This article has been created to help you understand what is the Shrug ransomware virus (ShrugDecryptor) and show how to remove it plus how you can restore files, encrypted by it with an added .SHRUG2 extension.
A new ransomware virus, calling itself .SHRUG2 ransomware is the type of virus, whose primary purpose is to convince victims to pay $70 worth of BitCoin for about 3 days time. The ransomware virus aims to set a deadline to pay the ransom and if the victim does not comply, the actors threaten to destroy the decryption keys of the files, supposedly making them completely undecryptable. If your computer has been victimized by the .SHRUG2 files virus, we advise that you read this article and learn how you can remove this variant of Shrug Ransomware and how you can try to recover your files or decrypt them.
Threat Summary
| Name | .SHRUG2 Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the victim’s computer and then gives 3 days to pay $70 ransom to decrypt them. |
| Symptoms | The files are encrypted with the .SHRUG2 file extension added to them and a ransom note, called ShrugDecryptor appears on the victim PC. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .SHRUG2 Files 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. |
.SHRUG2 Files Virus – Distribution Methods
For the .SHRUG2 file ransomware to be effectively distributed, the creators of this malware aim to push the malicious files of this virus via e-mails that pretend to originate from big companies, from the likes of:
- DHL.
- FedEx.
- PayPal.
- eBay.
- Amazon.
In addition to this, the .SHRUG2 files virus is the type of threat that aims to get users to download the malicious payload of the ransomware, masked as a fake document. The types of files which may pose as legitimate are usually:
- Invoices.
- Receipts.
- Banking documents.
- Purchase details.
Furthermore, in addition to via e-mail, the .SHRUG2 files virus may also pose as a legitimate program of some sort that is downloadable. These types of files are uploaded on suspicious sites for software downloads and they often pretend to be:
- Setups of software.
- Fake executable files.
- Fake portable programs.
- Patches, cracks or other forms of software license activators.
.SHRUG2 Files Virus – More Information
The .SHRUG2 ransomware is the type of ransomware that aims to slither on your PC undetected and then hold your files hostage for ransom. To reach this end goal, the .SHRUG2 files virus performs series of unwanted activities on your PC. For starters, the ransomware virus drops it’s payload files on the computer of the victim. The files consist of the main malicious executable of Shrug Ransomware and other support files of the virus, like it’s ransom note. The ransomware may drop it’s malicious files in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
The primary sample file of Shrug ransomware has been reported to have the following information:
→ SHA256: c89833833885bafdcfa1c6ee84d7dbcf2389b85d7282a6d5747da22138bd5c59
Name:codexgigas_6c2194f9067756ca039d57113e3b93a7a34659d4
After the files belonging to Shrug ransomware are dropped on the victim PC, the malware may start to create mutexes and modify system files of Windows. In addition to this, the ransomware may also add registry entries in the following Windows Registry sub-keys:
→ 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
This activity is done with the purpose to get the ransomware virus to run automatically when you boot Windows and log in.
Among the malicious files of Shrug ransomware is it’s ransom note file, calling itself ShrugDecryptor. It appears In a typical ransomware manner with a mocking image at the expense of the user:
Shrug Ransomware – Encryption Process
The second variant of Shrug ransomware may initially scan for the types of files it wants to encrypt. The virus looks for the most often used files on the computers of victims such as:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drives.
Once the files are detected, the ransomware encrypts them using the same encryption mode as HiddenTear ransomware does, since Shrug is a HiddenTear variant. After encryption, the virus adds the .SHRUG2 file extension to the files that have been encrypted by it and they start to appear like the following:
Remove Shrug Ransomware and Restore .SHRUG2 Files
To remove this ransomware virus from your computer it is recommended that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been divided in manual and automatic removal instructions. If manual removal is not a solution for you because of one reason or the other, be advised that researchers recommend to remove .SHRUG2 virus automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which will take care of the removal process for you.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by this variant of Shrug Ransomware, be advised that you might be in luck, because it is actually a variant of HiddenTear. This is why we have created the Decryption Instructions, which can help decrypt most HiddenTear ransomware variants for free. In addition to this, if this method does not work for you, you can try the alternative methods for file recovery in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .SHRUG2 Files Virus” below.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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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.
About the .SHRUG2 Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .SHRUG2 Files Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .SHRUG2 Files Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .SHRUG2 Files Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .SHRUG2 Files Virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .SHRUG2 Files Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .SHRUG2 Files Virus
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall .SHRUG2 Files 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .SHRUG2 Files 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. 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.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .SHRUG2 Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .SHRUG2 Files 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .SHRUG2 Files Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .SHRUG2 Files 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .SHRUG2 Files Virus:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .SHRUG2 Files Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .SHRUG2 Files Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 .SHRUG2 Files 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .SHRUG2 Files Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus.
Ransomware infections and .SHRUG2 Files 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
.SHRUG2 Files Virus FAQ
What is .SHRUG2 Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?
.SHRUG2 Files 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..SHRUG2 Files 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 .SHRUG2 Files 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 ..SHRUG2 Files Virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..SHRUG2 Files 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 ..SHRUG2 Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .SHRUG2 Files 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 "..SHRUG2 Files 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 ..SHRUG2 Files 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 .SHRUG2 Files 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..SHRUG2 Files Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .SHRUG2 Files 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.
How to Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer. Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
- Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
- United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
- United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
- France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
- Italy - Polizia Di Stato
- Spain - Policía Nacional
- Netherlands - Politie
- Poland - Policja
- Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
- Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
- India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
- Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.