Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by CryptoShield 2.0 and other threats.
Threats such as CryptoShield 2.0 may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Article created to help you remove the 2.0 version of CryptoShield ransomware and restore AES encrypted files with an added .CRYPTOSHIELD file extension.
A ransomware virus, that came out in 2 versions back in January 2017, named CryptoShield, has reappeared. The virus has a ransom note that imitates one of the most notorious viruses out there – CryptoWall. It came out in 1.0 and 1.1 versions and was distributed by a very dangerous exploit kit and distribution malware. The new version does not step away from this tendency. Since this ransomware virus aims only to encrypt the files on the computers it infects to ask for money to get them back, we advise you to read this article carefully. It will help you remove CryptoShield 2.0 ransomware and restore .CRYPTOSHIELD encrypted files.
Threat Summary
Name
CryptoShield 2.0
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
Encrypts the files on the computers it infects and then drops a ransom note, asking to pay a hefty sum to get the files back.
Symptoms
Encrypts files via the AES cipher, leaving the .CRYPTOSHIELD file extension and changing their names to an e-mail and random symbols. Then drops ransom note files, named # RESTORING FILES #.txt and # RESTORING FILES #.html in which, the ransom instructions are written.
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
See If Your System Has Been Affected by CryptoShield 2.0
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 2.0 Ransomware – More Information
CryptoShield Is a ransomware virus that encrypts files, rendering them no longer openable until a hefty ransom fee is paid to the cyber-criminals. The virus came out in 1.0 and 1.1 versions earlier this year.
CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The infection of CryptoShield 2.0 ransomware is conducted in combination with the 4th version of RIG Exploit Kit. The exploit kit has also been reported to spread other notorious ransomware viruses such as Locky, Cerber, Spora and Sage 2.0 ransomware viruses.
This exploit kit is embedded in a malicious executable, which is sent to unsuspecting users’ e-mails in the form of spam message. Such messages may contain a malicious e-mail attachment, which may be a malicious file type, like one of the following:
There may also be documents with malicious macros, like Microsoft Office or Adobe files. These may cause an infection when the user opens them and clicks on the “Enable Content” button. Usually, such ransomware infections are caused primarily because of deceitful messages, such as a fake notification, from PayPal claiming the user’s invoice for a purchase is in the attachment.
Once the attachment is opened, the infection process commences. It consists primarily of various different scripts, and connects to a remote distribution website to download the payload of CryptoShield 2.0. The payload of this virus consists of multiple files that it drops on the computer of the victim:
# RESTORING FILES #.txt # RESTORING FILES #.html rad93DD5.tmp.exe CryptoShield.tmp.exe net1.exe net.exe {random}.exe {random}.tmp.exe {random}.temp recovery.js.tmp recovery.js %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\MicroSoftTMP\system32\conhost.exe To download these files, the virus may remotely connect to the following locations: 107.191.62.136:80 107.191.62.1107.191.62.136:8036/js/prettyPhoto/images/prettyPhoto/default/infromation.php
In addition to this CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware also performs multiple different commands on the computer of the user to disable data recovery procedures and delete shadow backups on the user’s PC.
The virus also adds itself automatically on the startup of the system and after it’s encryption module is started, it begins to encipher the files on the compromised computer. To encrypt files, CryptoShield 2.0 uses the same AES encryption mode and the virus attacks:
Microsoft Office documents.
Pictures.
Audio files.
Videos.
Adobe PDF files.
Virtual Images.
Archive file types.
After the encryption process has completed, the ransomware virus leaves the files modified with a random id plus the file extension .CRYPTOSHIELD. The encoded files look like the following:
After encrypting the files on the compromised computer, CryptoShield 2.0 ransomware makes sure that the user is known of it’s presence on the computer. This is achieved by dropping multiple files on the computer, called # RESTORING FILES #.txt and # RESTORING FILES #.html. They have similar content:
The instructions themselves ask to contact an e-mail with a personal identification and from there the cyber-criminals most likely provide a Tor-based website or a BitCoin address for the ransom payoff.
CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware – Remove and Restore .CRYPTOSHIELD Files
In order to remove this file encryption virus from your computer, recommendations are to focus on following the instructions for the removal below. They are carefully designed to assist in the removal of CryptoShield 2.0 ransomware by following methodological steps. For maximum effectiveness, or If you do not have experience in manual malware removal, experts often advise using an advanced anti-malware program, which will make sure that the removal of CryptoShield 2.0 ransomware is full.
After having removed this virus, do not try to tamper with the files in any way. The first thing you should do is to back up your encrypted data. This will allow you to try using copies of them in combination with the alternative data recovery tools below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by CryptoShield 2.0”. They are carefully designed to help you recover at least some of the files, but are not entirely effective, so we take no responsibility of the outcome.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by CryptoShield 2.0 and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as CryptoShield 2.0. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove CryptoShield 2.0 follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoShield 2.0 files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by CryptoShield 2.0 on your PC
Find files created by CryptoShield 2.0
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove CryptoShield 2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for CryptoShield 2.0 and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove CryptoShield 2.0. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by CryptoShield 2.0
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoShield 2.0
Ransomware infections and CryptoShield 2.0 aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Article created to help you remove the 2.0 version of CryptoShield ransomware and restore AES encrypted files with an added .CRYPTOSHIELD file extension.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for CryptoShield 2.0 and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
