Do you know what Shade8 Ransomware is?
Shade8 Ransomware is a ransomware infection that can successfully encrypt your files, but there is no need to despair: There is a public decryption tool available for this infection, and you can find out more about it if you scroll down to the bottom of this description.
You will also find the manual removal guidelines, but we always emphasize that automatic malware removal with a powerful security tool is always a faster and more efficient option. At the end of the day, it is up to you how you want to get rid of this intruder.
Now, although it is possible to decrypt the files, that is no excuse to let programs like that slide through into your system. Thus, you need to learn about ransomware distribution methods, so that you could prevent similar infections from entering your system.
As far as we know, these programs usually employ spam emails to reach their victims. If you have downloaded something recently, and if your background changed once you opened that file, it means that you allowed Shade8 Ransomware to enter your system willingly.
That’s not something unheard of. Users often install malware on their computers without really meaning to because they don’t understand the dangers behind a spam email message. But please always check the sender’s identity, especially if you do not recognize them, when you receive a message with an attached file. Most of the time, those files look like regular documents. For example, it might look like some online shopping invoice or even a financial report. However, if you haven’t purchased anything recently, why would you be receiving this invoice in the first place, right?
Shade8 Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Thus, you need to be shrewd about it. If you suspect that the file you have received might be dangerous, just delete the email altogether. You might try contacting the sender to make sure the message is legitimate, but that’s not recommended. In fact, the best way to find out whether the file is safe or not is to scan it with a security tool of your choice. If the security tool starts screeching at you that the file is malicious, you will have stopped a ransomware program from entering your system.
On the other hand, not every single user is that cautious. That is why Shade8 Ransomware and other similar programs manage to reach their victims. Some users are just too distracted to notice the threat. And once Shade8 Ransomware enters the target system, this infection runs a full computer scan because it needs to locate the files it can encrypt.
Normally, ransomware programs encrypt files in the %USERPROFILE% directory, so it means that most of the personal files get affected. When the encryption is complete, Shade8 Ransomware changes your desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note. The ransom note contains just one line that says you have to contact the “Shadow” for more information on file recovery. It’s practically the same message that you see on your screen:
If your data is necessary for you, we are the only ones who can give it back to you.
4shadow@protonmail.com
SHADOW
Of course, since it is possible to restore your files with a public decryption tool; there is no need to contact these criminals. There would be no need to contact them even if there were no decryption tool in the first place. Paying for the decryption key is never an option because that only encourages the criminals to create and release more ransomware.
Rather than doing as you are told, you should remove Shade8 Ransomware from your system and recover your files. Our research team says that you can decrypt your files if you contact Michael Gillespie at demonslay335 via Twitter. The user will help you acquire a decryption tool.
On the other hand, if you have copies of the affected files, you can simply remove the infection, delete the encrypted files, and then copy and paste the healthy data back into your computer. It is up to you how you choose to restore your files. However, please remember that not all ransomware programs are decryptable. You need to protect your data and your system from similar infections in the future right now.
How to Remove Shade8 Ransomware
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click the Processes tab and mark suspicious processes.
- Press the End Process button.
- Press Win+R and enter %HOMEDRIVE%. Press OK.
- Navigate to the user folder.
- Remove the shade8.jpg file and The1234 folder.
- User SpyHunter to scan your computer.
In non-techie terms:
Shade8 Ransomware is a malicious computer infection that is based on a public code. This ransomware infection can easily encrypt your files, but it is also possible to decrypt them with a public decryption tool. While that is good news, you shouldn’t let your guard down. When you remove Shade8 Ransomware, protect your system from similar intruders by investing in a powerful antispyware tool and reviewing your web browsing habits.