Arena Ransomware

What is the Arena ransomware, you ask?

The arena is a malicious program that is part of the Dharma ransomware group. Users receive ransom demands to decryption software/tools from the ransom demand for systems infected by this malware. All affected files are renamed using this pattern during encryption: original filename and unique ID of cybercriminals, along with the extension ” .arena“.

A file named “1.jpg”, for example, would look something like “1.jpg.id–C279F237″. [Macgregor@aolonline.top].arena” following encryption. After encryption is completed, ransom messages will be created in a pop-up window.

The message in “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” informs victims that their data is “locked” and they need to send an email using this address to retrieve it. You will find more information about the infection in the popup window. This confirms that the files are encrypted.

Users will need to purchase decryption software from cybercriminals responsible for the ransomware attack to restore their files. It is unknown what the ransom will be. However, it will depend on how fast contact is made.

Emails sent to victims must include the IDs as subject/message title. Attach five encrypted files to emails. The total file size must not exceed 10MB (nonarchived). They must not contain any valuable information (e.g. databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc. These are some of the things you can do.

After encryption, the files are returned. This will be ‘proof’ of recovery. Warnings are included in the ransom message that renaming compromised files or trying to decrypt them using third-party tools/software could result in permanent data loss. make the files encryptable

Ransomware attacks are almost always impossible to decrypt without criminals. This is unless the malware is very advanced or has serious flaws. No matter what the circumstance, it is strongly recommended that you do not pay a ransom.

Victims don’t get the tools they need to retrieve their data, even though they pay. Users can suffer financial loss, and their files may remain inaccessible. The Arena ransomware can be removed from your operating system to prevent further encryption. However, it will not remove any data already encrypted.

If the backup was created before the infection, it is possible to recover the files from that backup.

Screenshot of a message asking users to pay ransom to decrypt their data

What is ransomware and how did it infect my computer

Ransomware and other malware are mainly distributed through Trojans, spam campaigns, and illegal activation (“cracking”) tools. Fake updaters are also common. Trojans are malicious programs that can cause chain infections. download/installation of additional malware).

During large-scale spam campaigns, thousands of deceptive/scam emails are sent. These emails are often labeled “important”, “urgent” or “official”. These emails may contain infectious files and/or download links.

Malicious files may be stored in many formats (e.g. You can find malicious files in PDF, Microsoft Office documents, archive, executable, JavaScript, and many other formats. When they are opened, the infection chain begins. Cracks are illegal activation tools that allow you to download and install malware instead of activating licensed programs.

Rogue updaters can infect your computer by exploiting flaws and/or installing malicious software rather than updating it. Malware can be downloaded from untrusted sources such as free and unofficial file-hosting websites (freeware), P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent (eMule), Gnutella, etc.). Other third-party download sources.