Remove Yandex ransomware (.yandex virus)

Yandex ransomware, also called .yandex virus, is a file-encrypting malware. It’s a type of malicious infection that takes files hostage by encrypting them. If your computer is infected with this ransomware and your files have been encrypted, they will have the .yandex extension added to them. You will not be able to open files with this extension unless you first use a decryptor on them. However, getting the decryptor is not going to be easy, as only the ransomware operators have it. They will try to sell you the decryptor for 0.0012 BTC, but paying the ransom is not recommended, as it does not guarantee a decryptor.

 

 

Yandex ransomware functions like any other ransomware by targeting personal files such as photos, videos, documents, and more. Once the files are encrypted, they will have the .yandex extension added to them. For instance, a text.txt file will change to text.txt.yandex. Opening these files will be impossible without a decryption tool.

After the encryption process is complete, a READ_ME_NEW.txt ransom note is generated. This note provides instructions on how users can recover their files, including details on how to purchase the decryptor. Initially, it states that the decryptor costs $50, but later mentions a payment of 0.0012 BTC (approximately $110 at the time of writing) as the required amount. Even if the requested ransom sum is only $50, paying is not recommended because it does not guarantee you will get a decryptor. Keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals, who are unlikely to feel obligated to help victims. What’s more, this ransomware does not appear to assign victims unique IDs that would allow the malicious actors to differentiate between the victims. This indicates that the ransomware operators have no intention of sending the decryptor.

The full READ_ME_NOW.txt ransom note is below:

All of your files have been encrypted
Your computer was infected with a ransomware virus. Your files have been encrypted and you won’t
be able to decrypt them without our help.What can I do to get my files back?You can buy our special
decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the
ransomware from your computer.The price for the software is 50 bucks. Payment can be made in Bitcoin only.
How do I pay, where do I get Bitcoin?
Purchasing Bitcoin varies from country to country, you are best advised to do a quick google search
yourself to find out how to buy Bitcoin.
Many of our customers have reported these sites to be fast and reliable:
Coinmama – hxxps://www.coinmama.com Bitpanda – hxxps://www.bitpanda.com

The value I wrote below may vary. The net money I receive has to be $50.
Payment informationAmount: 0,0012 BTC
Bitcoin Address: 17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHV

For those who regularly back up important files, recovering them shouldn’t be too challenging. However, it’s crucial to completely remove Yandex ransomware from the system first. If you connect to your backup while the ransomware is still active on your device, it could also encrypt those backed-up files. Additionally, you should use an anti-malware program to remove Yandex ransomware from your device, as attempting to do so manually can create more problems.

How did ransomware enter your computer?

It’s very common for cybercriminals to use emails to spread malware due to the minimal effort required for this method. They typically buy leaked email addresses, write a somewhat convincing email, attach the malicious file, and send it to a large number of recipients. Among the thousands of emails sent, it’s likely that some users will open the harmful attachment, infecting their systems. Fortunately, by learning to identify malicious emails and developing better browsing habits, you can significantly lower your risk of becoming a victim of malware.

One common feature of these malicious emails is the presence of numerous spelling and grammar mistakes, which stand out because the senders often pretend to be from well-known companies. Such emails usually address recipients using generic words like “User,” “Member,” or “Customer,” rather than using their names, which the legitimate companies would know. In contrast, legitimate emails from companies whose services you use will have no mistakes and will address you by your name. However, it’s important to note that some malicious spam can appear quite sophisticated, so scanning any unsolicited email attachments with anti-virus software or services like VirusTotal before opening them is always advisable.

We should also mention that downloading copyrighted content via torrents is content theft and can also put your computer and personal data at risk. Torrent sites are often poorly regulated, making it easy for cybercriminals to upload malicious files disguised as torrents for popular movies, TV series, video games, or software.

These examples highlight just a few widespread methods of ransomware distribution. Infections can also stem from untrustworthy downloads, clicking on misleading ads, or visiting unsafe websites. By adopting safer browsing practices, you can considerably minimize your chances of encountering malware.

How to remove Yandex ransomware

Since ransomware is a complex threat, it’s important to use a trusted anti-virus program to remove Yandex ransomware. Additionally, do not connect to your backup until you have verified that the ransomware is fully removed to stop your backed-up files from being encrypted as well.

After the ransomware has been successfully eradicated, you can proceed to restore your files from the backup. If you do not have a backup, one alternative is to keep the encrypted files and wait for a free decryptor to become available. A good resource for free decryptors is NoMoreRansom. If you don’t find it there, you’re unlikely to find it elsewhere.