Yakes Ransomware - How to remove

Yakes ransomware is a ransomware-type malware program which means that it encrypts your computer files with complex algorithms and, then, demands money from you for the decryption of the files. Yakes ransomware is categorized as a Trojan virus since it commonly comes disguised in the form of fake e-mail attachments.

About Yakes Ransomware

When the executive file of Yakes ransomware launches your computer, the system scan is initiated. Your computer system is being scanned for files to be encrypted. These files include audio, video, text files and other records. Once the files are chosen, the system scan is over and the files are encrypted. Some versions of Yakes ransomware add the additional extension .KEYHOLES. For example, .doc, .ppt, .pdf, etc. extensions will be added .KEYHOLES at the end. This is the first step of Yakes crypto-ransomware campaign.

The second step involves demanding for the ransom. A file with the ransom note appears in every folder storing encrypted files. It is named [infiltration date]-INFECTION.TXT. For instance, 5-10-2016-INFECTION.TXT, if the date of infection is the 10th of May, 2016. The message says that your files are encrypted and the decryption key belongs to the cyber criminal, in order the files would be decrypted, you have to pay the ransom. Two e-mail addresses are provided: [email protected] and [email protected]. Additionally, the Bitmessage download is given, in case there were no possibility to contact through the both emails.

The amount of the ransom is pretty high in comparison with the typical ransom requests of the ransomware viruses. Usually the price of the ransom is between 0.5 and 1.5 Bitcoins. Though, the compensation swindled by Yakes ransomware is 4 BTC. Keeping in mind that the Bitcoin price index at the moment of writing this article is 399.31 Eur, it makes 1597.24 Eur payment.

Distribution Methods of Yakes Ransomware

Yakes ransomware primarily spreads via e-mail attachments. These e-mails are being sent by unknown senders, either individuals or companies. Sometimes they claim to be representatives of well-known corporations sending official documentation. Do not rush into opening such attachments. Pay attention to grammar and syntax. Such simple things can uncover the frauds. Do not open letters and their attachments that automatically fall into Spam or Junk folders.

The other method Yakes crypto malware infiltrates your computer system is by exploiting a security vulnerability. Most often outdated or insecure software is affected. These security holes require fixes so that the integrity of various forms of malware (like trojans) would be prevented.

How to Get the Files Encrypted By Yakes Ransomware Decrypted

At first it may seem that the fastest and the most simple path to choose is to pay the ransom required. But before doing that, keep in mind that there is no guarantee you will be given the decryption key. Neither as soon as you make the payment nor later.

Usually we describe decryption tools available and how to apply them to get the files decrypted. But in case of Yakes ransomware, there are no such tools available at the moment. Thus uninstall Yakes ransomware by employing authoritative anti-malware applications like Spyhunter and Malwarebytes. Follow the instructions below to learn how to recover your files.

How to recover Yakes Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Yakes Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Yakes Ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Yakes Ransomware . You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Yakes Ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Yakes Ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Yakes Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.

Manual removal