Article created to help you remove the latest CryptoShield ransomware using the .CRYPTOSHIEL file extension and restore files that have been encrypted by it.
A new version of the CryptoShield ransomware using the R_SUP@INDIA.COM e-mail has reappeared and has begun to infect users. Malware researchers believe that this version may be a bugged version released by the creators of the virus, but it may as well be completely new version. The virus is still believed to use AES encryption for the files render them no longer openable. It uses this to extort the victims to pay a hefty ransom fee to get the files back. In case you have become a victim of the CryptoShield ransomware infection, it is recommended to read this article.
Threat Summary
Name |
.CRYPTOSHIEL Virus |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .CRYPTOSHIEL has been used. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
CryptoShield Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The infection process of this iteration using the .CRYPTOSHIEL file extension is believed to be spread using the same RIG Exploit Kit v4.0 version. The exploit kit contains multiple different tools and methods that are being used to infect a computer system successfully. One very common method of replicating files this way is via e-mail spam. These files are cleverly disguised in order to fool the user they are legitimate documents, like the example below displays:
The files may be of multiple executable file types, like the following:
→ .exe, .bat, .cmd, .vbs, .hta, .htm, .html, .tmp.exe, .tmp ‘sys’,’shs’,’wmf’,’chm’,’wmf’,’ozd’,’ocx’,’aru’,’xtbl’,’bin’,’exe1′,’386′,’dev’,’xnxx’,’vexe’,’tps’,’pgm’,’php3,’hlp’,’vxd’,’buk’,’dxz’,’rsc_tmp’,’sop’,’wlpginstall’,’boo’,’bkd’,’tsa’,’cla’,’cih’,’kcd’,’s7p’,’smm’,’osa’,’exe_renamed’,’smtp’,’dom’,’vbx’,’hlw’,’dyz’,’rhk’,’fag’,’qrn’,’fnr’,’dlb’,’mfu’,’xir’,’lik’,’ctbl’,’dyv’,’bll’,’bxz’,’mjz’,’mjg’,’dli’,’fjl’,’ska’,’dllx’,’tti’,’upa’,’txs’,’wsh’,’uzy’,’cfxxe’,’xdu’,’bup’,’spam’,’nls’,’iws’,’ezt’,’oar’,’.9,’blf’,’cxq’,’cxq’,’cc’,’dbd’,’xlv’,’rna’,’tko’,’delf’,’ceo’,’bhx’,’atm’,’lkh’,’vzr’,’ce0,’bps’,’pid’,’hsq’,’zvz’,’bmw’,’fuj’,’ssy’,’hts’,’qit’,’aepl’,’dx’,’lok’,’plc’,’mcq’,’cyw’,’let’,’bqf’,’iva’,’xnt’,’pr’,’lpaq5′,’capxml’
Once the user is tricked into opening the attachment, the infection takes place. This version of the .CRYPTOSHIEL file virus may drop multiple different files on the compromised computer by connecting to a remote host. The files may be:
Multiple executable files, some of which random names, from the .tmp and .exe file formats.
- A javascript file, named recovery.js.
- An executable file in the %system32% file folder.
- It’s ransom note file.
- Multiple other executable files that are .tmp and .tmp.exe, spread throughout Windows.
.CRYPTOSHIEL Ransomware – More Information
When this ransomware infection has already been activated, it may delete any chance of backup on the compromised computer. This activity is usually done by inserting commands with administrative privilege over at Windows Command Prompt. The commands are believed to be the following:
→ cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
{DRIVE}:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
{DRIVE}:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C net stop vss
After this, the .CRYPTOSHIEL file extension ransomware may modify settings that allow it’s files, like it’s ransom note and the malicious file encryption executable to start every time Windows has started. To encode those files, the CryptoShield ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm. The virus may scan for a wide variety of file types amongst which are likely the following:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
This virus uses the .CRYPTOSHIEL file extension to encode the files on the compromised computers. The files appear like the following after encryption takes place:
After the encryption process is complete, .CRYPTOSHIEL virus may automatically open it’s unique ransom note on the infected computer, asking users to pay a fee to get the data back.
Remove .CRYPTOSHIEL File Virus and Get Back Encrypted Files
For the removal process of this ransomware infection, recommendations are to focus on backing up the encrypted files initially.
Then, it is advisable to remove the ransomware infection preferably by following the removal instructions below. For maximum effectiveness of the removal, advice is to use an advanced anti-malware program which will automatically take care of the removal process for you.
For the file restoration, we have created several alternative file recovery tools that will help you restore your files. They are outlined In step “2. Restore files encrypted by .CRYPTOSHIEL File Virus”.
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
- Guide 1: How to Remove .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus





Step 2: Uninstall .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:



Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus.
Ransomware infections and .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus.
Ransomware infections and .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.CRYPTOSHIEL Virus FAQ
What is .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.CRYPTOSHIEL Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithm how to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
How does .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, containing virus attachment.
This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to open ..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore "..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..CRYPTOSHIEL Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .CRYPTOSHIEL Virus ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.