What is Shrug2 Ransomware?
Shrug2 Ransomware is a malicious threat that might encrypt your files and then threaten to erase them permanently if you do not pay a ransom. There is not much use from enciphered data without decryption tools, but there is always a possibility the volunteer IT specialists could create such tools. Therefore, if the locked files are irreplaceable, you may want to hold on to them even if do not plan on paying the ransom to get them decrypted. In fact, you should realize doing as the malware’s developers demand will not ensure they will be restored. For more information on Shrug2 Ransomware we encourage you to keep reading our text. What’s more, users who wish to get rid of it might find useful the deletion instructions available at the end of this text as they will explain the removal process step by step.
Where does Shrug2 Ransomware come from?
The malicious program may travel with Spam emails, bundled malicious software installers, and so on. In other words, the Shrug2 Ransomware’s launcher could be any recently downloaded file. Thus, users who received the infection should try to remember the data they opened before noticing the malware. Of course, to guard the computer against similar threats the next time, our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com advise being extra cautious with suspicious files, web pages, and advertisements. If the user finds his downloaded file suspicious or knows it came from an unreliable source, he would be wise to scan such a file with a legitimate antimalware tool first. After the scan, it should become clear whether it is safe to launch the untrustworthy-looking data.
How does Shrug2 Ransomware work?
Our researchers say, Shrug2 Ransomware is a lot similar to its previous variant called Shrug Ransomware. For instance, it still targets user’s data located in the C: disk. However, it now encrypts more different file types, e.g., the threat can affect these extensions: .txt, .docx, .xls, .doc,.xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .jpg, .png, .jpeg, .csv, .psd, .sql, .mdb, .db, .sln, .html, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .json, .dat, .cpp, .cs, .py, .pyw, .c, .js, .java, and so on. Afterward, the victim should find it impossible to open files that have the .SHRUG2 extension in addition to their original ones. Moreover, soon after the malicious program encrypts user’s files, it should drop a file called @ShrugDecryptor@.lnk on the Desktop. Opening it should launch a red window containing a message or a ransom note from the hackers behind Shrug2 Ransomware. It should say the user must pay a ransom to get the needed decryption tools. Also, the note might state the malware will remove all locked files if the user does not pay in time (the hackers give their victims three days to make the payment). We believe paying the ransom could be extremely dangerous since users could lose their money in vain if the malicious program’s creators decide not to keep up with their promises.
How to erase Shrug2 Ransomware?
All things considered, it seems to us it would be best to restore files using backup copies or find out if any volunteer computer security specialists are planning to release a free decryption tool for Shrug2 Ransomware. If you decide you do not want to pay the ransom and allow the malware to remove your encrypted files, we would recommend eliminating the threat right away. Experienced users could try deleting it manually according to the instructions located below this paragraph. As for those who do not think they can manage, it might be easier to pick a legitimate antimalware tool and scan the system to locate the infection.
Eliminate Shrug2 Ransomware
- Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Launch Task Manager.
- Look for the infection’s process.
- Select the malicious process and press End Task.
- Leave the Task Manager.
- Click Windows key+E.
- Find these folders:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\desktop
%USERPROFILE%\downloads - Find the malware’s launcher, then right-click it and press Delete.
- Go to the Desktop folder again.
- Find a file named @ShrugDecryptor@.lnk, right-click it and press Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Press Windows key+R.
- Insert Regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKCU
- Search for a key called ShrugTwo.
- Right-click the mentioned key and press Delete.
- Close Registry Editor.
- Empty your Recycle bin.
- Restart the system.
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