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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER and other threats.
Threats such as SHINIGAMI LOCKER 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.
This article aims to show you how to remove SHINIGAMI LOCKER from your computer and how to restore .shinigami encrypted files.
A new ransomware was recently identified to infect users, going by the Japanese name Shinigami (God of Death). The ransomware virus aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it after which the virus renames them and adds the .shinigami file extension to them. Then, the ransomware also changes the wallpaper with a ransom note, containing full instructions on how to pay around $50 in BitCoins as a ransom and restore the files encrypted by this virus. If you are one of the victims of SHINIGAMI LOCKER ransomware, we strongly suggest you to read this article and learn how to remove this virus and try to get your files back without having to pay the ransom.
Threat Summary
Name
SHINIGAMI LOCKER
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Encrypts the files on the compromised computers after which demands $50 ransom payoff in BitCoin from victims in return for their files.
Symptoms
The ransomware virus adds the .shinigami file extension to the encrypted files after which changes the wallpaper with the ransom note one.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by SHINIGAMI LOCKER
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.
How Does SHINIGAMI LOCKER Infect
The infection process of SHINIGAMI LOCKER is conducted via multiple different methods. The primary one of those is via spammed e-mail messages, like the example image below demonstrates:
Usually such e-mails may carry a malicious e-mail attachment that may be of the following file types:
If the files are documents, like .docx or .pdf files, for example, they may contain malicious macros that get you to click on the “Enable Content” button within them in order to initiate the infection process.
SHINIGAMI LOCKER – Analysis
Created by a hacker with the nickname narzull on Visual Studio 2017, SHINIGAMI LOCKER is a ransomware virus from the file encryption kind. The threat’s primary purpose is to extort you for BitCoins in return for your files. And it does not joke about it either. Upon infection, the malicious files of SHINIGAMI LOCKER are dropped on several different Windows folders:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roam
After this has been done, the ransomware may begin it’s malicious activity. For starters, the virus may begin to employ various different types of modifications on your computer system, including modifying registry entires in your Windows Registry Editor. The primarily attacked Windows Registry keys by SHINIGAMI LOCKER are believed to be the following:
In those sub-keys the ransowmare may drop value strings with data in them which points to the actual location of the malicious files belonging to SHINIGAMI LOCKER.
Other activity related to SHINIGAMI LOCKER is primarily connected with the virus deleting the shadow volume copies on your computer system. This activity is the primary one responsible for eliminating any chance of backup on your computer. It is achievable by executing the following commands without you noticing it:
After this has been done, the ransomware virus may change the wallpaper of the computers infected by it to the SHINIGAMI LOCKER one, looking like the following:
Text from the wallpaper:
SHINIGAMI LOCKER YOU HAVE BEEN HACKED YOUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED GET RID OF THIS IN FEW STEPS STEP1 GO TO https://localbitcoins.com/ STEP2 PAY THE EXACT AMOUNT REQUEST DELOW. MAKE SURE YOU PAY IT TO THE CORRECT ADDRESS STEP 3 WAIT UNTIL THE PAYMENTIS CONFIRMED AND ENJOY YOUR PC – YOU NEED TO PAY BITCOIN WORTH 50$! ANY ATTEMT ON CLOSING OR DELETING THIS SOFTWARE WILL DAMAGE YOUR PC – AMMOUNT: 50 $ ~ 0.01816 BTC BITCOIN WALLET FOR PAYMENT 1MBPSrn46eEVBHoypyjgfdCCf5DQxQsx3f
SHINIGAMI LOCKER – Encryption Process
In order to encipher the files on the computers it has attacked, SHINIGAMI LOCKER ransowmare uses the DES encryption algorithm. It is neither the newest or the strongest encryption algorithm but it is enough to render your encrypted files no longer able to be opened and if it is properly configured their decryption may be next to impossible. SHINIGAMI LOCKER may target files that have the following file types:
After it encrypts those files, SHINIGAMI LOCKER adds it’s distinctive file extension .shinigami and renames the files, so that they become no longer recognizable. The files encrypted by this virus no longer appear the same:
Remove SHINIGAMI LOCKER and Restore .shinigami Encrypted Files
If you want to remove this ransowmare infection, we would advise isolating SHINIGAMI LOCKER and then removing it via either the manual or automtatic removal methods which we have explained step-by-step below. According to malware researchers, the best way to deal with ransomware viruses that heavily modify Windows, like SHINIGAMI LOCKER is to use an advanced anti-malware tool that will ensure the removal of all files related to this cyber-threat automatically. Having such tool will also ensure that your computer is protected against future threats as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, we would strongly suggest following our alternative methods which we have suggested in step “3. Restore files encrypted by SHINIGAMI LOCKER” below. They are specifically designed to help you restore as many files as you can without having to pay the ransom. They may not be 100% effective, but you may get your important files back by using them. Also, we always recommend you to perform a backup of your encrypted files before following those methods.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by SHINIGAMI LOCKER 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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER. 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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove SHINIGAMI LOCKER 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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER on your PC
Find files created by SHINIGAMI LOCKER
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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for SHINIGAMI LOCKER and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove SHINIGAMI LOCKER. 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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SHINIGAMI LOCKER
Ransomware infections and SHINIGAMI LOCKER 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.
This article aims to show you how to remove SHINIGAMI LOCKER from your computer and how to restore .shinigami encrypted files. 
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 SHINIGAMI LOCKER and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
