Ransomware infections continue. Not only are new versions of well-known threats appearing, but also new ransomware cases are registered on a daily basis. One of the latest ransomware threats currently targeting users is dubbed Yakes. According to researchers, Yakes ransomware is spread via spam email attachments. This article aims to help its victims.
Threat Summary
| Name | Yakes Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware Trojan |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts users’ files and demands a ransom in the amount of 4 Bitcoins. |
| Symptoms | The user’s files are encrypted and unusable. |
| Distribution Method | Spam email attachments. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Yakes Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Yakes Ransomware Distribution & Technical Overview
Yakes is, in fact, a ransomware Trojan. It drops a ransom note in all folders containing encrypted data, as reported by Enigma Software researchers. The ransom note is named [date of infiltration]-INFECTION.TXT. As for the ransom message, it contains little information:
Your files are now encrypted. I have the key to decrypt them. I will give you a decrypter if you pay me.
As visible, the ransom note is more of a personal message addressed to the victim. Details about the ransomware are not provided, and from the way the note is written, it seems like the victim is dealing with one cybercriminal.
Two email addresses are provided to victims to contact the cybercriminal(s). If the given emails somehow do not work, the victim is given an option to contact them via BitMessages.
The amount of the ransom demanded by Yakes author(s) is 4 Bitcoins, or $1,811. However, paying the ransom is never a good idea, since the decryption key may never be sent to the victim. Furthermore, it’s safe to say that ransomware is partly successful because of victims’ payments. Continue reading to learn how to try and restore your files via alternative methods.
Yakes Ransomware Removal and File Restoration Methods
An official decryption method for files compromised by Yakes, typically released by security researchers is still awaited. The very first thing you need to do is remove Yakes manually or by running an anti-malware tool. Depending on your skills and knowledge, you can refer to part 1 or part 2 of the removal manual situated below. In the removal manual, you will also find instructions on how to back up your files from now, and how to try and restore your encrypted files via data recovery software.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the beginning. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Guide 1: How to Remove Yakes Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Yakes Ransomware from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Yakes Ransomware from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Yakes Ransomware from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Yakes Ransomware from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Yakes Ransomware from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Yakes Ransomware from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Yakes Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Yakes Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Yakes Ransomware and related software 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 uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Yakes Ransomware 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 Yakes Ransomware 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Yakes Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Yakes Ransomware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Yakes Ransomware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Yakes Ransomware from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Yakes Ransomware from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Yakes Ransomware from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Yakes Ransomware from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Yakes Ransomware will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Yakes Ransomware from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
