How to remove Aris Locker Ransomware and recover encrypted files

Delete Aris Locker Ransomware from the system

Aris Locker Ransomware is a data locking virus that operates by encrypting all stored files including images, audios, videos, documents, presentations and etc, making them inaccessible. During the encryption process, it appends the filenames of the encrypted files using .aris extension. For example, a file named 1.jpg would appear something similar to 1.jpg.aris. Rightly after this, the ransomware creates readme.txt file and drops it on each folder containing encrypted files.

Text message presented on .TXT file

The Readme.txt file informs the users about Aris Locker Ransomware infection on their device and the data encryption as a result of this. It further states, the AES 256 algorithm is used for the encryption purpose that means it is not possible to recover the files without users the decryption tool/key that the developers have. Then, it urges users to establish a contact to the crooks behind it via the provided email address and transfer them $75 in Bitcoin and then wait for the further instruction. There is a link given in the ransom note to purchase the bitcoin money. It is also mentioned that the users have only a week. After this, the price of the decryption tool will become $500. The ransom note concludes with a warning message to the users that if they report the encrypted files to anyone, they may suffer permanent data loss. Here is the full text presented on the readme.txt file presented by Aris Locker Ransomware:

ARIS LOCKER

Hello.

Congrats you have been hit by the Aris Locker so lets talk about recovering your files. First off don’t even waste your time with free decrypters.

Aris Locker uses 256 aes bit encryption which means its impossible to bruteforce or attempt to recover your files. So here are the steps to recovering

your files. First off let me prefix this by saying reporting this malware or leaving a bad review on the product will instantly disqualify you from recovering

your files, so if you wish to see your files in any shape or form I reccomend you keep quiet and follow these steps:

—

1. Download BitPay: https://bitpay.com/ This can also be downloaded from the microsoft store.
2. Purchase $75 in bitcoin using the buy crypto option
3. Send that $75 in bitcoin to this addr: {_BITCOIN_ADDR}
4. After you have sent the money send an email to {_EMAIL} saying that you have paid and please Include your user id.
5. Wait roughly 4 hours, I will send you your decrypter and key which can be used to decrypt all files encrypted by the ran

—

YOU HAVE ONE WEEK, AFTER ONE WEEK DECRYPTING YOUR FILES WILL BECOME $500

REPORTING THIS FILE TO ANYONE WILL RESULT IN A FULL LOSS OF FILES

FAILING TO PAY WILL RESULT IN YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS SUCH AS:

– IP

– Address

– Username

Ignore ransom note and use the right approach

The crooks are here to scam you. In other word, they will not be going to provide you the decryption tool even if you fulfill all their demands. Once the payment is received, they will disappear leaving you without your files. Therefore, you should ignore paying/contacting the crooks and must think of some alternatives for the data recovery. We recommend you remove Aris Locker Ransomware first so as to prevent various associated risks to the system and the individual due to the infection. The malware removal is also necessary to be done so as to ensure that it will not interfere during the files recovery process.

The complete ransomware removal guide is provided below the post. After removing Aris Locker virus, the next thing to consider is about the files recovery. It is not so difficult task for you, at least when you have the existing backup files for the encrypted files. Simply use the backups and restore the files to their earlier accessible condition. The problem is that not all users have such backup files. In such a case, volume Shadow Copies would be an option for them. This is a backup cloud created by OS for short time. In some cases, ransomware left such files untouched during the system attack and files encryption process. Other data recovery option is the data recovery tool. Nowadays, such tools are designed with special functionalities added to them.

How did ransomware infiltrate in?

Ransomware virus like Aris Locker Ransomware are most commonly distributed via using spam campaigns, untrustworthy downloading channels, Trojans, unofficial activators and fake updaters. To trick people into installing ransomware via spam campaigns, the crooks design thousands of spam emails that contain infectious attachments or hyperlinks. Such attachments are disguised as important, official, legitimate and crucial, if opened- they run malicious scripts and cause malware download/installation on the device. Untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders or installers spread malware by presenting them as legit software. Trojans are malicious applications that are especially designed to download and install malware. Fake software activators can download and install malware instead of providing activation of licensed products. Fake software updaters exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software or directly download malware instead of providing update.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Suspicious/ irrelevant emails should never be opened, especially those attached files or links for such files on them. Software download and installation should be done with extra attention paid. You must use official websites and direct links for any software download and also be cautious during the installation steps- never skip the installation steps. Also, you should use only official software developers’ tools and functions for any software update and activation. Avoid any third party updaters and illegitimate cracking tools as they often cause computer infection. For betterment, employ some reputable antivirus tool that provides adequate protection to the device.

Remove Aris Locker Ransomware

Manual malware removal guide is provided below in step by step manner. Follow it so that you will not find any trouble during removal process. You can use some reputable antivirus tool to automatically remove Aris Locker Ransomware from the system.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Aris Locker Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Aris Locker Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Aris Locker Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Aris Locker Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Aris Locker Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Aris Locker Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Aris Locker Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Aris Locker Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Aris Locker Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Aris Locker Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Aris Locker Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Aris Locker Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Aris Locker Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step 3: Follow all on screen instructions to install the app successfully on your machine and run it.. When its interface appear before you. Just select what you want to recover from your computer and its drive. For options, check the image below as the app offer you to recover everything, document, folders or emails, or multimedia files. Depending upon your requirements, select any of options and proceed to next step.

Step 4: At this step, you will have to specify the past of data or files from where you are interested to recover lost or deleted data. The application offers you to recover data from common locations, connected drives, and other locations as well. Just choose what you need. Following selection, click on Next button and the app will start to scan the selected drive.

Step 5: Once the scanner finishes to scan, it will show you detected kinds of deleted data or files which you may require to recover. It will offer you various recovery options based on file types. Even it allows you to see preview of file types you select in order to recover those efficiently.

Step 6: Now, you may need to specify the path where you want to recover the selected files and saved. Just do it according to your requirements, and you are done.