.Ace file virus: what is it and how to remove related ransomware

Learn what dangers can emanate from an .ace extension file attached to email and how to act in case a ransomware infection intrudes on a computer this way.

Distributors of file-encrypting ransomware appear to be constantly searching for new methods to deposit their code onto Windows machines. There are multiple known attack vectors, including the use of exploit kits and spam. Some threat actors have even abused remote access services to execute ransom Trojans manually. However, the simplest and, by far, the most widespread tactic revolves around phishing, where attackers leverage botnets to send thousands of rogue emails in one fell swoop. Once users open the attached files, the built-in obfuscated scripts download the malware from remote servers. These booby-trapped files usually assume the shape of ZIP or RAR archives that contain troublemaking entities. The crooks have been apparently stumbling into hurdles in this context lately due to the blocking of these suspicious objects on email providers’ end. To avoid blacklisting, online extortionists have begun using new formats, including .ace extension files.

An .ace item denotes a compressed archive that’s functionally similar to the above-mentioned ZIP and RAR packages. From a cybercriminal’s viewpoint, the advantage of embedding ACE files in phishing emails is that this format is not as heavily used across the board. Consequently, the modern email systems may not flag it as something potentially harmful, so it gets through without being impeded. These attachments are typically camouflaged as something important that’s worth opening. For instance, it can be a fake receipt, invoice, failed delivery report, paycheck, job offer, order details, subscription cancellation request and the like. When a recipient unpacks this archive, they will normally see an item inside that looks like a Microsoft Office document, a JS, VBS or EXE file. Be advised it’s an awfully bad idea to open any object inside an .ace archive received over email, otherwise chances are the PC will get infected with ransomware like Locky or Cerber.

The crypto virus will instantly configure the new host system to run its malicious executable at all times. Its stay on the computer will continue with a scan for personal data, where the ransomware looks for common types of files, such as images, documents, databases, and videos. Every detected entity is subject to encryption with a strong algorithm or even a mix of two cryptosystems, namely RSA-2048 and AES-128. Having completed the data scrambling part of its mission, the infection peeps out with its ransom demands for the decryption service. In particular, it provides several secure Tor links pointing to the Locky Decryptor or Cerber Decryptor page. The ransom is to be submitted in Bitcoin, which makes the transaction anonymous enough for the bad guys to stay on the loose. Its size may be anywhere in the range of 0.5 – 1 BTC, or some 350 – 700 USD.

There is currently no free tool that decrypts data locked by the ransomware that arrives via the .ace file virus. Despite this doom and gloom, there are methods that anyone should try before opting for the ransom route. Read the part below and see if the instructions can help restore the scrambled information. Also, peruse the prevention tips to stay away from the .ace extension virus and other ransom Trojans further on.

.Ace file virus ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like .Ace file virus, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download .Ace file virus remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

.Ace file virus ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the .Ace file virus virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of locked files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .Ace file virus ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download .Ace file virus removal tool