Remove LYLI Ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)

LYLI virus belongs to ransomware category

Contents

LYLI virus belongs to ransomware category
- Message in _Readme.txt ransom note
Changes that have been done to your files
Ransomware encryption symptoms
Get to know ransomware distribution tactics to prevent infections
Best way to remove LYLI ransomware from your computer
Decrypt LYLI files
Frequently Asked Questions

LYLI is a variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware-type virus. During the cyber attack, this virus encrypts victim’s private files (archives, documents, photos, videos), and marks them with .lyli extension. For instance, 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.lyli after the attack. The aim of ransomware-type viruses like this is to make files impossible to open, then force the victim to pay a ransom. To provide a message from virus’ developers, the malware drops _readme.txt files in every damaged folder. The note states that in order to decrypt files, the victim needs to pay from $490 to $980 in Bitcoins.

Computer users might download LYLI ransomware along illegal downloads such as game or software cracks. Once the victim opens the deceitful file, the virus starts encrypting the data. This process might affect every type of file in your PC. Usually, this method leaves a user extremely frustrated since most of us have valuable files on our systems – no matter whether the value is sentimental, or financial.

In this guide, I will explain how this ransomware operates, provide ways to safely remove it yourself, and explain everything related to .lyli file decryption.

Example of computer folder affected by this ransomware and a preview of _readme.txt file.

Message in _Readme.txt ransom note

The ransom note contains the basic information on what was done to your files. It states the obvious – that your personal data has been encrypted by the virus. Its main focus is to cause panic and rushed decisions since it claims, that if you do not pay the ransom of $490 in the first 72 hours, the price will double to $980 afterward.

The message states, that making the payment is the only way to decrypt .lyli files. In addition, the victim is told to avoid using any third-party decryption tools since it might deny the possibility to restore the access. Additionally, developers of the virus suggest that they can do a ‘trial decryption’ – a process in which the victim sends one encrypted file to the emails helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc so that they could return the same file decrypted as a proof.

Experts warn not to pay the ransom

We highly recommend you take a different course of action than cybercriminals advise. In our experience, as well as FBI recommends, cybercriminals are not trustworthy, to say the least. For example, there were reported cases of further blackmailing even after the initial payment was made.

It is worth mentioning that the sole purpose of these cyberattacks is to make a financial profit, so if the crooks see an opportunity to exploit the victim even more – they will definitely do it. In essence, there is no guarantee that you will get the promised decryption tool even after paying the ransom.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND PAYING THE RANSOM. Try the suggested recovery/decryption tools first to repair virus damage and attempt to restore your files.
Norbert Webb

For this reason, our team recommends you to remove LYLI virus from your system first. This action will protect you from even more extensive damage that could be done to your PC and will help you to avoid pointless financial loss. You might want to use the recommended software for virus damage repair on your operating system.

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Changes that have been done to your files

As mentioned previously, this virus uses the RSA cryptography algorithm to ensure your files’ inaccessibility. To explain, RSA cipher is one of the first public-key cryptosystems which, in principle, should be used for safe data transition. However, certain people use it for criminal activities like encrypting someone’s personal files and trying to extort one to pay ransom in exchange for LYLI decryption tool and key.

Example of folder containing encrypted files.

Unfortunately, since RSA is a military-grade cipher, it is basically impossible to decrypt it manually. An individual decryption key is created for every individual case – you need to have it in order to remove the cipher from your files but it’s in hacker’s possession; However, you do have an option to remove it from your system and restore your files from a back-up.

Name	LYLI Ransomware
Type	Crypto-virus; File Locker; Ransomware
Executable file	1583.exe, 7528.exe or similar
Origins	STOP/DJVU
Other versions	UIGD, VLFF, MMUZ, RGUY, HFGD, KKIA, SSOI (find full list here)
Encryption algorithm	RSA
Version	245th
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom amount	$490 in 3 days, $980 if later
Extension used	.lyli
Detection name examples	TR/AD.InstaBot.wqqyp (Avira), Win32.Trojan.PSE.1L1VYIG (GData), Ransom:Win32/STOP.BS!rfn (Microsoft)
Symptoms of infection	Victim discovers all files with new extensions and impossible to open. Each folder contains a text note from the criminals.
Additional damage	This ransomware is known to install AZORULT Password-Stealer on the infected host. The malware also alters Windows HOSTS file. Learn how to reset it here.
Distribution	Arrives in a form of software and game cracks, key generators and other tools promoted via untrustworthy sites. Such files typically can be downloaded via clients like Torrent or zMule.
Removal	Remove unwanted malware damage using software like RESTORO. You can read its review here.

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Ransomware encryption symptoms

LYLI ransomware, just like other members of the STOP/DJVU family tends to carry out the payload silently. A good example is fake Windows update screens – it asks for the ability to make changes on your system but in reality, it gets a perfect disguise to jeopardize your personal files in the background. For this reason, ordinary users might have no idea of what is actually happening on their system.

Moreover, this type of ransomware is known to make changes to the Windows Hosts file, which enables it to withhold your access to various anti-malware sites, forums, and fixes. As a result, the victim is not able to seek any help or advice regarding this cyberattack and that makes a person who does not have sufficient knowledge in cybersecurity even more frustrated.

Furthermore, similar types of ransomware are known to make changes/or delete Wuauserv file from your system. This is done to prevent your operating system from updating itself. This is not only incredibly irritating, but dangerous as well since a system that is not up to date might be exposed to even more cyberattacks. Learn more about ransomware prevention here.

Get to know ransomware distribution tactics to prevent infections

Basically, there are various ways that are used by the developers of STOP/DJVU malware family. The most common way of spreading it is through various forms of illegal downloads. For example, cybercriminals tend to attach versions of the virus (such as MOSS, COPA, NPPH, KOLZ, BOOP) to other software which is then uploaded to various file-sharing websites or peer-to-peer networks, such as Torrent or zMule. The virus file might be disguised as any other well-known software, for example, Fl studio or Adobe.

Another way to distribute LYLI ransomware is through spam email campaigns. The principle here is really straightforward – hackers create a deceitful email that might be disguised as various types of invitations, business or job offers, special deals, ads, etc. Usually, the email urges the user to open a link or a file attached to it – once that is done, the virus starts the intrusion into your system.

To avoid these kinds of threats, we recommend you use only official/verified sites to download software, you should do a background check before committing to it. Keep in mind, that the damage done to your system by downloading irresponsibly might outweigh the benefits gained from it. If you desperately need to do so, at least scan the file with antivirus first. If you get a red warning saying it is dangerous, do not take the risk and never open it.

Secondly, always pay close attention to various pop-ups while surfing, do not press on suspicious-looking ads. Finally, be careful when opening your emails, especially if they seem to appear in your mailbox from a random source.

Please share your experience how you downloaded this ransomware in the comments below. This way, others will know how to avoid installing similar threats in the future.

Best way to remove LYLI ransomware from your computer

It is crucial that you take all the steps necessary to remove LYLI ransomware virus from your system as soon as possible before it does any more damage. Besides, you also need to stop any gateways this malware left for other infections to enter the system, not to even speak about the activity of AZORULT. In short, you must eliminate all threats from the system first. To do this, we recommend you use a trustworthy anti-malware software that would be capable of dealing with this kind of task.

We strongly recommend RESTORO as a perfect tool for virus damage repair since it makes the process of restoring opeating system to a healthy condition easier and helps to repair the damage done to your PC after LYLI ransomware removal.

We strongly suggest changing all of your passwords you kept saved in your browsers after the ransomware removal (due to the AZORULT activity). This way, scammers won’t take control of them.

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Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

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LYLI Ransomware virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove LYLI Ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.

Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove LYLI Ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users

Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.

Step 2. Start System Restore process

Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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Decrypt LYLI files

Fix and open large LYLI files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the LYLI extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. LYLI Ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like UIGD, VLFF, MMUZ, RGUY, HFGD, KKIA, SSOI (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt LYLI files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring LYLI files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The LYLI decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your LYLI extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of LYLI Ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .LYLI files?

You can only open LYLI files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official LYLI decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake LYLI decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.