RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Arizona Virus (.AZ Files Ransomware)

Arizona Virus Ransomware

The Arizona mean a ransomware-type infection. Arizona was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Arizona adds the “.AZ” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Arizona, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.AZ“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Arizona places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Arizona text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Arizona is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of Arizona is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds associated with Arizona ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people need to stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people just waste their money for nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Arizona ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameArizona Ransomware
File Extension.AZ
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special AZ extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Arizona ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute Arizona ransomware. Although it doubts how exactly Arizona injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Arizona ransomware might be presented as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Arizona infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to different e-mail spam techniques to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Arizona virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes causing Arizona secret installation. Finally, injection of Arizona may occur by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Arizona ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. First off, be extremely careful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to important damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

Screenshot of files with “.AZ” extension added by the ransomware:
Arizona Ransomware - encrypt files with .AZ extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Arizona ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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