How to remove Shutdown57 ransomware virus

Shutdown57 virus is a web ransomware that encrypts web servers instantly

Shutdown57 ransomware is a dangerous computer program that falls into malware^[1] category. Unlike traditional ransomware viruses, this one targets web servers and encrypts files with Rijndael^[2] (AES) 128-block cipher, then adds .shutdown57 file extensions to them.

As a result, files on the web server become inaccessible. This web ransomware leaves a ransom note in the shutdown57.php file. It seems that the virus is based on an open-source AwesomeWare virus, which has emerged more than a year ago. After encrypting the files on the web server, the ransomware launches the .php file and displays a short message saying:

Encrypter 8y v1ru5
greenvirus707@gmail.com

As you can see, the ransomware developer left an email address for the victim to get in touch with him/her. However, we do not suggest writing to this email because the cyber fraud is going to ask you to pay a ransom.

You should never pay such extortionists because they cannot be trusted – sometimes, they can’t even decrypt files due to bugs in their ransomware code.
Besides, by paying the ransom, you would fund their future projects and make it easier for them to build even more ransomware.

Speaking of data decryption, we can only suggest you to use a data backup to restore files encrypted on the server. Before using it, you should attempt to remove Shutdown57 virus. It is not an easy thing to do, but with the help of a good anti-malware software, you can finish this task with ease.

We highly recommend you to employ programs like FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner for malware removal.The virus needs to be completely gone before you test any data decryption tools.

Distribution of ransom-demanding computer viruses

Ransom-demanding viruses are on a rise nowadays^[3], and despite cyber security experts’ warnings about these viruses and ways to prevent their attacks, many computer users install them unwillingly. Commonly, ransom-demanding viruses reach target computers via:

• Infected emails. Scammers create legitimate-looking files such as documents and inject malicious scripts into them. Thus, opening such files and/or enabling Macros in them can instantly download and execute ransomware on the computer.
• Exploit kits and malvertising. Advanced malware developers employ a tricky technique that requires gaining a trust from certain ad networks. If they manage to do so, malicious ads can be inserted into ad networks, and these ads then appear on many legitimate websites. Clicking on such ad redirects the user to a compromised website containing exploit kit. The ransomware is then downloaded to the computer system.
• Illegal software packs. If you attempt to download illegal software, it is likely that you will get infected with a Trojan or a ransomware. Cyber criminals know that many people try to obtain licensed software illegally (for free), so they stuff unexpected “surprises” in them. Sometimes, there is no useful software included – it's just the name that attracts people to download the malicious file.

Remove Shutdown57 ransomware from computer and try available data recovery tools

If your files were compromised by this ransomware, remove Shutdown57 virus as soon as you possibly can. To do this, you will need to restart your computer and boot it in a particular mode so that the ransomware would be deactivated. Once you take care of the virus, you can try data recovery tools we listed below the article.

Do not forget that Shutdown57 removal requires patience. It is not a task that you can complete in five minutes or so. Your system needs to be thoroughly scanned in order to detect existing threats and virus’ files. Let the anti-malware software identify the risks – just sit back and relax until it finds all of them and removes them for you.