Geek's Advice

YOQS ransomware is a malicious virus that encrypts user’s files on a computer

YOQS ransomware is a computer threat originating from the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware family. This virus mostly hides in pirated software versions, and it aims to encrypt all of victim’s files on a computer. During the attack, the virus appends .yoqs file extension to every modified file. For instance, a file originally named 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.yoqs. At the same time, this ransomware drops text notes called _readme.txt in every affected data folder. This note suggests that the only way to recover files is to pay a ransom and get YOQS file decryption tool from cybercriminals.

This malicious computer virus is designed to modify all of victim’s files on a personal or work computer and connected drives using a combination of robust encryption algorithms. Once files are encrypted, the only way to restore them is by using a private decryption key, which is kept by ransomware operators. They suggest selling it for a specified price, or in other words, they try to extort you after taking your files hostage.

The ransom note dropped by the criminals, _readme.txt, contains brief message which suggests that the victim can test the said decryption tool. They ask to send one small encrypted file to them and they promise to reply with a decrypted version of it. However, they warn not to send file that contains valuable information, or the test decryption service will be denied.

The attackers also suggest writing to them within 72 hours and promise to provide a 50% discount on the decryption key and software. This would mean the decryption costs $490; otherwise, the victim will be asked to pay full price, which is $980. The note contains two email addresses that belong to the criminals – support@sysmail.ch or helpsupportmanager@airmail.cc. After contacting them via email, the victim receives instructions how to pay up.

Operators of ransomware viruses usually do not accept any other form of payment other than cryptocurrency-based ones. This helps to keep their identity private and prevents law enforcement institutions from tracking them down.

Cybersecurity experts advise following FBI recommendations regarding ransom payments. The regular advice is to NOT PAY THE RANSOM. Not only it doesn’t guarantee data recovery, but also marks you as a potential target who is willing to pay up. This ransomware strain is known to carry VIDAR Trojan alongside it. This threat is used to collect sensitive data from victim’s computer, such as account login credentials, browser-saved passwords, cryptocurrency wallets and more; with their hands on such data, cybercriminals can continue to blackmail you. Besides, paying a ransom only funds further illegal operations that the criminals plan to carry out.

We advise you to remove YOQS ransomware as soon as you can. To ensure that the malware residing on your computer gets deleted safely, we suggest you to follow instructions provided below this article. You will need to boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking and run antivirus software from there. It is recommended that you update it to the latest version before running a full system scan. For YOQS virus removal, we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus if you do not have a security software yet. Additionally, a scan with RESTORO (download link) can help you to identify virus damage caused on Windows PC files. Full version of it can repair these issues automatically.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution tactics: how to avoid getting infected

Variants of STOP/DJVU like YOQS ransomware usually await for unsuspecting victims in illegal software versions (pirated software versions) that are presented as torrents or archive files in various rogue websites. Such websites usually lure computer users promising to provide 100% working full versions of premium computer software. Victims who have been infected with this or previous STOP/DJVU variants report attempting to get one of the listed programs from rogue websites:

• VMware Workstation;
• Tenorshare 4ukey;
• Adobe Photoshop;
• Cubase;
• Opera browser;
• Virtual DJ Pro;
• CorelDraw;
• Fifa 20;
• AutoCad;
• Adobe Illustrator;
• League of Legends;
• Internet Download Manager;
• KMSPico (illegal Windows activation tool);
• Various AV software.

Risks associated with usage of pirated software versions are extremely damaging. To begin with, you can get fined for using or distributing copyright-protected content; however, trying to download such content can severely compromise your computer. Most of these downloads are fake and used as a bait to drop malicious payloads on your computer. If not ransomware, you can get various Trojans, cryptocurrency miners, keyloggers or backdoors from such downloads. Therefore, even if legitimate copies of computer programs seem expensive to you, remember that the damage caused by pirated software can result in much larger expenses. For this reason, you should always stick with legitimate websites belonging to software developers or confirmed partners only.

Ransomware-type viruses are also distributed via malicious emails; criminals hide them in file formats such as DOCX, PDF, XLS, or RAR. The email usually advises opening the attached file and replying to the sender. In other cases, the scammers ask to review attached information, for example, to confirm order details or review parcel tracking details. These emails can be extremely convincing, taking into account that crooks often use email spoofing techniques. Our typical advice is to avoid opening emails that you did not expect to receive, ones with unfamiliar greeting line, many typo mistakes and urgent tone.

Finally, if you’ve fallen victim to STOP/DJVU ransomware attack, we advise you to be careful and avoid exploring suspicious websites offering 100% working decryption methods. The only way to restore your files encrypted by STOP/DJVU is either if you were affected by old version or offline key encryption (for some versions) or if you have a data backup. You can read more about this in this STOP/DJVU decryption/repair guide. Be aware that scammers are distributing fake decryption tools online only to deliver second ransomware infection.

More details on the computer attack you experienced

YOQS ransomware begins the attack by downloading several additional executables to the system. The main executable used to carry the attack is usually named by 4 random characters, for instance, 5A8B.exe. It downloads other components – winupdate.exe (fake Windows update prompt), build.exe and build2.exe for additional help.

The virus first attempts to find out victim’s computer’s location to decide whether the data encryption will be used. For this, the victim requests a response from https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and saves the response into geo.json or geo[1].json file. This file comprises information such as longitude, latitude, zip code, country code and name, city and other details concerning infected PC’s location. See some examples of this file in the image below.

The virus then performs a check whether the location matches with one from its exception list. In case it detects that the computer is located in Russia, Tajikistan, Syria, Belarus, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kazachstan, and Kyrgyzstan, it doesn’t carry out the data encryption phase and deletes itself. Otherwise, it continues the attack and gathers information about the system hardware, installed software and active processes into information.txt file as shown below.

Next, the ransomware tries to obtain an encryption key from its server. If it succeeds to do so, the victim’s data will be affected with so-called “online encryption,” which gives no chances to recover data in the future (without data backups). Otherwise, if the connection fails, it uses a hardcoded encryption key, also known as “offline” key. The victims of offline encryption may have a chance to recover their files someday as explained in this guide. The key and generated victim’s ID will be saved to files called bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt as shown below.

The ransomware then begins applying Salsa20 encryption and securing it with public RSA-2048 key. During this procedure, files will be marked with .yoqs file extension.

The virus also drops _readme.txt notes in every folder. Contents of this note are shown below.

To prevent easy data recovery for the victim, this ransomware runs a task via Command Prompt:

^{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

Finally, the malware modifies Windows HOSTS file to block a set of domains related to computer security. It is believed that ransomware operators want to shut the victim out from relevant information online.

Remove YOQS Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

If you have been affected by a file-encrypting malware, it is now time to clean your computer from malicious remains. Our team recommends investing in a trustworthy antivirus software so that it could protect you from future ransomware and other malware attacks. To remove YOQS ransomware virus, consider using a well-reviewed software – INTEGO Antivirus. You should run it in Safe Mode with Networking as explained below.

Moreover, our experts suggest downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage inflicted on Windows OS files.

Further recommendations after completion of YOQS ransomware removal are listed below.

• Inform local law enforcement agency about the cybercrime incident;
• Ensure that your computer is malware-free before using data backups;
• Read about possible ways to repair/decrypt files damaged by STOP/DJVU variants.
• Replace all your passwords that were used on the compromised computer.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

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:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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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.