CryptoShield Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what CryptoShield Ransomware is?

CryptoShield Ransomware is a malicious infection that can encrypt most of your frequently-used files. It probably goes without saying that this program does so in order to make some money for its developers. Most of the infections nowadays are about financial profit, and this ransomware program is no exception. However, you should not succumb to its threats. The sooner you remove CryptoShield Ransomware from your computer, the better. It might take a while to retrieve your encrypted files, but there is always a way to do that, too. So the most important thing is to not panic.

In order to protect yourself from similar infections in the future, you should know how CryptoShield Ransomware travels around. It is very likely that this application spreads via spam email attachments. It is the most common ransomware distribution method, and it allows the criminals to cover several regions at the same time. Unfortunately, it also means that users download and install the ransomware program themselves. Of course, they are not aware of that, but they should know how to read into signs that tell about the potential malware infection.

Most of the spam email messages will not reach your main inbox folder, but some of the better-crafted once could look like official messages from online stores and other reputable companies. As a result, you might feel inclined to open those emails. Also, these messages will always come with an attachment because to get infected with CryptoShield Ransomware, you need to launch the attached file. These files usually look like genuine document files, pretending to be shopping invoices or your balance reports. Users download those files and open them without any second thought, thus allowing ransomware programs to enter their computers.

Please bear in mind that legal companies seldom send important information in attached files because they are well aware of the potential security risks behind it. Also, if you think that you still need to open the attached file, perhaps you should scan it with a security tool first, just to be sure.CryptoShield Ransomware Removal GuideCryptoShield Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

Nevertheless, if this ransomware program gets installed on your computer, it will run a full system scan, looking for all file types if can encrypt. Our research team says that CryptoShield Ransomware usually affects picture and document format files. So basically, it is possible to say that the program blocks you from accessing most of your data. You will know for sure which files have been encrypted because they will have an additional extension added to them: .cryptoshield.

Aside from encrypting the files, CryptoShield Ransomware also drops a “# RESTORING FILES #.txt” file in every single folder that gets affected by the encryption. There is also an .HTML file under the same filename. The program runs this file once the encryption is complete to display the following message on your screen:

All of your files were encrypted by a strong encryption RSA-2048 using CryptoShield 1.0.
<…>
ALL your FILES were encrypted with the public key, which has been transferred to your computer via the Internet.
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.

The crooks expect you to contact them within 72 hours. They say that once you contact them via one of the given emails, their “technician” will reply within 24 hours with further instructions on what you are supposed to do. Needless to say, the people behind CryptoShield Ransomware will expect you to pay a ransom fee to restore your files. However, there is no guarantee these cyber-criminals would issue the decryption key even if they do receive the ransom money.

Perhaps the most discouraging thing about ransomware infections is that it is often impossible to revert the encryption effects without the original or public decryption keys. Unless a public decryption key is released, you will have to restore your files from an external backup. Even if you do not have an external HDD, we are pretty sure that most of your files are saved someplace else, be it your work computer, your mobile device or your inbox.

Please do not forget that you should transfer healthy copies of your files back only when CryptoShield Ransomware is fully removed from your system. If not, you may face a secondary encryption in no time.

How to Remove CryptoShield Ransomware

  1. Press Win+R and the Run prompt will open.
  2. Type %ALLUSERSPROFILE% and click OK.
  3. Go to MiscroSoftWare\SmartScreen.
  4. Delete the SmartScreen.exe file and the MicroSoftWare directory (if it is empty).
  5. Go to your Downloads folder.
  6. Delete the most recently downloaded files.
  7. Scan your PC with SpyHunter.

In non-techie terms:

CryptoShield Ransomware is a program that can block you from using your files. It wants you to pay a lot of money to restore your file access. You should never pay a single cent to this dangerous infection. Do not give the hackers what they want! Please remove CryptoShield Ransomware from your computer and then make sure that no other ransomware program enters your system again. If necessary, do not hesitate to invest in a legitimate antispyware application. It is always a good idea to rely on a reliable security tool.