What Is Yjqs Virus?
Yjqs virus is the name of dangerous malware, also known as a cryptovirus or ransomware. This particular type of infection aims to enter your computer and then begin using an encryption algorithm to get your files to be rendered ineffective, until you pay a hefty ransom fee in Bitcoin, as explained in its ransom note file, called _readme.txt.
The Yjqs virus is called that way because it uses the .yjqs extension which is added after the name of each file it encrypts. Bear in mind, that the files cannot be opened by any type of software and the only way that seems to work is to use a decryption tool.
Read this article in order to learn more about this virus, how it works and how you can remove it from your computer and try to restore as many files as you can.
Yjqs Virus Summary
| Name | Yjqs virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB |
| File Extension | |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Yjqs Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .yjqs extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Yjqs Virus – How Does It Infect?
Yjqs virus is very similar to other versions of this malware, like the recently detected Guer, Irjg and Vtua viruses.
Multiple ways could be the cause of the ransomware ending up infecting your computer, but the two main strategies used by either the following ones:
- If you downloaded some type of a file which upon executing has caused the infection.
- If you have downloaded some type of an email attachment or clicked on a link that is shared on an email message sent to you that appears important.
Yjqs virus can appear like a lot of different documents that are very important in case you have infected your computer by visiting some type of an email and opening an attachment. Some examples of such documents include the following:
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
A typical malicious e-mail that may contain the STOP Ransomware infection may look like the example image belwo shows:
Not only this but there is also the possibility of this infection being downloaded from some type of a low reputation website by the victim himself. If so, the infection files most often end up to be the following:
- Key generator (or Keygen).
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
Yjqs Virus – What Does It Do?
When infection with this ransomware happens, you could see it’s ransom note to appear on your desktop or somewhere else, looking like the following:
Be advised that the virus in the meantime may modify the following Windows registry keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
When having infected your computer, the Yjqs virus will create and locate it’s malicious files in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
.yjqs Files – What Are They?
To encrypt your important files, this infection aims to skip system directories of Windows so you can still use your machine to pay the ransom. Other than that, the following files may be it’s main target:
- Audio file formats (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Pictures (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video file types (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Document file kinds (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Other types of often used data.
It’s important to know that after encrypting your files, their core data structure is changed. The virus generates a unique decryption key that is known only by the cybercriminals and they extort you for it.
After encryption, the files look like the following example displays:
Picture.jpg.yjqs
Keep reading this article to find more about how you can get rid of this infection and try to get your files back.
How to Remove Yjqs Virus?
For the removal of the Yjqs virus to be effective, we would suggest following the removal manual that has been posted underneath this article. It contains the steps that are necessary to delete this infection manually, using the information in this article, or automatically. For the best removal, the automatic approach is more appropriate, as experts would also recommend. It consists of downloading and scanning your computer by using a professional anti-malware tool. Such software will professionally scan your computer system and automatically get rid of any malicious files plus protect it in the future as well.
How to Decrypt .yjqs Files?
One way to decrypt your files is to download and try the STOP Ransomware File Decryption Guide using the STOP Decryptor – software that is made by malware researchers with the main idea to help victims of the virus for free.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
Be advised, that this virus is the type of infection that uses two types of decryption keys when it comes to locking down your files. If the key is offline type, you have some chance at restoring your face after a free decryption is released in a week or so. If the key is online, then your chances of getting your files back using decryption drastically drop. This is why we would recommend trying out the alternative ways to recover in your files below. They may not work at 100%, but many of our users reported that they have been able to recover up to 80% of the files, depending on the state of their drive and how much luck they have.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Yjqs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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 Yjqs
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Yjqs.
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 Yjqs 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.
Yjqs-FAQ
What is Yjqs Ransomware?
Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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 Yjqs Infect?
Via several ways.Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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 .Yjqs files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Yjqs 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 .Yjqs files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Yjqs" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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 Yjqs ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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 Yjqs Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Yjqs 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 Yjqs 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.