How to remove ShrinkLocker Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is ShrinkLocker Ransomware

ShrinkLocker Ransomware emerged on the landscape in April-May 2024 and has been a significant concern for security experts. This malicious program uses a combination of AES and RSA algorithms to encrypt user files, making them inaccessible without a decryption key. Interestingly, ShrinkLocker does not add specific file extensions to the encrypted files, which can make it more challenging to identify. Instead, it renames the system disk with an email address through BitLocker, urging victims to contact the attackers for decryption instructions. The ransom note associated with ShrinkLocker is not a conventional text file or document. Instead, the ransom note is a new sign that appears on the system disk in the form of an email address. This detail implies that the ransomware primarily targets administrators who may overlook this change without booting into a recovery environment.

Dealing with ShrinkLocker encryption is particularly complex due to its use of Windows functionalities like BitLocker, VBScript, and PowerShell. To date, there are no known free decrypters capable of reversing the encryption without engaging the attackers. Once the files are locked with the 64-character decryption ключ, including a mix of numbers, special characters, and an alpha phrase, victims face limited options. The key is transmitted to the attackers via TryCloudFlare, making it nearly impossible to retrieve through conventional methods. If affected by ShrinkLocker, the most effective advice is to seek professional cybersecurity assistance and avoid paying the ransom, as this encourages further malicious activities. Always ensure regular and secure backups of critical data to mitigate the impact of such devastating attacks.

How ShrinkLocker Ransomware infects computers

ShrinkLocker Ransomware is a sophisticated malware that primarily spreads through various methods, including exploiting vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) configurations, email spam with malicious attachments, drive-by downloads, and botnets. Once it infiltrates a system, it utilizes a VBScript file named Disk.vbs to determine the Windows version and activate BitLocker for encryption. The ransomware then manipulates the system’s boot configuration and reduces the size of non-boot partitions, creating new 100MB partitions that are subsequently formatted and encrypted. ShrinkLocker changes the system disk label to an email address for ransom communication, effectively locking users out of their data. This ransomware further disables BitLocker recovery options, making it nearly impossible for victims to decrypt their files without paying the ransom.

1. Download ShrinkLocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like ShrinkLocker Ransomware

ShrinkLocker Ransomware files:


none
{randomname}.exe


ShrinkLocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with ShrinkLocker Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like ShrinkLocker Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. ShrinkLocker Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro