What is known about ShinoLocker ransomware?
Although ShinoLocker virus has not been created with an intention to take advantage of inexperienced computer users and collect ransoms, there is a possibility that crooks might exploit its code and use it to build severe ransomware variants. This virus is known as an educational ransomware variant, just like Hidden-Tear ransomware is. Sadly, such educational projects can quickly become a hazardous play tool for those who wish to create malicious computer viruses. Although it differs from traditional crypto-ransomware examples, it still can do some matching activities, including key download, file search, elimination of volume shadow copies, data encryption, and data decryption. However, it does not ask for Bitcoins or search network drive (at least not yet).
Anyone can create their own ransomware variants using this ransomware simulator for free. The user can adjust what file types the ransomware can encrypt, where to place the registry key, and whether to erase Volume Shadow Copies or not. The data can be easily decrypted using ShinoLocker decryptor, which requires Host ID and Transaction ID.
Although this project has been launched with purely good intentions to help computer users understand how ransomware virus work, we are afraid that bad people might try to exploit the opportunity and learn how to create real ransomware viruses that can wreak havoc on innocent users’ computers. New crypto-viruses are developed each week, and to protect your computer system from such viruses, users must take precautions and apply several layers of protection to keep their personal files and information safe. Programs like FortectIntego can identify and remove ShinoLocker and similar viruses. You can try to delete this educational malware variant manually, but the full system scan and ShinoLocker removal can be completed only with an automatic malware detection and removal software.
How do such viruses spread?
Speaking of this particular ransomware variant, it does not spread like other ransomware threats, since it has been created for educational purposes only. You can find it and download your own educational copy via shinolocker(dot)com site. However, as we have already warned you, we are afraid that soon enough modified versions of ShinoLocker are going to appear, so it is better to keep yourself informed on how such threats spread. In most cases, crooks send them directly to victims via email while pretending to be representatives of legitimate organizations. Please, do not open emails that carry links or attachments in case they come from unknown parties!
Ransomware is also distributed via malvertising, which means that it spreads along bogus software updates and corrupted links. Although the only way to protect your computer from such cyber attacks is to install an anti-malware that provides real-time protection, you can also lower the possibility to infect your PC with ransomware by avoiding to click on suspicious links, ads, and refusing to install software updates from vague-looking sites.
How to remove ShinoLocker ransomware and similar threats from my computer?
ShinoLocker ransomware should be eliminated just like any other ransomware threat – it has been made to allow the user feel what it actually feels like to be attacked by ransomware. As you have guessed, it can be removed using anti-malware application. When a ransomware attacks the computer, you need to start your computer in a Safe Mode to activate the anti-malware program. The instructions provided below will help you to do that. If you wish, you can try to delete ShinoLocker virus manually, but in case you ever get affected by a modified version of this virus, you should complete the ShinoLocker removal automatically.
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