ShivaGood ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
ShivaGood ransomware is malware, which first showed up in the wild back in September 2018, attacking several businesses and regular computer users. Since then a few other variants emerged, although they all append the same extension to files - .good.
Facts checked October 6, 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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ShivaGood ransomware: summary
| Name | ShivaGood |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, cryptomalware |
| Alternative names | Mimicry ransomware, .good ransomware |
| Derives from | HiddenTear – the open-source ransomware |
| Main executable | Frost.exe which is dropped into "Frenchkiss" folder |
| Encryption algorithm | Malware applies AES cipher to lock all files located on the system, although it skips .exe and system files like .sys or .dll |
| 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 17 more facts
| File extension | Each of the files is marked with .good extension. Encrypted example: picture.jpg.good |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt is dropped on the desktop and all the folders where encrypted data is located |
| Contact | dsupport@airmail.cc, xxxsupport@protonmail.com, or badguyconsult@protonmail.com |
| File decryption | Paying criminals is useless, as the server the malware is meant to contact is no longer accessible, so they will not be able to recover the data – even after the Bitcoin payment. Other options are as follows: Restore files from backups Use third-party recovery software (low chance) |
| Malware removal | Use reputable anti-malware software to get rid of ShivaGood. If not successful, you should run a different malware removal tool and/or access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .good |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .good |
| Attacker contacts | dsupport@airmail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 18 December 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Traces of ShivaGood you can check
- File extension:
.good - Note file:
HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt - Contact:
dsupport@airmail.cc
How ShivaGood ransomware behaves
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
ShivaGood ransomware is a file locking virus that uses several other malware components
ShivaGood ransomware is malware, which first showed up in the wild back in September 2018, attacking several businesses and regular computer users.
Since then a few other variants emerged, although they all append the same extension to files - .good. The attackers ask to pay a ransom in Bitcoins for the decryption tool and provide dsupport@airmail.cc, xxxsupport@protonmail.com, or badguyconsult@protonmail.com emails for communication purposes.
ShivaGood ransomware, otherwise known as Mimicry ransomware, takes numerous characteristics from different malware: the same file extension was used by Scarab-Horsia, while initial identifications of a sample pointed at Crypt0L0cker due the name of the ransom note - HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt.
Nevertheless, it turned out that it has nothing to do with these two families, and its a modified version of the open-source HiddenTear ransomware, which makes it secure. In other words, ShivaGood virus-encrypted files cannot be decrypted, and the server used by hackers turns out to be dead as well, so paying a ransom is useless.
There is no precise information on how ShivaGood ransomware spreads. However, because hackers are keen to attack businesses, there is a high chance that the malware compromises servers and networks via weakly protected Remote Desktop connections. Other methods might include:
Soon after the infection, the ShivaGood virus creates a folder named "Frenchkiss and places the frost.exe file inside it. From there, the executable is launched, and the infection of the computer, along with all the connected networks as well as servers, begins.
ShivaGood ransomware performs various modifications to the host machine, including dropping several malicious files, modifying the Windows registry, deleting Shadow Volume copies, etc. All the changes to the system are initiated for a different purpose; for example, registry modification ensures that the malware is booted with each system start while deleting of automatic Windows backups makes automatic recovery impossible.
Nevertheless, after ShivaGood ransomware removal, victims can fix the damage done by the virus with the help of such tools as .
As soon as preparations are complete, ShivaGood ransomware locks all files with the help of the AES encryption algorithm, restricting the access to all data, although the system and executable files remain untouched. Likewise, all the encrypted files are marked with .good extension.
The ransom note HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt states the following:
As mentioned before, contacting hackers is useless, as they themselves would not be able to retrieve the required key for the data decryption. Instead, we would suggest focussing on ShivaGood ransomware removal with the help of anti-malware software, such as or . In case of troubles, we provide full instructions on how to enter Safe Mode if malware is preventing security tools from working correctly.
- Spam emails;
- Exploits;
- Fake updates;
- Backdoors;
- Cracks, etc.;
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
Protect the RDP and apply other precautionary measure to reduce the infection chances to a minimum
As previously mentioned, there is a high chance that malicious actors are using unprotected Remote Desktop connections to infect victims with malware.
The principle of this infection method is relatively simple, as crooks employ automated software that scans the internet for poorly protected connections (those running the default TCP port 3389) and then brute-force their way in with the help of other tools.
As a result, the attackers gain access remotely and install ransomware manually. RDP attacks are extremely prevalent when it comes to malware attacks on businesses and organizations. Nevertheless, regular users using the feature are also in danger, so it is important to protect RDP connections with strong passwords and correct configuration settings.
Since many ransomware developers use several different tactics for distribution, it is vital to make sure that other precautionary measures are also practiced. Security experts at dieviren.de provide the following security tips:
- Backup all important data regularly;
- Equip your machine with comprehensive security software;
- Employ additional security tools like ad-blocks and a firewall;
- Patch your Windows OS along with all installed programs with security updates;
- Use strong passwords for all your accounts and never reuse them;
- Never download pirated software installers or cracks/keygens/loaders.
The ShivaGood ransomware note
Your personal identifier: Y4GIE
Your important files are now encrypted due to a security problem with your PC!
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Contact us using this email address: dsupport@airmail.cc
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
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.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
How to remove ShivaGood ransomware
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 ShivaGood 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 ShivaGood 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
.goodand the instructions are inHOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt. 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 ShivaGood, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 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 ShivaGood 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 ShivaGood 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 Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
Delete ShivaGood ransomware before trying to recover the encrypted data
Many users are perplexed about what to do once they are hit by ransomware, as most never encountered it or never even heard of it before.
As a general rule, security researchers claim that many cryptomalware viruses simply self-delete after performing the encryption routine. Nevertheless, some might also infect additional modules that steal sensitive data or remain on the system until terminated. Therefore, ShivaGood ransomware removal should always be performed.
Nevertheless, before you remove ShivaGood ransomware, you need to make a copy of encrypted files, as the process might damage them permanently - and the same goes for the recovery. If the malware is tampering with your AV, access Safe Mode, as explained below.
[GI=method-1]If you are struggling with virus elimination, enter Safe Mode with Networking as explained below:
[GI=method-2]You can use System Restore for ShivaGood ransomware removal:
The less you use the ransomware-affected computer post-infection, the more chances you have to recover at least some of your files.
Windows Previous Versions Feature might be of use
If you enabled System Restore prior to the attack, Windows Previous Versions Feature might work when trying to recover .good files one-by-one.
In some cases, ShadowExplorer might be the best option
If the ShivaGood file virus failed to remove Shadow Volume Copies - you are in luck - use ShadowExplorer immediately.
No decryption software currently exists
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.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like ShivaGood together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .good and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 ShivaGood ransomware
How do I open .good files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .good 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.
Should I pay the ransom in HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free ShivaGood decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for ShivaGood 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 "ShivaGood 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.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did ShivaGood get on my computer?
The way ShivaGood 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 .good 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.
Did ShivaGood steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by ShivaGood, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .good 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.
Is ShivaGood 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 HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt 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.
Will .good spread to my other drives?
It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .good. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.
Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.
Will Fortect remove ShivaGood?
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 ShivaGood, 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
- How-To Geek: Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death (read October 6, 2026)
- WeLiveSecurity: Exploits: What are they and how do they work? (read October 6, 2026)
- CompariTech: What is AES encryption and how does it work? (read October 6, 2026)
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)