Virus .shit files: Shit ransomware (RSA-2048/AES-128 encrypted)

New version of the Locky ransomware encrypts files, appends them with the .shit extension, and creates _WHAT_is.html as well as _WHAT_is.bmp ransom notes.

Locky is a generic name of a ransomware family that appeared in early 2016 and has grown into one of the top global security threats ever since. There is no room for chance when it comes reaching milestones like that within such a short time span. The operators of this far-flung campaign leverage cryptography professionally enough to prevent brute-forcing of private decryption keys from being successful. These threat actors also treat the anonymity of their activities seriously, opting for Tor (The Onion Router) as the communication medium with victims. The strain in question, however, hasn’t been homogeneous throughout its existence. There have been four updates of Locky during the year. The latest one, unlike its predecessor known as Odin, appends the .shit extension to encoded files and provides decryption recommendations in documents called “_WHAT_is.html”, “_[random number]_WHAT_is.html”, and “_WHAT_is.bmp”.

The delivery mechanism is now somewhat different from the tactic used previously. While the Shit ransomware loader still arrives with phishing emails, its format has changed. Rather than use JS or .docm files with vulnerable macros to drag malicious code inside a computer, the malefactors have switched to the HTA format for this purpose. The actual email will contain a ZIP attachment camouflaged as an invoice, receipt, or complaint letter. Wrapped in this archive is a harmful file with the .hta or .wsf extension which, when opened, instantly downloads the totality of ransomware components. Even if a reliable antimalware suite is running on the targeted system, there is no guarantee that it will identify this occurrence as an attack, because the new format of the loader makes the pest look legit and harmless.

Having found the victim’s most important files stored locally as well as on the network and removable hardware, the Shit edition of Locky utilizes a double encryption routine using RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers. This process results in both inaccessibility of the data and dramatic changes of the way these files look. Filenames turn into strings of 32 numbers, characters and symbols followed by the .shit extension. For example, a photo named doggie.jpg will morph into something like 5FJDW859-YNPS-D2BN-1273-DE68134BCN4F.shit. Apparently, it’s impossible to establish any logical ties between the original and the crooked version of the file.

This ransomware configures a new desktop wallpaper to be displayed instead of the user’s preferred image. The text in the background poses a warning message and recovery basics at the same time. The _WHAT_is.html and _WHAT_is.bmp ransom notes fulfill the same function, providing the victim with several Tor links to receive their private key. By following one of these links, the user will end up on the Locky Decryptor page, where they will learn how much and in what way to pay the ransom. The size thereof is usually about 0.5 Bitcoin, or a little over $300. However, there is no certainty that the automatic decryptor will become available after the payment, so it’s strongly recommended to try recovery methods that don’t involve interaction with the extortionists.

Shit ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

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2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Shit ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Shit ransomware removal tool