Geek's Advice

YQAL ransomware encrypts your files, then demands ransom

YQAL ransomware is a nascent computer malware variant that belongs to the notorious STOP/DJVU ransomware group. It attacks all folders in any computer it infiltrates and makes them unusable by encrypting its data and appending .yqal extension to each filename. Take, for instance, a file that goes by the name 1.jpg is renamed to 1.jpg.yqal. While the cyberattack is still ongoing, the malware will simultaneously release a ransom note called _readme.txt in all the folders, respectively. Within the _readme.txt is a direct message from the rogue developers behind the cyberattack, instructing the victim to pay a ransom in exchange for YQAL decryption tool. 

The cybercriminals will buttress the fact that the victim’s entire files are now encrypted, inclusive of documents, pictures and all other personal data that are important to them. That considering the strong encryption key they was used, the victim has no other option than to pay a ransom so they could decrypt the files for them. The ransom note will also contain two email addresses: manager@mailtemp.ch and helprestoremanager@airmail.cc, for the victim to discuss further with them.  

They will also inform the victim about certain conditions attached to the payment. If they’re able to make the payment within 72 hours/3 days of being notified, it will enable them to receive 50% ransom slash. In essence, instead of paying the full ransom fee of $980, they will pay $490. But once 3 days elapses, the victim will be made to pay the maximum fee. In addition to that, the victim will be instructed to pay the cryptocurrency equivalent of the USD ransom fee into a wallet address they will provide. They chose this payment option to cover their tracks so that law enforcement agencies won’t trail them. As a way of proving their capability to retrieve the encrypted files, they may request for parts of the files to be sent to them for test decryption but will also emphasize that such sample must not contain any data that could be considered as vital to the victim.

Our team of cybersecurity experts’ advice as regards to ransom payments is very similar to that of the FBI, and both of them recommend that paying the ransom should never be an option, based on the following reasons:

• There is no guarantee that you will retrieve your encrypted files, even after paying the ransom
• When you pay the ransom, you’re encouraging cybercriminals to continue spreading malware since it is profitable to them
• More funds at their disposal will enable them to hire more developers and also pay for more hosting sites for their online torrent libraries
• Instead of the promised decryption tool, they may end up giving you data-stealing Trojans like VIDAR or AZORULT and use it to steal vital information such as software login passwords, banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, and other passwords saved in the browser etc.

Victims of this STOP/DJVU variant should endeavor to remove YQAL ransomware virus from their compromised computer as soon as possible. They can do this by making use of any strong and genuine antivirus while their computer is set in the Safe Mode with Networking option. This will enable the antivirus to do a thorough job of ensuring that every trace of the malware is detected and removed. For this purpose, we recommend getting INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, we swear by this virus damage (on Windows OS) repair tool which you can download here – RESTORO.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution techniques you need to know about

The most prolific way through which STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, including the new YQAL virus are spread is by downloading of malicious torrents. Cybercriminals usually hide the malware in fake software contents such as pirated software copies, fake “crack” or key generators. When individuals try to make use of them, they unintentionally trigger a ransomware attack. Over the years, victims of malware attacks over the years have reported that cybercriminals often used popular software brands as a decoy in setting trap for their victims. Some of these ransomware laden contents cybercriminals upload to online torrent libraries include the following: 

• Tenorshare 4ukey
• Adobe Photoshop
• Fifa 20
• AutoCad
• Opera browser
• Corel Draw
• VMware Workstation
• Cubase
• Adobe Illustrator
• League of Legends
• Internet Download Manager
• KMSPico.

Trying to download any content from online software torrents is a dangerous thing to do because you’re exposing your computer system to possible cyberattacks. They may appear attractive on the face value since you’re getting them at ridiculously low rates, but experiences have shown that they’re not worth it, considering the outrageous ransom fees you will be asked to pay when you eventually become a victim. Also remember that such activity is considered a criminal offense and liable to be prosecuted by the original content owners or their representatives. Therefore, it is in your best interest to obtain copyright contents legitimately. 

Aside online malicious torrents, another major way cybercriminals spread malware is through email attachments. In this case, they make use of DOCX, PDF or XLS among others that enable macro functions/JavaScript, to compose believable messages while disguising it as originating from friends, family or famous brands. They also tend to use terms that elicit curiosity such as Order Summary, Invoice and Tracking Details etc. to fool their target audience. Sometimes, they equally make use of email spoofing techniques to hide the originating address. In such circumstances, you’re advised to apply extreme caution. If you’re not expecting such email from anyone/company, then you may as well ignore it. 

Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware should not throw caution to the wind because their computer system is already compromised and resort to desperate measures. On the contrary, you should be careful and avoid dubious websites that claim to have decryption tools. Such STOP/DJVU decryptors hardly exist and cybercriminals often use them as decoy to distribute other versions of ransomware like ZORAB. 

More information about YQAL ransomware modus operandi

Victims of cyberattack often wonder about the extent of what was done to their computer system during the YQAL ransomware attack. In a nutshell, here is a brief analogy of what happens. The first thing the malware does is to launch build.exe or build2.exe as well as winupdate.exe. The latter is responsible for displaying fake Windows update prompts. Afterwards, it will make connection with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json while the outcome will be saved in geo.json file. The malware then extracts every piece of information it deems necessary, particularly: the computer’s geolocation, zip code, time zone, latitude and longitude as well as other relevant software and hardware details, and submits them to their server. 

An example of geo.json file is shown below.

Additionally, the virus will grab details about the computer owner’s name, operating system installed, hardware, active processes and installed software names and save them in information.txt file format. This file will be sent to the criminals’ remote server.

The next thing the malware does is to profile the computer’s geolocation against their list of encryption-protected countries—Russia, Syria, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Kazachstan, Tajikistan and Belarus. It will truncate any further action once it matches with any of them, but if it doesn’t match, it then collects online encryption key from their server and matches it with the victim’s ID before saving them in bowsakkdestx.txt file and to PersonalID.txt file. 

You can check the image below to see how these files look.

Whenever the virus fails to extract an online ID, it will resort to the use of an offline one. The major difference between ID is that while online ID is unique for every victim, the offline one is uniform for all. You can easily detect if an offline key was used once t1 characters appear at the end of the personal ID. The good news about offline key is that there is a chance you can decrypt .yqal files. More information on this can be obtained in this guide.

At this point, full data encryption commences as it scans each folder and encrypts them with Salsa20 before locking the encryption key with RSA-2048 key. While this is going on, each file will be marked with additional extensions.

Here is a screenshot of _readme.txt ransom note they drop in each folder:

The next thing the virus does is to delete the Volume Shadow Copies using the command prompt task as written below:  

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

The malware then compiles a list of domains in the Windows HOSTS file and sticks them to the localhost IP. It does this to effectively prevent the victim from having access to those websites, thus DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message may appear whenever the victim tries to open them. The reason why they do this is to ensure that victims won’t get any help from forums or blogs online. 

Remove YQAL Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

For victims of ransomware, the importance of reporting cybercrime attack can’t be overemphasized. You will have to inform any agency or institution that handles such issues in your locality. The guide provided below can help you on this. The next crucial thing to do is to remove YQAL ransomware virus from your computer. You can also leverage the guide we created to assist you in setting up your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. This option is recommended because it gives the antivirus enough room to completely remove the malware. You should be careful when selecting the antivirus to use for this. If you are not fully assured of any antivirus, please go for INTEGO Antivirus because it has proven over time to be very reliable.

As an additional measure, we usually recommend our readers to download RESTORO and run a free system scan to see if it can repair some virus damage to the system. The tool targets Windows operating system files. If it detects the damage, you may want to use its premium version features to fix the issues automatically.

Now you have removed YQAL ransomware, it is time to go over the recommendations by our in-house experts:

• Inform local authorities; this is an important aspect you should not overlook. It is necessary to reach out to relevant institutions or government agencies nearest to you and inform them about the situation.
• Restore lost data; you have a backup? Now is the time to make use of it. But before that you must ensure that your computer is 100% free of malware before trying to restore your data.
• Go for tutorials; now is the time to learn something new. You can search for materials and learn how to repair STOP/DJVU versions encrypted files in a guide published on our site.
• Change all passwords; it is very important to change all passwords associated with the compromised computer. Remember there is possibility that some of your passwords may have gotten into wrong hands. The cybercriminals may try to gain access into personal files to either dupe you or to blackmail you. So don’t give them that chance!

Before we wrap it up, always remember that using a strong and genuine antivirus at all times should never be taken for granted. Some antivirus can be great and purpose-built while some others are not good enough, so choose wisely!

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.