Shortcut virus (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Jun 2020

What is Shortcut virus?

Shortcut virus is the malware that hides files and replaces them using inaccessible shortcuts but can cause more damage to the OS

Shortcut virus is the trojan that has a worm and other malware functions.

Shortcut virus is the trojan-type malware that also has features of the worm threat because it hides your files and folders, replaces them with shortcuts. Even those shortcuts look the same those files are malicious. It often targets USB Flash Drive devices or computers and converts those valid files into inaccessible forms. Actual files are not deleted, but you cannot normally use the needed file. You can remove this virus, and once that is done, you will recover your files. However, some of the users claim that it damages data permanently and that file loss is a real issue. This threat can also be called the USB Shortcut virus because it makes files unopenable and inaccessible on USB drivers mainly. Trojan hides your files and replaces them with the same name. It is easily spreadable too, unfortunately. Any link once clicked can trigger the download of the malware script and affect the operating system, all connected devices.

Shortcut virus is a Trojan horse^[1] that is designed to transform files on the corrupted device into shortcuts. Thus, it makes data inaccessible. However, the vast majority of antivirus can detect this cyber threat as a Trojan.VBS.TTE (B), Worm:VBS/Cantix.A., Troj/Agent-NXIMal/FakeAV-BW, and other names.

Shortcut malware spreads via portable devices, such as USB drives, Pen-drives, SD cards, etc. However, they might affect desktop computers and laptops. Most of the time it happens when a user connects an infected external device to the PC. Due to the operation peculiarities, security researchers excluded three main versions of the virus:

• Flash drive shortcut virus;
• File shortcut virus;
• Folder shortcut virus.

However, the latter two – File and Folder viruses – are often combined and referred to as File and Folder shortcut virus. Despite slightly different behaviors, the termination of these cyber threats remains the same. The best way to remove Shortcut virus is to employ malware removal tool and scan the device. To recover files affected in system folders after the removal procedure – rely on FortectIntego.

This version of Shortcut virus can infect USB, SD cards, or any other portable device. As soon as it infiltrates, it puts all the files stored on the device into a hidden folder. Then it creates a shortcut.exe which prevents from accessing personal data.

However, the execution of shortcut.exe may lead to even bigger problems. This Trojan horse might act like spyware or keylogger. Thus, it might collect personally identifiable or even banking-related information. Therefore, immediate Shortcut virus removal is needed.

The main features of the File and Folder Shortcut virus

This version of Shortcut malware aims at files and folders. On the affected device, it hides and replaces files with these extensions:

• shortcuts.exe;
• shortcut.lnk;
• file.ini (desktop.ini);
• shortcut.vbs.

After the Shortcut virus hijacks, it might also install other malicious software to the affected device which might pose a danger to the victim’s privacy. Thus, this malware might monitor and even steal personal information, including credit card details. Shortcut virus is the malware that might prevent victims from accessing their files and spy on them.

The virus takes advantage of Windows Autorun and Autoplay feature

Users can get infected with malware if they:

• do not scan an external device with an updated antivirus once they connect it to the computer;
• plug a portable device to the infected computer;
• download malicious programs or files.

Security experts from Norway^[2] say that such silent virus is a popular cyber threat that spreads via USB and other external devices. When a user connects an infected device to the computer, malware exploits Windows Autorun and Autoplay feature.^[3]

The virus uses a vulnerability in a way how Windows operating system handles shortcut files. Such files with .lnk extension belong to Windows and are designed to run various programs when a user clicks on it. However, this USB malware does not need victim’s click in order to be executed. It can be launched automatically.

Thus, to avoid this cyber threat, users are suggested to use reputable and updated antivirus to scan all attached external devices. Additionally, do not connect USB or other gadgets to other computers if you are not sure that they are virus-free.

Instructions for Shortcut virus termination

Nevertheless, it is recommended to remove Shortcut virus using malware removal software or security tools, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes; there are also a few ways how you can get rid of it manually. However, if you choose manual elimination, please follow the instructions carefully. This is not the simplest threat to get rid of, so you may need some additional tips and tricks.

However, the main Shortcut virus removal method could be the full system scan using anti-malware tools. Once the threat is indicated for you, it can be deleted using the same AV detection engine. Nevertheless, you still need to repair files and system functions when the malware affects them.

The best option for such malware is to remove Shortcut virus and clean the machine fully. Anti-malware tools focus on cleaning threats from the system. Tools like FortectIntego or optimizer applications, PC repair programs can find damaged data and fix virus damage where needed.

Method 1. Delete the virus using command prompt to clear the external devices

1. Go to Run.
2. Type cmd and click OK button.
3. Connect the infected removable drive.
4. Enter this command to the command prompt window: attrib -h -r -s /s /d e:\
   NOTE: instead of e: you have to write the name of the infected removable drive.
5. Press Enter.
6. The virus should be eliminated. Furthermore, you have to copy and save necessary information from the removal drive.
7. Then format a removable drive. Once it’s done, you can copy back previously saved data.

Method 2. Shortcut virus removal using Registry editor

1. Open Windows Task Manager by clicking Ctrl + Shift + Esc on a keyboard.
2. Go to Process tab.
3. Find process .exe.
4. Right-click it and choose End Process.
5. Access Registry editor: Click Windows key + R and type regedit.
6. Click Enter.
7. In the Registry editor, navigate to this key:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run
8. Find odwcamszas.exe and delete it.
9. Restart the computer to save the changes.

Method 3. Tweak CONFIG to eliminate Shortcut malware

1. Access Temporary Files folder by entering %temp% in Run.
2. Find .vbs and delete it.
3. Open Run and type msconfig.
4. Go to Startup Tab.
5. 
Delete vbs.