How to remove !Shadow Ransomware and decrypt .!shadow files

What is !Shadow Ransomware

Today we will try to describe the !Shadow ransomware that comes to the computer and encrypts user files of various formats (documents, office, audio, video, archives, multimedia, and so on). It is worth noting that !Shadow encrypts files using an algorithm that makes files “stony”, in other words, unsuitable for further use. Also, this assigns the .!Shadow extension ({ShadowofDeath@elude.in}.ID=[victim’s_ID].[original_filename].!Shadow) to the files to be encrypted. Below we provide an image and the composition of the scam note !ENCRYPTED-README.hta, which specifies the conditions for the purchase and decryption of files:

According to the latest data, it has spread around the world, although initially, !Shadow is aimed at English-speaking users. Like many others, !Shadow requires a ransom in the amount of several hundred bucks (up to $1500), in the equivalent of cryptocurrency, in particular, Bitcoin. This is done in order to avoid prosecution by law enforcement.

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, please send an email to RDPrecovery1@protonmail.com
The subject of your email should be: –
if you didn’t get any response you can send an email to RDPone@cock.li
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoin. The price depends on how fast you contact us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool.
How can you trust us to decrypt your files?
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

In most cases, !Shadow ransomware comes as an attachment to a spam mailing list or as a false update for software installed on your system. This happens for a simple reason – you do not care about the security of your computer. You need to use paid antiviruses that can protect your computer against such threats. Below we have indicated the possible options to remove !Shadow (Shadow) ransomware and decrypt .!shadow files.

Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove !Shadow ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.

If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software

!Shadow Removal Guide

Remember that you need to remove !Shadow Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:

1. Download !Shadow Removal Tool.
2. Remove !Shadow from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
3. Restore .!Shadow files
4. How to protect PC from future infections.

How to remove !Shadow ransomware automatically:

Download Removal Tool

Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.

If you’re Mac user – use this.

Manual !Shadow Removal Guide

Here are step-by-step instructions to remove !Shadow from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to !Shadow. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.

Uninstall !Shadow from Windows or Mac

Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:

!Shadow.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to !Shadow by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to !Shadow by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows 10:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to !Shadow by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Windows XP:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press Settings button;
3. Choose Safe Mode;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to !Shadow by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

Mac OS:

1. Restart the computer;
2. Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
3. Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
4. Find programs or files potentially related to !Shadow by using Removal Tool;
5. Delete found files;

How to restore encrypted files

You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.

Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
2. Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
3. Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
4. Manage export location. That’s it!

Download Stellar Data Recovery

 

Restore encrypted files using Recuva

There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.

1. Run the Recuva;
2. Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
3. Find needed files, !Shadow them and Press Recover button;

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.

Malwarebytes

Download Removal Tool

SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.