How to remove ARROW Ransomware and decrypt .ARROW files

What is ARROW Ransomware

ARROW Ransomware is a dangerous type of cryptovirus that targets Windows systems to encrypt user data for financial extortion. Upon infection, it systematically scours the device’s drives, searching for documents, images, archives, and other commonly used file types, which it then encrypts using strong cryptographic algorithms. During our analysis, it was found that this ransomware appends the .ARROW extension to each encrypted file, rendering previously accessible content completely unreadable—for example, a photo named holiday.jpg would become holiday.jpg.ARROW. After finishing the encryption process, the malware creates a ransom note within every affected folder; this warning is consistently titled GOTYA.txt and instructs victims on how to pay the attackers via a dark web link. Typically, the note claims that file restoration is only possible with a private decryption key stored on the operators’ remote server, and encourages the user to contact the perpetrators and fulfill their ransom demand, most often payable in cryptocurrency. This scare tactic is aimed at pressuring the victim into fast compliance and discourages them from seeking free recovery solutions or reporting the incident to law enforcement, but payment is strongly discouraged by experts since cybercriminals are under no obligation to provide a working decryptor after funds are transferred.

Currently, no legitimate or publicly available decryption tools exist for those affected by ARROW ransomware, meaning that .ARROW file recovery is largely impossible without the attackers’ cooperation. Unlike some earlier ransomware variants that suffered from developer mistakes—such as locally stored keys or flawed encryption methodologies—ARROW appears to utilize a secure cryptographic implementation, likely hybrid encryption combining symmetric (e.g., AES) and asymmetric (e.g., RSA) algorithms. This approach prevents brute-forcing or guessing the decryption key by forensic specialists or security researchers. Reliable data restoration can therefore only occur if victims have pre-existing offline or cloud-based backups created prior to infection. Attempts to use third-party recovery software or tools crafted for other types of ransomware can corrupt data further, reducing any possibility of eventual decryption. Thus, the best course of action after an ARROW ransomware attack is immediate device isolation, malware removal using reputable anti-malware solutions, and careful preservation of encrypted files and ransom notes in case future solutions emerge. Users are advised to follow best practices for backup and regularly update security software to mitigate the risk of future attacks.

How ARROW Ransomware infects computers

ARROW Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious programs as legitimate software or bundle them with seemingly harmless media, tricking users into downloading and executing these files. These infectious files can take various forms, such as executables, archives, documents, and scripts, among others. Once a user interacts with a contaminated file, the ransomware is unleashed, encrypting data and appending the “.ARROW” extension to affected files. Additionally, ARROW Ransomware may be spread via compromised websites, malicious ads, and suspicious email attachments. Furthermore, it can propagate through local networks and external storage devices, making it crucial for users to exercise caution and employ robust cybersecurity measures to prevent infection.

1. Download ARROW Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .ARROW 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 ARROW Ransomware

ARROW Ransomware files:


GOTYA.txt
{randomname}.exe


ARROW Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .ARROW files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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