The SkyFile virus is a new test version malware that is actively being spread towards computer users worldwide. A preliminary code analysis does not reveal a correlation with any of the famous malware engines. The affected files are renamed with the .sky extension. Our in-depth removal guide shows how victims can remove any active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | SkyFile |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The SkyFile virus is a malware that encrypts the target data with .sky. |
| Symptoms | The victims will find that their files are encrypted with the .sky. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
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SkyFile virus – Infection Spread
The SkyFile virus can be distributed onto target users using various methods. One of the main ones is the use of spam messages that rely on social engineering tactics. They are frequently made with stolen graphics and text taken from legitimate sites in order to confuse the victims. The criminal controllers can hyperlink the malware files into the message contents. When the victims click on the respective links they will be forwarded to a hacker-controlled site where the strains are hosted. The other option is to directly attach the malware files directly to the emails.
In other cases the criminals can opt to use payloads that contain the SkyFile virus in themselves and the infections are caused due to victim interaction. A common method is to integrate the SkyFile virus into software installers. The criminals usually target popular software such as computer games, system utilities and creative suites. The malware is automatically deployed when the relevant app is installed. The other method relies on documents, in this case the hacker operators can choose various types of files: presentations, rich text documents and spreadsheets. When they are opened a notification prompt appears which asks the users to enable the built-in macros (scripts). When this is done the virus payload is automatically deployed to their machines.
Another strategy would be to take advantage of browser hijackers also known as browser redirects. They are malware plugins that are made for the most popular web browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer and Opera). The criminals often upload them to the official plugin repositories using counterfeit credentials, user reviews and elaborate descriptions. As soon as they are installed the users will find that the respective browsers will be changed to a hacker-designated page. Various system changes can be made, as well as other viruses deployed to the infected machine.
The virus files can be deployed using other methods including various forms of web scripts. They can take the form of web banners, pop-ups and ads.
SkyFile virus – Technical Data
According to the initial security analysis the SkyFile virus does not belong to any of the famous malware families. This means that the hacker or criminal group behind it have been probably made it themselves. Another possibility is that it is a still unknown customized version of a malware downloaded or bought from the underground hacker markets.
As the ongoing attack campaigns at the moment target a small selection of potential victims, the security analysts believe that this may be a test version. Further updates to its code may allow for a much more dangerous strain.
The threat can be configured to begin the infection process by launching an information gathering module. It is programmed to harvest sensitive content from the victim computers. An example is private data that can be used to expose the victims identity. its engine scans for strings related to their names, addresses, phone numbers, interests, location, passwordsa and account credentials. The other type of information is referred to as anonymous metrics and they are primarily used for statistical purposes. Such strings are composed of operating system configuration settings, certain system values and a list of the available hardware components.
The next step would be to launch a stealth protection component that can prevent certain system and secutity solutions from preventing the SkyFile virus from operating correctly. The standard behavior is to look for signatures for anti-virus products, sandbox and debug environments, as well as virtual machine hosts. In certain cases if the SkyFile virus is not able to bypass the security measures it can remove itself to avoid detection.
The hackers have embedded the possibility core to institute system changes. They depend upon the current attack campaign and may include both Windows Registry and boot options. Changes to the operating system registry can result in poor system performance, application and system services issues and other problems. The SkyFile virus engine can also be programmed to delete the Shadow Volume Copies of potential victim data. This makes it very hard to restore the files without the use of a quality data recovery application. You can refer to our instructions in the removal steps on how to do this. Modified boot options effectively remove the possibility to enter the startup recovery menu.
A network connection to the hacker operators can also be instituted. In such cases the hackers can use it to deploy additional malware to the infected machines. Another possibility would be to remotely take over control of the affected systems, as well as spy on the victims in real time.
SkyFile virus — Encryption Process
Once all malware components have completed execution the respective ransomware module is launched. It uses a strong cipher in order to affect the target files. Like other similar threats it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions, typically acting against the following data:
- Archives
- Documents
- Music
- Images
- Videos
- Databases
- Backups
All encrypted files are renamed with the .sky extension. A randomly-named executuable is crafted by the engine which launches an application that is designed to look like a typical lockscreen. It is titled “SkyFile Decryptor | ZeuS CitadeL” and reads the following message:
Oops, your files has been encrypted. Such as: photos, videos, documents, etc. To decrypt your files, read HOW TO DECRYPT.txt
Remove SkyFile virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the SkyFile ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for SkyFile with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall SkyFile 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by SkyFile 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 SkyFile there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
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 SkyFile
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SkyFile.
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 SkyFile 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.
SkyFile-FAQ
What is SkyFile Ransomware?
SkyFile 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 SkyFile 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 SkyFile Infect?
Via several ways.SkyFile 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 SkyFile 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 .SkyFile files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .SkyFile 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 .SkyFile files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".SkyFile" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .SkyFile 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 SkyFile 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 SkyFile ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .SkyFile 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 SkyFile 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 SkyFile Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SkyFile 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 SkyFile 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.
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