The Shamoon ransomware is an old threat that has recently reappeared and started to cause major attacks against a variety of targets. To learn more about it read our removal guide.
| Name |
Shamoon |
| File Extensions |
Does not affect user files |
| Ransom |
Varies |
| Solution #1 |
You can skip all steps and remove Shamoon with the help of an anti-malware tool. |
|
Solution #2 |
Shamoon ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below. |
| Distribution |
Spam Email Campaigns, malicious ads & etc. |
Shamoon Ransomware Description
The Shamoon ransomware is a dangerous threat that has recently reappeared in several attack campaigns against a variety of different targets.
One of the main goals of the malware is to overwrite the Master Boot Record (MBR) of the hard drive which prevents the booting up of the operating system.
The Shamoon ransomware is comprised of three components – a dropper, a file eraser (wiper) and a reporter module. Their capabilities are the following:
- Dropper – It is used to extract and execute the main malicious binary. The module is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. It creates its own service called NtsSrv which is used to setup persistence on the infected host. The virus can propagate across the internal network via worm-like self-duplication
- File Eraser – This is the module which is enhanced with the use of the RawDisk driver by EldoS which directly accesses the hard drive of the host, bypasses the Windows operating system and deletes all data on the compromised drive
- Reporter – This communicates with the remote malicious C&C servers. The commands that the attackers can initiate are the downloading of additional malware binaries, changing the attack timing and various status message communications
The main malicious binary trksvr.exe which is located in the %SystemA% location is associated with the dropper module. It copies itself to ADMIN, C:\\WINDOWS, D:\\WINDOWS, E:\\wINDOWS and all available network shares. The next step involves the creation of an owned task and a service which is used to create persistence and two drop the two other components.
The wiper is associated with some of the following binary names:
caclsrv, certutl, clean, ctrl, dfrag, dnslookup, dvdquery, event, extract, findfile, fsutl, gpget, iissrv, ipsecure, msinit, ntx, ntdsutl, ntfrsutil, ntnw, power, rdsadmin, regsys, routeman, rrasrv, sacses, sfmsc, sigver, smbinit, wcscript
The selected files are overwritten with a JPEG image after which they become unreadable. The next step is to overwrite the Master Boot Record (MBR) of the computer which makes it impossible to boot.
Shamoon Ransomware Distribution
The new campaigns were identified on the 17th of November 2016 when the Shamoon ransomware was used to attack a Saudi Arabia oil company called Aramco. The results were that 30 000 hosts were affected.
How Can I Protect my PC from Shamoon?
Viruses and Trojans similar to Shamoon are swarming the Internet. If you want to survive in that jungle, you need to buy an anti-malware tool!
DOWNLOAD REMOVAL TOOL FOR ShamoonShamoon Ransomware Removal
For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Shamoon completely with a few mouse clicks.
STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.
-
1) Hit WIN Key + R
- 2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK
Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”
STEP II: Show Hidden Files
-
1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
-
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option
3) Windows 8/ 10
-
– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option
4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button
STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
-
1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
STEP IV: Remove Completely Shamoon Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
STEP V: Repair Windows Registry
-
1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Further help for Windows Registry repair
STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files
-
1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
- – Hit the “Restore” button
3) Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures
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1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
