How to remove Shanova Ransomware and decrypt .shanova files

What is Shanova Ransomware

Shanova Ransomware is a malicious program based on the Chaos Ransomware. It operates by encrypting data on a victim’s computer and demanding payment for its decryption. The ransomware appends the .shanova extension to the filenames of encrypted files. For instance, a file originally titled 1.jpg would appear as 1.jpg.shanova. The specific encryption algorithm used by Shanova ransomware is not yet determined, but ransomware typically uses symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic algorithms. After encrypting files, Shanova ransomware creates a ransom note titled read_it.txt. The note informs the victim that their files have been encrypted and that decryption will require a ransom payment. The note also warns against attempting to modify or repair the locked files, as this could render them undecryptable.

As of the current date, there are no known free decryption tools available for Shanova Ransomware. Decryption is usually impossible without the cybercriminals’ interference, and victims often do not receive the decryption tools even after paying the ransom. Therefore, it is generally advised against paying the ransom, as data recovery is not guaranteed and it supports illegal activity.

To prevent Shanova Ransomware from further encrypting files, it must be eliminated from the operating system. Unfortunately, removal will not restore already affected files. The only solution is to recover them from a backup, if one was created beforehand and is stored elsewhere. It’s crucial to have a dependable antivirus installed and kept updated. Regular system scans should be run to remove threats and issues. In addition to this, backing up files regularly and relying on anti-malware services available on the internet can provide protection from ransomware. In the event of a ransomware infection, it’s important to isolate the infected device as soon as possible to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices or networks.

How Shanova Ransomware infects computers

Ransomware like Shanova can infect computers through various methods. Some of the most common infection methods include:

Phishing Emails Using Social Engineering: Attackers spoof emails and trick recipients into clicking a link or opening an attachment that installs the ransomware.
Malvertising and Exploit Kits: Attackers use malicious advertisements that redirect users to a landing page that scans for vulnerabilities and delivers the ransomware payload.
Fileless Attacks: These attacks use pre-installed operating system tools to perform tasks without requiring a malicious file to be run on the compromised system.
Remote Desk Protocol (RDP): Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in RDP to gain access to a system and install ransomware.
Pirated Software: Ransomware can spread through pirated software, which often lacks the security updates of legitimate software.

1. Download Shanova Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .shanova 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 Shanova Ransomware

Shanova Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


Shanova Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .shanova files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .shanova 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 Shanova 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 .shanova files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a 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 a 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 Shanova Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Shanova 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.