What Is Yqal Virus?
Yqal is the new STOP/DJVU ransomware strain. This time the ransomware operators bet on the malicious extension .yqal. Which means that the cryptovirus will rename files with this specific suffix after encrypting them. Sadly, the encryption process limits access to corrupted files.
All the malicious activities are performed to corrupt your system and force you to follow instructions left by hackers. The file _readme.txt contains a ransom note which extorts a large fee in BitCoin for the decryption of .yqal files. We strongly recommend that you refrain from allowing criminals to navigate you. There are efficient trustworthy methods that could help you to secure an infected PC and try to get files back.
Yqal Virus Summary
Name | Yqal also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq |
File Extension | .yqal |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .yqal virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
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How Does Yqal Ransomware Work?
Before we reveal how Yqal virus infects a computer system, we will look at how it may enter the computer. Two are the main ways known to deliver ransomware infections. The first one is malspam (email messages that deliver malware). The second one is shady software downloads from bogus sites or torrent sites.
If Yqal virus has infected your computer via email, it may have been presented an urgent message that contains a very important attachment. Some of the most popular Windows files are used to hide malicious software. Here are some examples of email attachments used by cybercriminals:
- Invoice.
- Receipt.
- Document that is important.
Yqal is part of a virus family with hundreds of variants, called “STOP Ransomware”. This virus family includes variants, like Iisa, Moia and Rigj. They all have the same target – your important files. And why should you know that? Because security researchers have managed to crack some previous strains of this ransomware family and released a free decryption tool. At this point, the latest versions are not decryptable by this tool but one day or another they could be.
Now let’s reveal what happens after Yqal ransomware runs its infection file on your PC. First, it may connect to a command and control server and download additional ransomware files. The following system folders may keep those files:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
Among the dropped files is the ransom note of this virus. Called _readme.txt the ransom note shows a message by extortionists:
Analyses of the code of this cryptovirus reveal that it may assume administrator rights over infected Windows systems. Then it may alter Registries that enable it to perform automatic operations in the background of all other running processes.
.yqal Files
The Yqal ransomware may run its built-in cypher module to scan your computer for the following types of files to encrypt:
- Document file types.
- Image files.
- Videos.
- Audio file formats.
The AES encryption algorithm may be used by the Yqal virus for the corruption of valuable files. Even though the ransomware will leave all encrypted .yqal files inaccessible, we strongly recommend that you do not trust crooks and try to use other means to get your files to work again.
Remove Yqal Virus and Try to Recover Data
Yqal can be removed from your computer system if you make sure to follow the removal instructions below. They are created so that they can provide adequate assistance in the elimination of the virus files this threat drops on your PC. For the most effective removal, security professionals recommend downloading an expert malware removal program. Such software will automatically detect and remove any malware that may currently be present on your computer and protect it in the future.
For the .yqal files recovery, we suggest that you wait for a Yqal decryptor to be released. When this virus encodes files, it makes them with offline and online decryption keys. Usually, Emsisoft researchers release a decryptor for free after a couple of weeks, so we suggest that you NOT pay the ransom and wait to try out this decryption software. If your keys are online, then do not despair, because you might still be able to get your files back by trying our alternative file recovery methods listed below. They may not be a 100% solution to decrypt all your files, but with their help, you could get at least some of your files to work again.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Yqal Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Yqal Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Yqal Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Yqal Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Yqal Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Yqal Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Yqal Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Yqal Virus-FAQ
What is Yqal Virus Ransomware?
Yqal Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Yqal Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Yqal Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Yqal Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Yqal Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Yqal Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Yqal Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Yqal Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Yqal Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Yqal Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Yqal Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Yqal Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Yqal Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Yqal Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Yqal Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Yqal Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Yqal Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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