This article will aid you to remove Yolo Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
Yolo Ransomware is one that encrypts your data with and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. The Yolo Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as text file. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | Yolo ransomware |
| 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 ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Yolo 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. |
Yolo Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The Yolo ransomware samples have been captured in a low-volume attack campaign which doesn’t give out which is the main method. It is possible that the virus samples are early test releases or interim development versions which means that they can be used as the primary payload.
A popular method is the coordination of email SPAM messages which are used to send out fake notifications from well known companies and services. The files are sent directly as attachments or linked in the body contents. All of the interactive elements that are embedded can potentially be used to cause a virus infection: pop-ups, banners, text links and etc.
The Yolo ransomware can also be spread via malicious sites that use the same strategy — they attempt to confuse the visitors into thinking that they have accessed the real company or product site. Similar sounding domain names are used along with security certificates that may be self-signed or stolen. These are the primary warning signs that a potentially malicious page is being accessed.
The criminal collective behind the infections can also use payload delivery in order to infect the target machines. This relies on the code insertion into different files. Two of the most popular categories include the following:
- Infected Documents — The code can be placed in macros in some of the most popular document types: spreadsheets, presentations, databases and text files. If they are opened by the victims a prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done the virus installation will take place.
- Setup Files — The virus code can be embedded in installers for a variety of popular applications: creativity suites, system utilities and productivity programs. When they are run the virus code will be implanted on the victim systems.
Larger campaigns can be achieved by implanting the samples in browser plugins — they are referred to as browser hijackers. Commoon places where they can be found include the relevant browser repositories where they are uploaded with elaborate descriptions and with fake user reviews. The goal of the hackers is to manipulate the visitors into thinking that they are going to install something useful that will add a new feature or in some way enhance their browser.
Yolo Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The Yolo ransomware is based on the Jigsaw malware family which shows that the hacker or criminal collective behind it may not be very experienced. The captured samples are early test releases and the full code analysis is not yet available however we assume that the well-known behavior pattern will be executed here as well. The sources of these viruses are usually traded on the underground hacker forums. The hackers may have taken the Jigsaw code and modified it by themselves or they may have ordered a custom version from the dark web marketplaces.
The collected samples appear to include a stealth installation module which will sleep the virus before it launches its malicious components. This is done in order to evade heuristic scan of anti-malware and anti-virus programs which assume that infections will occur instantly after deployment.
Not surprisingly one of the first modules that are run is the data harvesting one. It is used to scan the system for sensitive information that is used to generate an unique ID for each affected machine. It is calculated by an algorithm that takes many input parameters: installed hardware components, system values and user settings. It can also be programmed to reveal the identity of the victim users: their name, address, phone number, interests and any stored account data and login details. This information can be used to carry out various crimes: identity theft, financial abuse and etc.
The Yolo ransomware sets itself in a memory guarded region which is a popular trick for disabling debug environments and virtual machine hosts. There are other security software that can be bypassed: anti-virus, firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Once the Yolo ransomware has obtained control of the affected machines it will hook up to existing processes: both system and third-party ones. This will allow it to spy on the users interaction in real-time. This is very dangerous if coupled with a Trojan module — a local client that can establish a connection with a hacker-controlled server. The criminals will have the ability to take over control of the infected computers, steal their files and also deploy other malware.
Yolo Ransomware – Encryption Process
The ransomware engine will be called when the prior components have finished running. It will use a built-in list of target file type extensions which is typical of the Jigsaw ransowmare family. An example one will target the following data:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Music
- Videos
- Images
The code analysis shows that the following file type extensions are affected in one fo the captured samples:
.jpg .jpeg .raw .tif .gif .png .bmp.3dm .max.accdb .db .dbf .mdb .pdb .sql.dwg .dxf.c .cpp .cs .h .php .asp .rb .java .jar .class .py .js.aaf .aep .aepx .plb .prel .prproj .aet .ppj .psd .indd .indl .indt .indb .inx .idml .pmd .xqx .xqx .ai .eps .ps .svg .swf .fla .as3 .as.txt .doc .dot .docx .docm .dotx .dotm .docb .rtf .wpd .wps .msg .pdf .xls .xlt .xlm .xlsx .xlsm .xltx .xltm .xlsb .xla .xlam .xll .xlw .ppt .pot .pps .pptx .pptm .potx .potm .ppam .ppsx .ppsm .sldx .sldm.wav .mp3 .aif .iff .m3u .m4u .mid .mpa .wma .ra .avi .mov .mp4 .3gp .mpeg .3g2 .asf .asx .flv .mpg .wmv .vob .m3u8 .mkv.dat .csv .efx .sdf .vcf .xml .ses.rar .zip .7zip
The .Yolo extension will be applied to all victim files. The associated ransomware note will be a standard one, crafted in a text or HTML file.
Remove Yolo Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the Yolo ransomware 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 computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided 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 Yolo ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo 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 Yolo 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.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Yolo ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Yolo ransomware.
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 Yolo ransomware 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.
Yolo ransomware-FAQ
What is Yolo ransomware Ransomware?
Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware 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 .Yolo ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Yolo ransomware 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 .Yolo ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Yolo ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Yolo ransomware 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 Yolo ransomware 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.
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