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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus and other threats.
Threats such as .SHRUG2 Files Virus 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 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
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .SHRUG2 Files Virus
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:
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:
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .SHRUG2 Files Virus 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus. 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .SHRUG2 Files Virus 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus on your PC
Find files created by .SHRUG2 Files Virus
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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .SHRUG2 Files Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .SHRUG2 Files Virus. 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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus
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 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 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.
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 .SHRUG2 Files Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
