CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware

The CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware is an update of the previous version of the CryptoShield Ransomware, although malware experts note evidence of limited changes to components other than its ransom message. The CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware continues locking various, local files by encrypting them and delivering messages to extort money from their owners. Although many of the core defenses against this threat are preemptive, you also can use anti-malware solutions to block its installation or remove the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware after it attacks your PC.

A New Shield Forged in Defense of Misappropriated Cash

With the quick pace with which different threat campaigns are put under analysis and accumulate publicly-verifiable histories, many threat actors respond by keeping to an equally fast pacing of updates. The CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware, the latest update to another, early 2017 Trojan, offers minimal changes from its ancestor but does give its victims updated contact addresses, with the implication that its admins may be paying for their questionable choices in communication infrastructure. The Trojan, just like the slightly older CryptoShield Ransomware, uses encryption as a method of blocking and ransoming local media.

Malware experts can find no evidence of changes from the earlier infection strategies in use by this campaign, which relied upon EK kits. Contact with a compromised or corrupted website via an unprotected Web browser also launches the associated exploits, allowing the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware to install itself without any visible signs. Then, the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware coordinates attacks including:

• The CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware uses an encryption cipher to obfuscate the file data of photos, documents, and other types of media, stopping compatible software from opening them.
• These locked files also assume name changes, based on an ROT13 pattern, and new extensions (such as '.cryptoshield').
• To extort money for the file-unlocking decryptor, the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware creates both HTML and TXT messages to the victim including the pertinent e-mail addresses for negotiations. Unfortunately, these files aren't accurate sources of information on the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware's payload, such as its encryption algorithm; malware analysts confirm the same notes in use in separate Trojan attacks.

Keeping Your PC's Security Current to the Threats that Ransom It

The CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware's authors still use time restrictions to force their victims into paying within a matter of days, or face the potential loss of the decryption key, and, with it, their files. At the same time, con artists managing file-encrypting Trojan campaigns rarely use extortion methods that don't allow them to keep their money without reciprocating with the promised data recovery services. Countering the possible file damage the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware can inflict requires preventative security maintenance primarily, including keeping backups of your data elsewhere.

Updating your anti-malware solutions when needed can help them keep abreast of new threats and updates to old ones, such as the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware. For this Trojan, specifically, malware researchers also recommend using cautious Web-browsing settings that don't run exploitable, script-based content automatically. Anti-malware products able to analyze your files as you download them or monitor your memory processes in real time also may quarantine and remove the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware before it attacks.

Transferring a ransom to the CryptoShield 2.0 Ransomware's authors is a payment that may not give you anything in return. However, for ill-prepared and unprotected PC users, it can be the only option they have that doesn't involve giving their files a permanent farewell.

Technical Details