Remove CryptoShield 1.1 ransomware / virus (Recovery Instructions Included) - Virus Removal Instructions
RIG EK spreads CryptoShield 1.1 ransomware in 2017
CryptoShield 1.1 virus is a brand new copy of Cryptoshield 1.0 ransomware, which first emerged at the end of January 2017[1]. However, traits of this ransomware were discovered a while ago[2], because security researchers state that it is just a rework of CryptoMix ransomware. After infecting the target system, the ransomware eventually scans all folders and checks each extension of files stored on the system. If the extension matches one that the virus’ target list includes, the ransomware encrypts it. An encrypted file gets .CRYPTOSHIELD file extension (after the original one). CryptoShield virus then creates a ransom note, which reportedly is named # RESTORING FILES #.TXT and saves some information into it. The ransom note is designed to inform the victim about the encryption. It says that the virus used RSA-2048 encryption to corrupt files, and these can be restored only with a help of a “decrypt program.” The ransom note insolently demands to pay a ransom to cyber criminals to get personal data back. According to the ransom note, the victim needs to follow commands and contact scammers via email first. There are three emails provided in the message: restoring_sup@india.com, restoring_reserve@india.com, and restoring_sup@computer4u.com. The message urges the victim to obey the commands in a rush, otherwise, it says, the ransom price will be doubled.
CryptoShield 1.1 ransomware silently attacks computer users, encrypts their files and marks each of them with .CRYPTOSHIELD file extension. In this picture, you can see CryptoShield's ransom note, which is a .HTML file.
Questions about CryptoShield 1.1 ransomware virus
Speaking about data recovery, we would like to ask you not to pay the ransom for your own good. First of all, there are way too many cases when victims paid the ransom and never received any help from cyber criminals[3]. Secondly, we understand that your files are valuable and important, but just think – do you want to motivate frauds by paying them? If not, just remove CryptoShield 1.1 virus from the system without any hesitation. To carry out CryptoShield 1.1 removal smoothly, use an anti-malware program. Our team suggests using Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or Malwarebytes programs.
How could I get infected?
CryptoShield 1.1 malware mainly spreads via email spam, however, recently another distribution method was spotted. It appears that one of the most dangerous exploit kits, known as RIG EK[4], started pushing CryptoShield 1.1 and Cerber ransomware[5]. The exploit kit is reportedly hosted on compromised websites, and if the victim visits them while having some outdated programs on the system, the exploit kit uses security vulnerabilities of such programs and injects ransomware into the target computer. To protect yourself from such highly-sophisticated attacks, install anti-malware software and enable automatic updates for it. Remember that malware can lurk on various third-party websites, be hidden in various torrent files or travel alongside pirated software. You should stay away from shady Internet websites and downloads if you want to keep your PC clean and safe.
How can I remove CryptoShield 1.1 virus from my system?
In case your computer got attacked by the latest version of the virus, do not waste your valuable time and remove CryptoShield 1.1 virus as soon as possible. It is not recommended to try to delete the virus manually. It contaminates the system with various files and in order to gather all of them and delete them at once, you need a professional malware removal tool. We strongly suggest you restart your compromised PC into a Safe Mode with Networking and begin CryptoShield 1.1 removal process right away.
To remove CryptoShield 1.1 virus, follow these steps:
Remove CryptoShield 1.1 using Safe Mode with Networking
Please do not try to find and remove malicious files manually. Follow this tutorial to remove CryptoShield 1.1 ransomware safely.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove CryptoShield 1.1
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete CryptoShield 1.1 removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove CryptoShield 1.1 using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of CryptoShield 1.1. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove CryptoShield 1.1 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Data Recovery becomes the most complicated and nerve-racking process if you do not have data backups. In fact, it is nearly impossible to restore data when it gets distorted by a ransomware virus. However, you can still try these options described below.
If your files are encrypted by CryptoShield 1.1, you can use several methods to restore them:
Scan with Data Recovery Pro
In some cases, Data Recovery Pro tool helps to recover corrupted files. You can try to use this program in case your data was compromised by CryptoShield virus.
- 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 CryptoShield 1.1 ransomware;
- Restore them.
Restore Windows Previous Versions
In order to use this method, you need to have a system restore point. If you created it a while ago, just follow these instructions. If you didn’t, this method won’t help you to improve the situation.
- 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”.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptoShield 1.1 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. It is a hassle when your website is protected from suspicious connections and unauthorized IP addresses.
The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address. If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for server or network manager that need to monitor connections and activities. This is how you bypass some of the authentications factors and can remotely use your banking accounts without triggering suspicious with each login.
VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world. It is better to clock the access to your website from different IP addresses. So you can keep the project safe and secure when you have the dedicated IP address VPN and protected access to the content management system.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Bradley Barth. ElTest adds CryptoShield 1.0, a Cryptomix variant, to its arsenal. SC Magazine. Online counterpart to Secure Computing monthly magazine.
- ^ Tyler Moffitt. CryptoMix Ransomware: What You Should Know. Webroot Threat Blog. Internet Security Threat Updates .
- ^ Jeffrey Esposito. Hospital learns the hard way why you don’t pay ransomware crooks. Official Blog from Kaspersky Labs. Information to help protect you against viruses, spyware, hackers, spam .
- ^ Michael Mimoso. CryptoShield Infections from RIG EK Picking Up. Threatpost. The first stop for security news.
- ^ Rig Exploit Kit from 188.225.35.86 delivers CryptoShield and Cerber ransomwares. BroadAnalysis. Threat Intelligence and Malware Research.
February 14th, 2017 at 10:30 am
Ive been infected, too, where can I find an official decrypter? has anyone downloaded one?
February 14th, 2017 at 10:31 am
This is not how ransomware works… Each victim gets an unique decryption key. Somebody elses decryptor isnt going to work for your files… just sayin…
February 14th, 2017 at 10:32 am
i cant believe I clicked on that malicious email attachment… I wwas so naive, what was I thinking?? now all precious memories are lost…
February 14th, 2017 at 10:34 am
I lost my hope already. I searched all over the Internet and I didnt find any decryptors that would work