AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus: what it is and how to remove it
AgeLocker ransomware is a cryptovirus that encrypts data in the infected device. This ransomware also is known as .sthd2 file virus because all infected files get .sthd2 extension.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus: summary
| Distribution | This ransomware comes to computer from infected email attachments, torrent websites, pirated software, and other unofficial and possibly insecure places |
|---|---|
| Name | AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus |
| Type | File locking virus, ransomware, crypto virus |
| Issues | This virus encrypts personal files on the infected computer. The victim can't open any infected file and gets encouraged to pay the ransom if he/she wants to recover data |
| File extension | Each file gets .sthd2 extension |
| Ransom note | A ransom note comes as an email and under the name of "security_audit_; the text is quoted in full below |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| File recovery | Without backups, data recovery might be impossible. However, sometimes official decryption tools or third-party programs recovery software can help |
|---|---|
| Malware removal | Remove AgeLocker ransomware by scanning your computer with anti-malware software. |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | .sthd2 |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .sthd2 |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 1 October 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.sthd2 - Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus
- A ransom note comes as an email and under the name of "security_audit_.eml" which also includes the name of the infected company
- Ransomware or other infections can cause serious damage to the OS.
- In some cases, even reinstallation is needed.
The AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus ransom note
Hello ,
Unfortunately a malware has infected your network and a millions of files has been encrypted using a hybrid encryption scheme.
File names encrypted too.
Encrypted hosts are:
Storage:
1. 2. 3. Mac + external drives
1. 2. 3. You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins.
The price depends on how fast you write us.
After payment we will send you the tool(for mac and linux) that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.), file name shouldn't be changed.
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Note: we can answer up to 6-9 hours, because of another timezone.
How to remove AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.sthd2and the instructions are inthe ransom note. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
AgeLocker (.sthd2 file) ransomware is a malicious program designed to block access to users' files and demand money for a decryption tool
AgeLocker ransomware is a cryptovirus that encrypts data in the infected device.
This ransomware also is known as .sthd2 file virus because all infected files get .sthd2 extension. The infection encrypts all types of files, such as pictures, video, banking data, or backups.
AgeLocker virus is a little bit different than other ransomware because it is using the age encryption library/binary of the cryptographer Filippo Valsorda. The victims get a ransom note via email.
All damaged data becomes inaccessible to victims. It is important to remember, that if the user tries to remove AgeLocker .sthd2 file virus, infected files still remain inaccessible. Nonetheless, malware termination is a necessary procedure if you want to avoid the encryption of the incoming files.
The AgeLocker virus ransom note looks like that:
Sadly, a lot of people decide to pay the ransom. But the best option is to have backups, remove .sthd2 file ransomware, and fix any left damage with such tools as .
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Avoid paying cybercriminals to recover .sthd2 files
While criminals are demanding to pay the ransom, cybersecurity experts strongly recommend not doing so.
Although hackers want your money, there is no guarantee that even if you satisfy all requirements the decryption code will be granted to you. It is possible that you will be left not only without your .sthd2 files but also without money.
In some cases, malware might fail to perform actions that it is meant to do, in which case data retrieval could be possible (for example, if the AgeLocker virus fails to delete Shadow Volume Copies).
Also, try to remember that you should be extra careful on the internet because such threats like ransomware are spreading through different sources.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Remove AgeLocker ransomware from your computer to avoid more damage
As we stated before, you should remove AgeLocker ransomware from your computer.
You can do it manually or use an anti-malware program such as or . After the deletion, you may try to recover your files if you have backups in online servers or different devices. Also, remember to use such a tool as if you want to fix any OS damage.
Unfortunately, manual decryption is almost impossible. Even after AgeLocker virus removal, your infected files will stay encrypted. But you still should avoid talking to criminals or paying money because there is no guarantee that they help you.
[GI=method-1]To delete AgeLocker ransomware with Safe Mode, you need to perform this procedure on your computer
[GI=method-2]In some cases, System Restore can be useful when you are trying to eliminate AgeLocker ransomware
Use the built-in Previous Version Feature in Windows
It is possible to recover files one-by-one if you had System Restore point prepared before the attack.
Use ShadowExplorer if you want to try to recover your files
In some cases, it is possible to recover data by using ShadowExplorer.
Unfortunately, AgeLocker ransomware is not decryptable
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .sthd2 and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were. The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus
How do I open .sthd2 files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .sthd2 has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Is there a free AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Did AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .sthd2 and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before.
Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus get on my computer?
The way AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened.
On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password. Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .sthd2 and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open the ransom note?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text the ransom note cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
My files got .sthd2 overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .sthd2 extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For AgeLocker ransomware, .sthd2 file virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Trend Micro: What is Ransomware? (read October 7, 2026)
- SemVirus: SemVirus (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)