This article will help you remove the .Ykcol File Virus fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end of the article.
.Ykcol File Virus is the newest Locky ransomware variant placing the .ykcol extension to all encrypted files. Ykcol is actually the name “Locky” spelled backwards. Your computer machine can get infected by you opening an email attachment or something similar, thus getting all your files locked. Changes which are apparent in this iteration of the virus are in its infection method, ransom note, and payment price. Keep on reading and check if you can potentially recover your file data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Ykcol File Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The .Ykcol file virus is a new variant of Locky ransomware. The cryptovirus has some changes mainly in its infection method, ransom note, and payment price. |
| Symptoms | Your files are encrypted and will get the .ykcol extension attached to them. You see a ransom note with instructions which states that the encryption which is used is both AES and RSA. |
| Distribution Method | Phishing Email Campaigns with File Attachments, Malicious Domains |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Ykcol File Virus. |
| 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. |
Update November 2017: The latest news around Locky’s “.Ykcol” variant is that a new email spam campaign is spreading in the beginning of November. The invoice this time is labeled “Emailed Invoice – 435346” where the 6 digits are random for every recipient. The contents look like the following:
From: Carey Burnaby (Carey@[the domain is made to look like your email domain])
As requested
regards
Carey Burnaby—
Carey BurnabyAttachment: I_435346.7z
The attachment opens a “I_435346.js” file which is a JavaScript Downloader that will put the payload file of Locky from one of these sites:
Notice! The above list with domains is for purely informational purposes and it is strongly advised against the opening of any of them, because they will download the virus onto your computer.
Update September 2017: This variant of the Locky ransomware is continued to be spread via multiple spam campaigns which are a little bit different than the one described further in the article. Since the initial wave with emails that had the subject line “Status of Invoice” now the following subjects are also seen to spread the virus:
- Message from km_224e
- HERBALIFE Order Number: F93HL47301
- Emailing – 27698399359
- Status of Invoice K2948610-26
- Your Payment # 0098
- New Voice message 2384904 in mailbox 2384904 from “2384904” <367567831>
Fortinet has reported to have seen some of these campaigns and also reported that the “Message from km_224e” has also been used in the past to deliver the Jaff Ransomware virus. The numbers above are set as an example but vary and whatever number you see in the subject line, that is what you will see on the attached archive file as well. The other change to the .Ykcol File Virus is that the price is now doubled and is 0.50 Bitcoin which equals to almost 2,000 US dollars at the time of writing.
.Ykcol File Virus – Propagation Techniques
The .Ykcol File Virus is propagating itself via a massive e-mail spam campaign. The e-mail has “Status of invoice” written as a subject. Inside there is a .7z or a .7zip file attached to the e-mail. That file contains a VBS script, which upon execution will download the virus payload from a malicious domain. The payload will then be automatically executed, thus infecting your computer system and getting your files encrypted. The text of the e-mail message is the following:
Hello,
Could you please let me know the status of the attached invoice? I appreciate your help!
Best regards,
Mark Loopis
Tel: 554-762-3658 x 100
Fax: 554-762-3687
*NEW* Ordering@lakolee(.)com
* Kindly note we will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day *
Other emails with different texts are sure to pop up in the near future. You can see a sample with one such script file on the VirusTotal service below:
Below you can see the domains spreading this variant of the ransomware:
Notice! The above list with domains is for purely informational purposes and it is strongly advised against the opening of any of them, because they will download the virus onto your computer.
Before opening any file from the Internet, always perform a scan with a security program. You should read the ransomware preventing tips in our forum to inform yourself better about methods for fighting such malware threats.
.Ykcol File Virus – Technical Details
The .Ykcol File Virus is the newest Locky ransomware version. The extension .Ykcol is placed to all encrypted files. Ykcol is the name “Locky” spelled backwards. This version of the notorious cryptovirus has been spreading alongside the TrickBot Banking Trojan via the Necurs Botnet.
The Locky ransomware also makes entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a higher level of persistence. Registry entries of that caliber are typically designed to start the virus automatically with every launch of the Windows Operating System or even repress and tamper with processes.
The message with the ransom payment instructions appears to have only some symbols changed, leaving the core of the ransom note intact and is once more stored in two files. Those files are with a .bmp and a .htm extension. You can preview the image that replaces your Desktop background right down here:
The ransom message reads the following:
$.*-+|$*$
*$*$-= _ *_+
=|.=|=|*_*
=++_+*!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
https://en.wildpedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_StandardDecrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
If all of this addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/downIoad/download-easy.html
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.3. Type in the address bar: g46mbrrzpfszonuk.onion
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal identification ID: !!!
– =.-+* =
*_|+*|_-.$.|+**
You can preview the .html version of that note in the picture down here:
Here is how the TOR payment page looks like:
Here is what it says on the TOR payment page:
Languages: English
Locky Decryptor™
We present a special software – Locky Decryptor™ –
which allows to decrypt and return control to all your encrypted files.How to buy Locky Decryptor™?
You can make a payment with BitCoins, there are many methods to get them.You should register BitCoin wallet:
Simplest online wallet or Some other methods of creating wallet
Purchasing Bitcoins, although it’s not yet easy to buy bitcoins, it’s getting simpler every day.
Here are our recommendations:
localbitcoins.com (WU) Buy Bitcoins with Western Union.
coincafe.com Recommended for fast, simple service.
Payment Methods: Western Union, Bank of America, Cash by FedEx, Moneygram, Money Order. In NYC: Bitcoin ATM, in person.
localbitcoins.com Service allows you to search for people in your community willing to sell bitcoins to you directly.
cex.io Buy Bitcoins with VISA/MASTERCARD or wire transfer.
btcdirect.eu The best for Europe.
bitquick.co Buy Bitcoins instantly for cash.
howtobuybitcoins.info An international directory of bitcoin exchanges.
cashintocoins.com Bitcoin for cash.
coinjar.com CoinJar allows direct bitcoin purchases on their site.
anxpro.com
bittylicious.comSend 0.25 BTC to Bitcoin address:
Note: Payment pending up to 30 mins or more for transaction confirmation, please be patient…
Date Amount BTC Transaction ID Confirmations
not foundRefresh the page and download decryptor.
When Bitcoin transactions will receive one confirmation, you will be redirected to the page for downloading the decryptor.
As you can see from the TOR payment page above, the .Ykcol file virus wants you to pay 0.25 Bitcoin, which equates to around 985 US dollars at the moment of writing. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay anything to these cybercriminals. Nobody can guarantee that you will recover your data upon paying, or that you won’t get your files infected again in the near future. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals could be interpreted as supporting them financially, and could also motivate them to keep creating more ransomware viruses. Apparently, the latter is true as new variants of Locky ransomware keep showing up.
.Ykcol File Virus – Encryption Process
The .Ykcol File Virus appends the .Ykcol extension to all encrypted files, which is actually “Locky ” spelled backwards. As malware researchers have confirmed that it is indeed a new variant of the Locky Ransomware, it is most likely seeking to encrypt files with extensions such as its previous versions:
→.001, .002, .003, .004, .005, .006, .007, .008, .009, .010, .011, .123, .1cd, .3dm, .3ds, .3fr, .3g2, .3gp, .3pr, .602, .7z, .7zip, .ARC, .CSV, .DOC, .DOT, .MYD, .MYI, .NEF, .PAQ, .PPT, .RTF, .SQLITE3, .SQLITEDB, .XLS, .aac, .ab4, .accdb, .accde, .accdr, .accdt, .ach, .acr, .act, .adb, .adp, .ads, .aes, .agdl, .ai, .aiff, .ait, .al, .aoi, .apj, .apk, .arw, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .aspx, .asset, .asx, .avi, .awg, .back, .backup, .backupdb, .bak, .bank, .bat, .bay, .bdb, .bgt, .bik, .bin, .bkp, .blend, .bmp, .bpw, .brd, .bsa, .cdf, .cdr, .cdr3, .cdr4, .cdr5, .cdr6, .cdrw, .cdx, .ce1, .ce2, .cer, .cfg, .cgm, .cib, .class, .cls, .cmd, .cmt, .config, .contact, .cpi, .cpp, .cr2, .craw, .crt, .crw, .cs, .csh, .csl, .csr, .css, .csv, .d3dbsp, .dac, .das, .dat, .db, .db3, .db_journal, .dbf, .dbx, .dc2, .dch, .dcr, .dcs, .ddd, .ddoc, .ddrw, .dds, .der, .des, .design, .dgc, .dif, .dip, .dit, .djv, .djvu, .dng, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .drf, .drw, .dtd, .dwg, .dxb, .dxf, .dxg, .edb, .eml, .eps, .erbsql, .erf, .exf, .fdb, .ffd, .fff, .fh, .fhd, .fla, .flac, .flf, .flv, .flvv, .forge, .fpx, .frm, .fxg, .gif, .gpg, .gray, .grey, .groups, .gry, .gz, .hbk, .hdd, .hpp, .html, .hwp, .ibank, .ibd, .ibz, .idx, .iif, .iiq, .incpas, .indd, .iwi, .jar, .java, .jnt, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .kc2, .kdbx, .kdc, .key, .kpdx, .kwm, .laccdb, .lay, .lay6, .lbf, .ldf, .lit, .litemod, .litesql, .log, .ltx, .lua, .m2ts, .m3u, .m4a, .m4p, .m4u, .m4v, .mapimail, .max, .mbx, .md, .mdb, .mdc, .mdf, .mef, .mfw, .mid, .mkv, .mlb, .mml, .mmw, .mny, .moneywell, .mos, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .mrw, .ms11, .msg, .myd, .n64, .nd, .ndd, .ndf, .nef, .nk2, .nop, .nrw, .ns2, .ns3, .ns4, .nsd, .nsf, .nsg, .nsh, .nvram, .nwb, .nx2, .nxl, .nyf, .oab, .obj, .odb, .odc, .odf, .odg, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .ogg, .oil, .onetoc2, .orf, .ost, .otg, .oth, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pab, .pages, .pas, .pat, .pcd, .pct, .pdb, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .pif, .pl, .plc, .plus_muhd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prf, .ps, .psafe3, .psd, .pspimage, .pst, .ptx, .pwm, .py, .qba, .qbb, .qbm, .qbr, .qbw, .qbx, .qby, .qcow, .qcow2, .qed, .r3d, .raf, .rar, .rat, .raw, .rb, .rdb, .re4, .rm, .rtf, .rvt, .rw2, .rwl, .rwz, .s3db, .safe, .sas7bdat, .sav, .save, .say, .sch, .sd0, .sda, .sdf, .sh, .sldm, .sldx, .slk, .sql, .sqlite, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .sr2, .srf, .srt, .srw, .st4, .st5, .st6, .st7, .st8, .stc, .std, .sti, .stm, .stw, .stx, .svg, .swf, .sxc, .sxd, .sxg, .sxi, .sxm, .sxw, .tar, .tar.bz2, .tbk, .tex, .tga, .tgz, .thm, .tif, .tiff, .tlg, .txt, .uop, .uot, .upk, .vb, .vbox, .vbs, .vdi, .vhd, .vhdx, .vmdk, .vmsd, .vmx, .vmxf, .vob, .wab, .wad, .wallet, .wav, .wb2, .wk1, .wks, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .x11, .x3f, .xis, .xla, .xlam, .xlc, .xlk, .xlm, .xlr, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .ycbcra, .yuv, .zip
The encryption algorithm that is claimed to be used by Locky in all of its ransom notes is RSA-2048 with AES 128-bit ciphers. A file will be renamed and receive the new extension and its name will be something in the vicinity of 7d0f1033-1bgy-Hja224b-791ea9d1-80e2bb7af.ykcol. The length will always be the same, due to how the cryptovirus has been coded.
The Locky cryptovirus has a highly probability to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by executing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
That command eliminates one of the proper ways for restoring your computer system along with its files to a previous state. If the command is run, the encryption process of the virus will become quite more effective.
Remove .Ykcol File Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the .Ykcol File Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computer systems. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Ykcol File Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Ykcol File 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File Virus 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 .Ykcol File Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File 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.
.Ykcol File Virus-FAQ
What is .Ykcol File Virus Ransomware?
.Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File Virus Infect?
Via several ways..Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File 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 ..Ykcol File Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Ykcol File 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 ..Ykcol File Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Ykcol File Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Ykcol File 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 .Ykcol File 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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