LordOfShadow ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
LordOfShadow – another Hidden Tear inspired ransomware virus
LordOfShadow ransomware is a HiddenTear-based[1] virus that aims at Brazilian and Portuguese[2] computer users. The virus appends .lordofshadow file extension and downloads LEIA_ME.txt file with data recovery instructions where victims are asked to contact criminals via lordashadow@gmail.com email address.
Just like other viruses based on the HiddenTear code, LordOfShadow also employs AES encryption algorithm to corrupt files on the targeted computer. The virus appends .lordofshadow file extension to various image, audio, video, picture, database and other data that are stored on the affected device.
Cybercriminals refer to victims in Portuguese language and tell that they need to contact them via the provided email address in order to learn about data decryption possibilities. Therefore, the size of the ransom unknown. It might be based on the amount and importance of the encrypted files, as well as speed how fast you contact hackers after the LordOfShadow attack.
Seus arquivos foram Sequestrados!
Em contato para entre recuperar SEUS arquivos
lordashadow@gmail.com
However, contacting authors of the LordOfShadow and paying the ransom is not recommended. The virus might be encrypted using HiddenTear decryptor. But first, you have to terminate this cyber threat from the computer. The major antivirus and malware removal tools can easily detect this malware.
Therefore, it won’t be hard to remove LordOfShadow using Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or another malware removal software. However, before installing and running these tools, you should reboot the computer to Safe Mode with Networking to disable the virus. Even though this virus does not seem powerful, it still might be bock security software.
Manual LordOfShadow removal is not recommended. It’s a malicious program that might make severe modifications in the system and affect legit system processes. Thus, it might be hard or even impossible to terminate this cyber threat without damaging the system.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Be careful with spam emails
The main ransomware distribution method remains malicious spam emails. Typically they include a link, or attachment[3] that include malicious content. If a victim opens it, malware payload hidden-tear.exe is dropped and executed on the system.
The same might happen when a user downloads a corrupted program, update or clicks an ad that was infected. Security experts recommend staying away from illegal or unknown download sources and do not visit high-risk websites.
Additionally, you should not forget to update all your programs and operating system. Malware might also launch the attack by exploiting outdated software or its vulnerabilities. Finally, you should invest in reputable antivirus program to maximize your computer’s protection.
The correct way to delete LordOfShadow ransomware from the system
LordOfShadow removal requires scanning the system with reputable and powerful malware removal program. If you are lost in a variety of these tools, you should take our advise and choose one of these: Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware. We can assure that these programs can terminate all malicious components from the device entirely.
However, in order to remove LordOfShadow without any troubles, you should reboot PC to Safe Mode with Networking or use System Restore to disable the virus. You can find a detailed explanation at the end of the article. Additionally, you will find instructions how to recover files with .lordofshadow extension.
To remove LordOfShadow virus, follow these steps:
Remove LordOfShadow using Safe Mode with Networking
Reboot the computer to Safe Mode with Networking to run automatic LordOfShadow elimination.
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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 LordOfShadow
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete LordOfShadow removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove LordOfShadow using System Restore
Use System Restore to disable the virus:
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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.
-
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 LordOfShadow. 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 LordOfShadow 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 LordOfShadow, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro might help to restore encrypted files
Even though Data Recovery Pro is created for recovering files after system wreckage or accidentally deleted entries, it might also help to restore some of the encrypted files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://www.2-spyware.com/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by LordOfShadow ransomware;
- Restore them.
Try Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore was enabled before the LordOfShadow ransomware attack and you need to restore only a few crucial files, follow these steps:
- 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”.
Use ShadowExplorer after LordOfShadow attack
If malware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies, you should take advantage of ShadowExplorer:
- 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.
Decrypt LordOfShadow with HiddenTear decryptor
LordOfShadow is based on HiddenTear, so its decryptors might work as well. Download them from these links:
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from LordOfShadow and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
About the author
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References
- ^ Jornt van der Wiel. Hidden tear and its spin offs. Securelist. Information about viruses, hackers and spam.
- ^ SemVirus. SemVirus. Portuguese security news and malware database.
- ^ Jessica Drew. Email Attachments: When Is Opening Them Safe?. TopTenReviews. Expert Product Reviews.