Shade8 Ransomware

Shade8 Ransomware is one of the many malicious file-encrypting infections that were created using the Hidden Tear Ransomware open-source code. Other infections that were built using this code include EnybenyCrypt Ransomware, SymmyWare Ransomware, ShutUpAndDance Ransomware, and many others. These infections use encryption algorithms to change the data of personal files, and if they are encrypted successfully, they cannot be read. Basically, the infection hijacks the files, and that is done so that the attackers could demand money from the victims. The good news is that this threat might be decryptable, and so even if you do not have backups that could replace the corrupted files, you might escape the situation without a scratch. Hopefully, that is the case. Of course, even though the decryption of files might be most important to victims, removing Shade8 Ransomware is important too. Continue reading the report, and you will learn how to delete this dangerous malware.

According to our malware research team, cybercriminals behind Shade8 Ransomware are most likely to employ spam emails to spread it. They can create a convincing message and use it to trick gullible users into opening the attached files or links. If the targeted users are tricked into following the path laid by the attackers, Shade8 Ransomware can be executed without their notice at all. Once inside the computer, the infection creates a copy of itself in the %USERPROFILE% directory. When we analyzed the infection, the name of the copy was “local.exe,” and it was stored in the “The1234” folder. Of course, the names of the folder and the file could be different in your case, but you might have no trouble finding and deleting this file manually if you do not have lots of personal files stored in this directory. That being said, the victims of this malware are unlikely to gather that malware has invaded their systems and that the launcher file was removed as soon as a copy was created. The threat is meant to stay concealed until personal files are encrypted.

When Shade8 Ransomware encrypts files, it adds the “.shade8” extension to their names, but you might not notice that right away. First, you should face a Desktop wallpaper (%USERPROFILE%\Shade8.jpg) representing an image of a hooded person and a file named “READ_THIS.txt” that is created on the Desktop also. The wallpaper image delivers this message: “If your data is necessary for you, we are the only ones who can give it back to you 4shadow@protonmail.com SHADOW.” The .TXT file delivers this message: “If you want your data 4shadow@protonmail.com.” Clearly, the attackers want you to contact them, and, hopefully, you know already that doing that would be a terrible idea. If you did as told, you would be introduced to additional instructions, and, most likely, they would push you to pay money to have your files decrypted. As you already know, Shade8 Ransomware should be decryptable, and so wasting your money on this threat is a terrible idea. It would be a bad idea even if a free decryptor did not exist. On top of that, by emailing the attackers, you could be exposing yourself to new scams.

According to our research team, if you contact Michael Gillespie via Twitter (@demonslay335), you should be able to obtain a free decryptor that would restore your personal files for free. If that is not an option, hopefully, you have copies of the corrupted files. We keep telling people how important backing up files is, but not everyone hears the message. Hopefully, you have backups, and now you can easily replace the corrupted files. When it comes to backup, we strongly recommend relying on cloud storage or external hard drives because even though internal backups can be set, some infections can make it impossible for you to use them. If you want to be 100% sure that your files are always safe, back them up in several different ways. Also, protect your system to keep malware away. If you install anti-malware software now, you will also have Shade8 Ransomware deleted automatically. It’s a win-win situation.

Shade8 Ransomware Removal

1. Tap Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch Task Manager.
2. Move to the Processes menu and terminate malicious processes.
3. Tap Win+E keys to launch Windows Explorer.
4. Enter %USERPROFILE% into the field at the top.
5. Delete the folder named The1234 with the local.exe file inside (names could be different).
6. Delete the file named shade8.jpg.
7. Move to the Desktop and then Delete the file named READ_THIS.txt.
8. Empty Recycle Bin.
9. Run a full system scan to make sure there is nothing left for you to remove.