Shadow Ransomware
The representatives of the malware category called Ransomware are the most hazardous online threats currently known to mankind. The particular version we are discussing in the passages below – Shadow is not an exception. Shadow is a harmful Ransomware variant that causes the unpleasant encryption of your files, reaching ever further in harassing you by asking for a ransom to be paid in exchange for the recovery of the files.
The Shadow Ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a .txt file behind.
The Shadow Virus
Shadow may infect your computer in many ways. For instance, oftentimes Trojans are used for the purpose of detecting any vulnerability in your operating system, or regarding some other installed program on your personal computer, and help another virus like Shadow get in.
As soon as such a system weakness has been found, any Trojan can use it to sneak a Ransomware version into your PC. Another possible distribution tool is the infamous malvertising. This is the process of broadcasting fake pop-ups and other ads that could redirect you to web platforms full of malware or may contain malware themselves. In such a case, as soon as you click on any of the suspicious ads, the malware lurking there gets injected into your PC. Ransomware could also come from contaminated web pages you come across while browsing the Internet; malicious torrents; or infected emails.
The Shadow file recovery
The Shadow Ransomware is not just one single type of malware. The Shadow Ransomware is actually the file-encrypting subcategory, which fits the description above in the intro.
Throughout the years, smaller virus subtypes defined as Ransomware emerged, however, slightly differing in their functions. For example, some Ransomware versions are used by official government agencies to punish scammers and hackers. Other types are simply exploited for the purpose of locking your monitor/ display and asking for money in exchange for unlocking it. There may also be mobile Ransomware viruses, which can make your smartphone inaccessible and you will need to pay to access it again.
Whatever way you have caught it, Shadow normally functions in the way described below:
It all begins with the assembly of a list of all the data you regularly open or access. Such a list then serves as the guidelines for the encryption process. This is possible because it shows the virus the locations and the names of the files you are supposed to treasure most. Finding all such files might be a process that uses up lots of CPU and RAM because it requires a thorough scan of your drives. The actual encrypting begins and all the files from the list get sealed. This process might also slow your system down considering the resources getting used. Very rarely, some infected victims notice an odd process taking place in their Task Managers. Such a probability is quite favorable as you will be able to put an end to the infection while it is still in progress. What we recommend that you do is to disconnect your PC from all the networks it is a component of and shut it down immediately. Following that, you had better search for some professional assistance. Such a case when you notice the infection is very unlikely, though. The majority of the infections go unnoticed and are completed with the broadcast of a message on your desktop, informing you about the required ransom, and warning you about the unknown future of your sealed files.
What is the best solution then?
So far no program or method has been developed to ensure the full recovery of your encrypted data. We cannot be absolutely sure what needs to be done in your case. Nevertheless, we can explain the probable solutions here and you will be able to decide for yourself.
- You can of course pay the ransom. But bear in mind that this isn’t very wise since it will not necessarily make the hackers decrypt your files. It might simply encourage them to encrypt somebody else’s data. Our sincere opinion is that you should not hurry to do that as no real guarantees of restoring your files are ever given to you.
- Maybe you want to try dealing with the virus yourself. For example, via using an especially designed Removal Guide. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and follow the instructions there. We want to remind you again that we cannot give you any guarantees about the restoration of your sealed files.
- Contact someone who has experience handling such malware. Who knows, perhaps such a person could have some special tricks and might solve your problem.
SUMMARY:
| Name | Shadow |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Detection Tool |
Search Marquis is a high-profile hijacker – you might want to see if you’re not infected with it as well.
You can find the removal guide here.
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