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Shigo ransomware / virus (Free Instructions)

by Julie Splinters - - | Type: Ransomware

Shigo virus Removal Guide

What is Shigo ransomware virus?

How terrifying is Shigo ransomware?

Shigo virus operates as a ransomware able to encrypt your files. Since the malware still keeps a low profile and it has not launched its massive campaign yet, many speculations arise. It is known that the malware encrypts users data with a symmetric algorithm – AES [1]. Since there is little information about the structure and capabilities, do not underestimate it and instead focus on Shigo removal. You can do it with the help of FortectIntego. Make sure the utility is updated. However, this software does not decrypt the files which now bear .shigo file extension. Below the article, you will find several suggestions how to do it.

It seems that the surge in crypto-malware is directly linked to the holiday season [2]. IT specialists already warn users to stay vigilant and beware of scams ranging from corrupted failed-delivery spam emails to counterfeited Office of Personnel Management messages [3]. Speaking of Shigo ransomware, virus researchers still estimate how much samples of this virus infection lurk in the web. The virus might have originated from within Japan‘s territory since the title suggests “shi” and “go” meaning ‘four” and “five” in the Japanese. Certainly, it might be just a diversion. Regarding the ransom note, scarce information is provided about the further steps to decrypt the data. It presents the bitcoin address for the assaulted users to make the transaction.

The picture revealing Shigo ransomware

Regarding the amount of ransomware, it varies in each case, but mostly 1 Bitcoin (currently 778,02 USD) is demanded in exchange for the decrypter. Racketeers might recommend you to install Shigo Decrypter. You should restrain from doing so as you may only make matters worse. In short, the decryption software might decode some of your files but at the same time leave hidden elements which only facilitate Shigo hijack in the future. You should not rely on hackers’ conscience and hope for the retrieval of the files when after remitting the payment since the recent case of PopCornTime ransomware reveals that crooks see no limits in messing with their victims [4].

How is the malware dispersed?

Usually, file-encrypting infections are transmitted via spam emails. Despite such surge in the number of malicious infections, netizens still fall into hackers’ trap and execute the malicious attachment which hides the binary of Shigo malware or another crypto-virus. Alternatively, some ransomware threats deviate to using the services of exploit kits and trojans. Detecting them manually is nearly impossible. As a result, every user should have a security tool monitoring the safety of the PC. However, hackers work restlessly to discover new channels and ways to violate users’ privacy and infect their computers. Those, who use Tor network, should be alerted not to run into a malware while using this network [5].

Quick Shigo termination method

Do not waste time on this virus and proceed to Shigo removal. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes is an optimal solution since it saves your time and nerves by dealing with the virus effectively. It locates all reacted components and eradicates them completely. Such software also comes in handy getting rid of vivid malware: rootkits, browser hijackers, adware, backdoors, etc. If you cannot remove Shigo virus because it has messed up with your registry, which resulted in the inefficiency of the computer, scroll down and use the below-indicated instructions.

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If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
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Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
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Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
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Getting rid of Shigo virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Shigo using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Shigo. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Shigo removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Shigo from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Shigo, you can use several methods to restore them:

Recover your data
Recover your data

Data Recovery Pro option

Brush desperation aside and give this tool a try. It might help you retrieve the locked valuable documents and files.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Shigo ransomware;
  • Restore them.

How effective is Windows Previous Versions feature?

It increases your chances of recovering the files only if System Restore is activated. Go through each file and look for the last saved copy of your file.

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Should you use ShadowExplorer?

This utility is extremely beneficial in cases like this one. The software locates shadow volume copies and recreates the files according to the patterns. 

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Shigo and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool

Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.

 

Lost your files? Use data recovery software

While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.

To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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