YGVB ransomware is a computer virus that encrypts all computer-stored files
Contents
YGVB ransomware is a highly dangerous computer virus that has just emerged from the notorious STOP/DJVU ransomware group. This malware was developed by cybercriminals with the intention to encrypt files contained in any computer it is able to infiltrate while also appending .ygvb extension to all the filenames respectively. For example, a file that was formerly known as 1.jpg would automatically become 1.jpg.ygvb. Also, the ransomware typically drops certain messages known as _readme.txt ransom notes in all the folders contained in the infected computer. These ransom notes will notify the victim to pay a specific amount of money as ransom to enable them receive YGVB file decryption tool.
The sole aim of this computer threat is to extort the user by taking all of his/hers files hostage. It uses a combination of Salsa20 and RSA-2048 encryption algorithms to make data completely inaccessible for the victim.
Ransom note contents and reasons why you shouldn’t pay the ransom
By reading the contents of the _readme.tx notes, the victim will realize that the entire data is stored in the computer, including vital documents and pictures among others have been encrypted by the YGVB ransomware. To facilitate further discussions, those behind the ransomware attack will drop two email addresses, namely; manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc. with suggestions that the victim should respond to them using any of the two. There is also a condition attached to it, e.g. if the victim would be able to respond within 72 hours i.e. 3 days, the decryption tool would cost them $490 but once it exceeds this deadline, the victim would be mandated to pay $980.
Whatever be the case, the only acceptable medium of payment is through cryptocurrency simply because the cybercriminals are desperately avoiding having their location tracked by the police or other law enforcement agencies. In other words, once the victim responds via the email address, they will be notified to make use of cryptocurrency exchange platforms in purchasing the equivalent amount as stipulated in the ransom fee and transferring same to the wallet address that would be forwarded to them.
Furthermore, as a way of showing their capability, the cybercriminals will also inform the victim, through the ransom notes, to attach and email to them a randomly selected encrypted file for test decryption. They will also warn that such file must not contain any information they could deem as valuable to the victim. The aim is to influence the victim to pay the ransom.
However, cybersecurity professionals including the FBI advise victims of ransomware not to pay ransom. The reason is because it does not guarantee data recovery and worse still; it makes it profitable for the cybercriminals and also enables them to fund their operations. In addition to that, cybercriminals are greedy in nature and thus likely to attack the victim again in order to extort more money from them.
More details about the ransomware
Remarkably, cybersecurity researchers studying STOP/DJVU variants have discovered that these viruses are configured to avoid encrypting files contained in computers that are located in some countries such as Ukraine, Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazachstan, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The malware will also make a connection with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json before saving the outcome in a geo.json file, and would also contain some important details including the country where it is located, zip code, IP address, city, longitude and latitude. The malware will also verify if the computer’s geolocation details are related with any of the aforementioned exempted countries, and the outcome will determine if it would proceed with the attack or not.
This ransomware variant operates by using offline or online encryption mode. The encryption mode used may leave no chances to recover files. However, if offline encryption was used, it might be possible to recover your files in the future. Victims of offline encryption typically can notice t1 characters at the end of the string located in C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt file dropped by the virus. You can read more about it in this guide.
The virus also modifies Windows HOSTS file by uploading a list of domains to block. It maps them to computer’s localhost IP and causes DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error to appear in web browser whenever the user attempts to visit one of them.
Additional threats may be installed
What makes YGVB virus even more hazardous is the fact that data encryption is not its only function, as it is known to further install additional information-stealing malware including the infamous Remote Access Trojans (RATs). VIDAR and AZORULT are the latest “RATs” that have been detected to travel alongside STOP/DJVU variants. These Trojans can easily obtain a victim’s sensitive details such as passwords, cryptocurrency wallets and browsing history among others which the cybercriminals could use in further blackmailing their victim.
For those that are victims already, you’re hereby advised to quickly remove YGVB ransomware virus as well as any other accompanying Trojan from your computer. While trying to do so with the use of any trusted antivirus, it is recommended that your computer should be booted using the Safe Mode with Networking option. More details about this are explained below. Once this process is completed, you should also consider downloading RESTORO which you can use in scanning and repairing Windows OS files that were damaged by the virus.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | YGVB Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | EEYU, AAYU, AABN, AAMV, AAWT, EEBN, (find full list here) |
| Version | 452nd |
| Extension | .ygvb |
| Cybercriminal emails | manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .ygvb extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Screenshot of files encrypted by this ransomware.
Contents of ransom note dubbed _readme.txt are show below.
Ways of Preventing Ransomware Infections
Generally, most computer ransomware threats are typically spread via download of illegal software contents and fake update tools as well as malicious email attachments. However, in the case of STOP/DJVU malware variants including YGVB virus, the major way through which they are distributed is when individuals try to make use of pirated software copies sourced from torrent listings or dubious websites.
Records have shown that most victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware attacks experienced such after they visited malicious online platforms that claim to provide full premium but illegal software versions. Therefore, any attempt to avoid paying the requisite software license fees by seeking for alternative measures could potentially result in severe ransomware attack. Some of the fake software versions that were downloaded by STOP/DJVU ransomware victims prior to an attack are listed below:
- Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/Premiere Pro;
- AutoCad;
- Cubase;
- Corel Draw;
- Internet Download Manager;
- League of Legends;
- Tenorshare 4ukey;
- VMware Workstation.
Based on these threats, we strongly advise that download of software copies should only be done on the legitimate sites of the original content producers or their affiliates. There is need to also apply caution when opening emails. Cybercriminals often impersonate others or even notable brands and would send emails accompanied with malicious attachments crafted in DOCX, PDF or XLS etc. They typically make use of these ones because they enable macro functions that transport and trigger payloads. Avoid emails that appear weird or unsolicited.
In conclusion, victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware should shun dubious online sites that claim to offer decryption solutions. Only the duo of DiskTuna and Emsisoft has been confirmed to be effective as decryption tools. Indiscriminate attempts at using unverified decryption tools can cause double-file encryption.
Remove YGVB Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
To effectively remove YGVB ransomware virus and any other accompanying malware from an infected computer, you can follow the direction outlined below. The first step is to boot your computer using the Safe Mode with Networking option before running a RELIABLE antivirus on it. To achieve optimal results, you should only make use of genuine antivirus software. In addition, download RESTORO to repair Windows OS files damaged or corrupted by computer malware.
Below are the steps to follow if you’ve successfully finished YGVB ransomware removal:
- Report the ransomware attack to the local police authorities.
- Make use of any available backup device to restore lost files.
- Study more about how STOP/DJVU encrypted files can possibly be repaired or decrypted.
- You should change all passwords that were entered in the compromised computer without further delay.
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REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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YGVB 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 YGVB 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 YGVB 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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Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.
Decrypt YGVB files
Fix and open large YGVB 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 YGVB 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. YGVB Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like EEYU, AAYU, AABN, AAMV, AAWT, EEBN, (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 YGVB 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 YGVB 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 YGVB 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 YGVB 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 YGVB 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
You can only open YGVB files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
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.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official YGVB 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).
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.
Beware of fake YGVB 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 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.
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