keys. Latest versions of Dharma-Arena Ransomware are not decryptable, however there is a chance to restore files affected by older versions. Use instructions below to remove Dharma-Arena Ransomware and decrypt .arena files from Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7.

How Dharma-Arena Ransomware infected your PC

Dharma-Arena Ransomware spreads via e-mails with malicious attachments with 7z extensions. Those e-mails usually have Status of invoice in subject line. Infection is realized via VBS file, that will then download main executable of Dharma-Arena Ransomware. Virus assigns certain ID with the victims, that is used to name those files and supposedly to send decryption key. In order to prevent infection with this type of threats in future we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 and HitmanPro with Cryptoguard.

Download Dharma-Arena Ransomware Removal Tool

To remove Dharma-Arena Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 from EnigmaSoft Limited. It detects and removes all files, folders and registry keys of Dharma-Arena Ransomware.

How to remove Dharma-Arena Ransomware manually

It is not recommended to remove Dharma-Arena Ransomware manually, for safer solution use Removal Tools instead.

Dharma-Arena Ransomware files:

Skanda.exe
worm.exe
adobe.exe
README.txt
FILES ENCRYPTED.txt


Dharma-Arena Ransomware registry keys:


no information


How to decrypt and restore .arena files

Use automated decryptors

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

If you are infected with Dharma-Arena Ransomware and removed it 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 Phoenix Data Recovery Pro to restore .arena files

1. Download Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Pro.
2. Select location to scan for lost files and click Scan button.
3. Wait until Quick and Deep scans finish.
4. Preview found files and restore them.

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 Dharma-Arena 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

Regardless of success of protection against ransomware threats, you can save your files using simple online backup. Cloud services are quite fast and cheap nowadays. There is more sense using online backup, than creating physical drives, that can get infected and encrypted when connected to PC or get damaged from dropping or hitting. Windows 10 and 8/8.1 users can find pre-installed OneDrive backup solution from Microsoft. It is actually one of the best backup services on the market, and has reasonable pricing plans. Users of earlier versions can get acquainted with it here. Make sure to backup and sync most important files and folders in OneDrive.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.