Remove SHRUG2 Virus (+Decrypt .SHRUG2 files) – HiddenTear Ransomware

SHRUG2 – General Info

The SHRUG2 stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the HiddenTear ransomware family. SHRUG2 was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. SHRUG2 adds the “.SHRUG2” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by SHRUG2, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.SHRUG2“. As soon as the encryption is completed, SHRUG2 places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by SHRUG2 text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the HiddenTear family. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by SHRUG2 is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of SHRUG2 is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds connected with SHRUG2 ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack SHRUG2 ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	SHRUG2 Ransomware
File Extension	.SHRUG2
Type	Ransomware
Family	HiddenTear
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
Symptoms	File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special SHRUG2 extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Whiterose, Cephalo, Poop
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to SHRUG2 ransomware. It is similar Whiterose and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your essential files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute SHRUG2 ransom virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly SHRUG2 injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

• integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
• spam emails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently SHRUG2 ransomware might be presented as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some crucial software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing SHRUG2 infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may describe numerous e-mail spam methods to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in SHRUG2 virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain harmful codes causing SHRUG2 secret installation. Lastly, injection of SHRUG2 may occur by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of SHRUG2 ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. First off, be very cautious when you browse the web and specifically while downloading free apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.SHRUG2” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove SHRUG2 ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.

An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.