Remove Shootlock Virus (+Decrypt .[n0pr0blems@protonmail.com].shootlock files) – Makop Ransomware

Shootlock – General Info

The Shootlock stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Makop ransomware family. Shootlock was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Shootlock adds the “.[n0pr0blems@protonmail.com].shootlock” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Shootlock, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[n0pr0blems@protonmail.com].shootlock“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Shootlock places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Shootlock text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Makop clan. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Shootlock is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Shootlock is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to Shootlock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Shootlock ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Shootlock Ransomware
File Extension	.[n0pr0blems@protonmail.com].shootlock
Type	Ransomware
Family	Makop
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 [n0pr0blems@protonmail.com].shootlock extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Makop, Makop, Dewar
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Shootlock ransomware. It is similar Makop and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the special decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute Shootlock ransomware. Although it is uncertain how exactly Shootlock injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Often Shootlock virus may be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Shootlock infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to various e-mail spam tactics to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Shootlock virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes leading to Shootlock secret installation. Finally, injection of Shootlock may take place by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Shootlock ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. To start with, be extremely careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in essential damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Shootlock text file:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the \"shootlock\" extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities - nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc... not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: n0pr0blems@protonmail.com or troubleshooter@cock.li

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service - for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice - time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON\'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions - please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Screenshot of files with “.[n0pr0blems@protonmail.com].shootlock” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Shootlock 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.