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* [![Link Email](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-sms.svg)](mailto:?subject=Shade%20Ransomware%20Hits%20High-Tech,%20Wholesale,%20Education%20Sectors%20in%20U.S,%20Japan,%20India,%20Thailand,%20Canada&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fshade-ransomware-hits-high-tech-wholesale-education-sectors-in-u-s-japan-india-thailand-canada%2F "Share in email") * [![Facebook Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-fb-share.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fshade-ransomware-hits-high-tech-wholesale-education-sectors-in-u-s-japan-india-thailand-canada%2F "Share in Facebook") * [![LinkedIn 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Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-reddit-share.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fshade-ransomware-hits-high-tech-wholesale-education-sectors-in-u-s-japan-india-thailand-canada%2F&ts=markdown "Share in Reddit") * [![Mastodon Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Shade%20Ransomware%20Hits%20High-Tech,%20Wholesale,%20Education%20Sectors%20in%20U.S,%20Japan,%20India,%20Thailand,%20Canada%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fshade-ransomware-hits-high-tech-wholesale-education-sectors-in-u-s-japan-india-thailand-canada%2F "Share in Mastodon") Shade ransomware is a long-established family of ransomware [first spotted in late 2014](https://securelist.com/the-shade-encryptor-a-double-threat/72087/) targeting hosts running Microsoft Windows. It is also known as Troldesh. Shade has been distributed through malicious spam (malspam) and exploit kits. [A recent report](https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/01/28/russia-hit-new-wave-ransomware-spam/) focused on Russian language emails that deliver Shade, but this ransomware is [also distributed through English-language malspam](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2017/03/03/index.html). Where is Shade currently appearing? To answer this question, we reviewed recent trends in Shade ransomware among our customer base. Our results indicate the majority of recent Shade ransomware executables have also targeted users outside of Russia. In fact, our research shows that the top five countries affected by Shade ransomware are not Russia or nations of the former Soviet Union, they are the United States, Japan, India, Thailand, and Canada, Russia only occurs at number seven and the only other country we found in the top ten where Russian is an official language is Kazakhstan at number ten. The top industries attacked in these countries were High-Tech, Wholesale, and Education. **Very Little Change Since 2016** The Shade ransomware executable (EXE) has been remarkably consistent. All EXE samples we have analyzed [since 2016](https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/Malspam+distributing+Troldesh+ransomware/21717/) use the same Tor address at ***cryptsen7f043rr6.onion*** as a decryptor page. The desktop background that appears during an infection has been the same since Shade was first reported as Troldesh in late 2014. Shade ransomware infections may include other activity like [click fraud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Click_fraud) traffic as noted [here](https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/Russian+language+malspam+pushing+Shade+Troldesh+ransomware/24358/). **Russian and English Language Distribution** [Recent reports of malspam pushing Shade ransomware](https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/01/28/russia-hit-new-wave-ransomware-spam/) have focused on distribution through Russian language emails. However, Shade decryption instructions have always included English as well as Russian text. English language waves of malspam have been noted pushing Shade ransomware, like [this wave of IRS notifications targeting recipients in the United States in 2017](https://www.malware-traffic-analysis.net/2017/03/03/index.html). **What does a Shade infection look like?** When a Windows host is infected with Shade ransomware, its desktop background announces the infection, and ten text files appear on the desktop named README1.txt through README10.txt as shown in Figure 1.[![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-1.-Desktop-of-a-Windows-host-infected-with-Shade-ransomware.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-1.-Desktop-of-a-Windows-host-infected-with-Shade-ransomware.png) *Figure 1. Desktop of a Windows host infected with Shade ransomware.* The ten README files all contain the same instructions as shown in Figure 2. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-2.-Decryption-instructions-from-a-recent-Shade-ransomware-infection.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-2.-Decryption-instructions-from-a-recent-Shade-ransomware-infection.png) *Figure 2. Decryption instructions from a recent Shade ransomware infection.* Since June 2016, file extensions for any encrypted files are ***.crypted000007***as shown in Figure 3. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-3.-Examples-of-encrypted-files-from-a-Shade-ransomware-infection.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-3.-Examples-of-encrypted-files-from-a-Shade-ransomware-infection.png) *Figure 3. Examples of encrypted files from a Shade ransomware infection.* Shade Distribution through Malspam Malspam-based infections for Shade ransomware involve a JavaScript (.js) or other type of script-based file disguised as an invoice or bill. In some cases, Shade malspam has links for these script-based files. In other cases, the files are directly attached to the emails within a zip file or other type of archive. [In February 2019](https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/More+Russian+language+malspam+pushing+Shade+Troldesh+ransomware/24668/), waves of Russian-language malspam used attached PDF files with links to download zip archives containing these script-based files. In all cases we have reviewed, a .js or other script-based file was involved as indicated in Figure 4. These script-based files are designed to retrieve executable files for Shade ransomware. [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-4.-Flow-chart-for-malspam-based-Shade-ransomware-infections.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-4.-Flow-chart-for-malspam-based-Shade-ransomware-infections.png)*Figure 4. Flow chart for malspam-based Shade ransomware infections.* Executable delivery during the infection chain Malspam-based Shade infection chains have one thing in common. They all involve retrieving an executable file from a compromised server. By focusing on the executable in this chain of events, we can determine where Shade ransomware infection attempts have occurred. AutoFocus search parameters AutoFocus has a [Shade ransomware tag](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Shade) that identifies any items associated with Shade ransomware. We searched on attempted deliveries of a Shade ransomware executable during an infection chain, and we focused our search on packed executable (PE) files sent through a URL over TCP port 80. Since we're trying to determine geographic locations among our customer base where Shade ransomware attempts have happened, we looked for the country of Palo Alto Networks devices that discovered these attempts. This search is for the first quarter of 2019. Finally, our query eliminated any obvious malware submissions to online sandboxes and online sharing services. Our search parameters from the AutoFocus database were: * Date is in the range from January 1st through March 31st * Unit 42 tag is for Shade ransomware * File type is PE * File URL has any value but is not unknown * Source port (the TCP port the file came from) is 80 * Device Country has any value (is not blank or unidentified) * File URL does not contain the string ***/malware/*** * File URL does not contain the string ***malshare.com*** * File URL does not contain the string ***paloaltonetworks*** * File URL does not contain the string ***local*** [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-5-An-AutoFocus-query-for-Shade-ransomware-executables-in-the-first-quarter-of-2019.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-5-An-AutoFocus-query-for-Shade-ransomware-executables-in-the-first-quarter-of-2019.png) *Figure 5. An AutoFocus query for Shade ransomware executables in the first quarter of 2019.* **Results from January through March 2019** Our search results from January through March 2019 revealed 307 Shade ransomware samples over 6,536 sessions. Each session represents an HTTP request for a URL hosting a Shade ransomware executable. Many of these URLs were seen multiple times in separate sessions. Locations of our top ten results were: * United States - 2,010 sessions * Japan - 1,677 sessions * India - 989 sessions * Thailand - 723 sessions * Canada - 712 sessions * Spain - 505 sessions * Russian Federation - 86 sessions * France - 71 sessions * United Kingdom - 67 sessions * Kazakhstan - 21 sessions [![](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-6-Top-ten-countries-from-our-AutoFocus-search-results-as-shown-on-a-world-map.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Figure-6-Top-ten-countries-from-our-AutoFocus-search-results-as-shown-on-a-world-map.png) *Figure 6. Top ten countries from our AutoFocus search results as shown on a world map.* The top country with Shade ransomware infection attempts among our customer base was the United States. The vast majority of these for URLs hosting Shade ransomware executables were reported from customer devices outside of Russia and Russian language countries. The top 10 verticals for this period were: * High Tech: 5,009 sessions * Wholesale and Retail: 722 sessions * Education: 720 sessions * Telecommunications: 311 sessions * Finance: 51 sessions * Transportation and Logistics: 24 sessions * Manufacturing: 32 sessions * Professional and Legal Services: 8 sessions * Utilities and Energy: 4 sessions * State and Local Government: 1 session **Conclusion** The top country with Shade ransomware infection attempts among our customer base was the United States. The vast majority of these for URLs hosting Shade ransomware executables were reported from customer devices outside of Russia and Russian language countries. The most common target for Shade ransomware infection attempts were organizations that fell under the High Tech category. These results are likely skewed towards English due to our customer base. However, they indicate Shade ransomware is very active outside of Russia and possibly targeting more English-speaking victims than Russian. Palo Alto Networks customers are protected from Shade ransomware by our threat prevention platform which easily detects these executables. [AutoFocus](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/secure-the-network/subscriptions/autofocus) users can track Shade ransomware attempts by using the [Shade](https://autofocus.paloaltonetworks.com/#/tag/Unit42.Shade) tag. See the appendices below for details on recent Shade ransomware samples we discovered in March and April 2019. **Appendix A** 73 recent SHA256 file hashes for Shade ransomware executable files found in March and April 2019. Information is available at: [https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/blob/master/Shade\_ransomware/Shade-ransomware-SHA256-hashes-March-and-April-2019.txt](https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/blob/master/Shade_ransomware/Shade-ransomware-SHA256-hashes-March-and-April-2019.txt) **Appendix B** 203 recent URLs that returned Shade ransomware executable files in March and April 2019. Information is available at: [https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/blob/master/Shade\_ransomware/Shade-ransomware-URLs-March-and-April-2019.txt](https://github.com/pan-unit42/iocs/blob/master/Shade_ransomware/Shade-ransomware-URLs-March-and-April-2019.txt) Back to top ### Tags * [Malspam](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malspam/ "Malspam") * [Shade Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/shade-ransomware/ "Shade Ransomware") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: SilverTerrier: 2018 Nigerian Business Email Compromise Update](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/silverterrier-2018-nigerian-business-email-compromise/ "SilverTerrier: 2018 Nigerian Business Email Compromise Update") ### Related Articles * [Large-Scale StrelaStealer Campaign in Early 2024](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/strelastealer-campaign/ "article - table of contents") * [GuLoader: Malspam Campaign Installing NetWire RAT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/guloader-installing-netwire-rat/ "article - table of contents") * [APAC's Compromised Domains Fuel Emotet Campaign](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/apacs-compromised-domains-fuel-emotet-campaign/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Ransomware Resources ![Pictorial representation of Iran cyber attacks. 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Digital artwork of a pixelated U.S. dollar bill disintegrating into small blocks against a blue data matrix background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) December 10, 2025 [#### 01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/) * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [CL-CRI-103](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-103/ "CL-CRI-103") * [Cryptocurrency](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptocurrency/ "Cryptocurrency") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-ransomware-01flip-written-in-rust/ "01flip: Multi-Platform Ransomware Written in Rust") ![Pictorial representation of malicious LLMs. Close-up view of a digital wall displaying various glowing icons, representing a high-tech network interface.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AdobeStock_1270203474-786x440.jpeg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) November 25, 2025 [#### The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/) * [Credential Harvesting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/credential-harvesting/ "Credential Harvesting") * [Data exfiltration](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/data-exfiltration/ "data exfiltration") * [LLM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/llm/ "LLM") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dilemma-of-ai-malicious-llms/ "The Dual-Use Dilemma of AI: Malicious LLMs") ![Constellation image representing the constellation schema used by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 to track nation-state and cybercrime threat actor groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Generic-B-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) August 1, 2025 [#### Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/) * [Academic Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/academic-serpens/ "Academic Serpens") * [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens") * [Agonizing Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agonizing-serpens/ "Agonizing Serpens") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/ "Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)") ![Pictorial representation of Unit 42 threat attribution system. Illustration featuring a white triangle centered within an abstract cosmic background of purple and blue swirls and stars.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Generic-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) July 31, 2025 [#### Introducing Unit 42's Attribution Framework](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/) * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat") * [Bookworm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bookworm/ "Bookworm") * [Nomenclature](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nomenclature/ "nomenclature") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/ "Introducing Unit 42’s Attribution Framework") ![Pictorial representation of the ransomware landscape. Digital artwork of a disintegrating U.S. dollar bill with pixelated effects on a cyber-inspired background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-report-white-1.svg)Trend Reports](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/trend-reports/) April 23, 2025 [#### Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/) * [BianLian](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bianlian/ "BianLian") * [Akira ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/akira-ransomware/ "Akira ransomware") * [Muddled Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/muddled-libra/ "Muddled Libra") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/ "Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025") ![A pictorial representation of Akira ransomware, distributed by Howling Scorpius. A person's hand typing on a keyboard with a digital screen displaying the word "password" highlighted in blue, set against a backdrop of various cybersecurity interface graphics.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/09_Cybercrime_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) December 2, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/) * [Howling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/howling-scorpius/ "Howling Scorpius") * [Leak site](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/leak-site/ "Leak site") * [Torrenting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/torrenting/ "torrenting") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/ "Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)") ![Pictorial representation of a threat like BlackSuit ransomware. An illustration of a modern workspace with a laptop displaying cybersecurity icons, surrounded by stacks of coins and a credit card, all depicted in a neon, digital art style.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) November 20, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/) * [BlackSuit ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blacksuit-ransomware/ "BlackSuit ransomware") * [Construction](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/construction/ "construction") * [Education](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/education/ "Education") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/ "Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware") ![A representation of a threat group like Jumpy Pisces. Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) October 30, 2024 [#### Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/) * [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea") * [Jumpy Pisces](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jumpy-pisces/ "Jumpy Pisces") * [Fiddling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fiddling-scorpius/ "Fiddling Scorpius") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/ "Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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