This article aims to help you remove YourRansom ransomware using the .youransom file extension to encrypt files. It may also help restoring some of the encrypted files.
A virus has been spotted and reported to encrypt files of systems that are compromised. The ransomware is dubbed YouRansom by malware researchers and encodes files, dropping a README.txt file after that, which aims to offend and notify the victim to contact an e-mail for the return of files. Anyone who has been infected by this virus should not contact the e-mail i@bobiji.com mentioned in the note and read this article instead. It will help you remove YourRansom ransomware and to try and get your encrypted files back.
Threat Summary
| Name |
YourRansom |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and README.txt “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .youransom has been used. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss YourRansom. |
| 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. |
YourRansom Ransomware – How It Infects
In order to cause an infection, this particular ransomware virus may use spam e-mails in which it may include multiple e-mail attachments of malicious character. The malicious files that can be spread by this virus can vary, but they may be amongst the following file types:
→ ‘js’,’jse’,’html’,’htm’,’scr’,’sh’,’bat’,’jsx’,’cmd’,
‘vb’,’vbs’,’vbe’,’ws’,’wsf’,’wsc’,’wsh’,’ps1′,’ps1xml’,’ps2′,’ps2xml’,’psc1′,’psc2′,’msh’,’msh1′,’msh2′,’mshxml’, ‘msh1xml’,’msh2xml’,’scf’,’lnk’,’inf’,’reg’,’pif’,’hta’,’cpl’,’jar’,’class’, ‘exe”application’,’gadget’,’msi’,’msp’,’com’,’msc’,’sys’,’shs’,’wmf’,’chm’,’wmf’,’ozd’,’ocx’,’aru’,’xtbl’,’bin’,’exe1′,’386′,’dev’,’xnxx’,’vexe’,’tps’,’pgm’,’php3′,’hlp’,’vxd’,’buk’,’dxz’,’rsc_tmp’,’sop’,’wlpginstall’,’boo’,’bkd’,’tsa’,’cla’,’cih’,’kcd’,’s7p’,’smm’,’osa’,’exe_renamed’,’smtp’,’dom’,’vbx’,’hlw’,’dyz’,’rhk’,’fag’,’qrn’,’fnr’,’dlb’,’mfu’,’xir’,’lik’,’ctbl’,’dyv’,’bll’,’bxz’,’mjz’,’mjg’,’dli’,’fjl’,’ska’,’dllx’,’tti’,’upa’,’txs’,’wsh’,’uzy’,’cfxxe’,’xdu’,’bup’,’spam’,’nls’,’iws’,’ezt’,’oar’,’.9′,’blf’,’cxq’,’cxq’,’cc’,’dbd’,’xlv’,’rna’,’tko’,’delf’,’ceo’,’bhx’,’atm’,’lkh’,’vzr’,’ce0′,’bps’,’pid’,’hsq’,’zvz’,’bmw’,’fuj’,’ssy’,’hts’,’qit’,’aepl’,’dx’,’lok’,’plc’,’mcq’,’cyw’,’let’,’bqf’,’iva’,’xnt’,’pr’,’lpaq5′,’capxml’
The files may also be documents of Microsoft Office or Adobe Reader that have malicious macros embedded in them and may infect users by enabling those macros to edit and read the content of the document.
Usually the e-mails are written with messages that are deceptive and pretend that it’s of utmost urgency to take a look at the attachment. Most of them use big names of retailers, like FedEx, Amazon, bank names or other institutions, even governmental.
.youransom Ransomware – More Information
This particular ransomware virus may drop multiple files on the victim’s computer after an infection takes place. The files may be more than one and may be located in critical Windows folders, under different names, for example:
After dropping those files, the .youransom file virus may perform multiple activities on the victim’s computer, such as touch critical Windows files to ensure safe encryption, create mutexes and also heavily modify the Windows Registry Editor to ensure that the encryption runs on System Startup.
The .youransom ransomware may also delete the Shadow Volume copies of the infected computer to eliminate chances of restoring these files back to normal. This can happen via the bcedit and vssadmin commands:
For the file encryption process, .youransom ransomware does not mess around. The virus renders files unusable and ads a .youransom file extension to the files, making them appear like the following:
In addition to this, .youransom virus may also perform other activities on the infected machine. One of those activities is to generate a .key file which is also inaccessible. This specific file may also be encrypted by cyber-criminals and the unique decryption key could be sent to their servers. We understand this scenario is likely, because of the README.txt ransom note, dropped by this virus, which is rather offensive and disrespectful:
YourRansom Ransomware – Conclusion and Removal
Advices by experts are like with any other ransomware virus – do not pay the ransom! Even though YourRansom promises to restore the files for free, do not contact the e-mail and do not engage in any payment activity with cyber-criminals – they cannot be trusted. Instead you can remove this ransomware infection, preferably, by following our removal instructions below.
In case you are lacking the experience in malware removal or want maximum results, advices by analysts are always to use an anti-malware program for the scanning and removal of all objects modified or created by YourRansom ransomware.
For the restoration of the encrypted files, you can try and see the “2. Restore files encrypted by YourRansom” step below. They will help you get at least get some of the encrypted files back. But these have not yet been tested since the virus is in early stages (at the time of writing this), so make sure to back up your files before trying the methods out.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the YourRansom Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this YourRansom 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 YourRansom 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove YourRansom from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove YourRansom
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall YourRansom 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by YourRansom 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 YourRansom there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for YourRansom with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by YourRansom.
Ransomware infections and YourRansom 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of YourRansom from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall YourRansom 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to YourRansom:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to YourRansom. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to YourRansom. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 YourRansom 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as YourRansom. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by YourRansom.
Ransomware infections and YourRansom 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
YourRansom FAQ
What is YourRansom ransomware and how does it work?
YourRansom 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 algorithm how 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.
How does YourRansom ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.YourRansom Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of YourRansom 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 .YourRansom files?
You can't. At this point the .YourRansom files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .YourRansom files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by YourRansom ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".YourRansom" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .YourRansom files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of YourRansom ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate YourRansom ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .YourRansom files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like YourRansom ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
