SkyFile ransomware - How to remove

SkyFile ransomware virus emerged at the beginning of April, 2018. Security researchers immediately noticed that this crypto-malware is filled with Russian debug logs, and has a command called “Attack” which exploits the EternalBlue. This vulnerability has been used before by ransomware viruses like WannaCry. Even though the patch for this flaw has been released, this does not mean that all users took advantage of this opportunity to protect their devices (How to protect your computer from ransomware?).

SkyFile virus is a low-quality ransomware, and it appends .sky extension to encrypted files

However, security researchers also indicate that this ransomware is a complete mess, and its creators are not very skilled programmers as the code is probably written by amateurs. Their product SkyFile virus targets only seven file types, and adds .sky extension at the end of encrypted data. Additionally, researchers have also added that this ransomware is based on a HiddenTear open-source project. This family of viruses also includes Ultimo, QwertyCrypt and Ordinal infections.

Additionally, on victims’ desktops they will find How the TO DECRYPT.txt file which will present people with instructions. In the message, people are recommended to send an e-mail to crooks to [email protected]. This emailing service encourages people to contact them with they notice that their service is being exploited for indecent activities.

Luckily, since this SkyFile crypto-virus is not professionally-made, it did not take long for security researchers to figure out a way to help victims of this ransomware (Ransomware). If you notice that your files feature .sky extension, you should contact Michael Gillespie. The researcher states that he can potentially decrypt files without further hassle.

Ways to prevent SkyFile infection

Like any other ransomware, there are several ways that infections like this might occur. First of all, we noticed that SkyFile virus can exploit the EternalBlue vulnerability for its distribution. However, there many flaws hackers can exploit. Therefore, we hope that you will consider patching your software and operating system on a regular basis. In addition to this, do not download unknown files from suspicious sources like pop-ups or random file-sharing domains. If you follow these recommendations, you should be able to avoid the damage ransomware viruses can inflict on your computer.

In addition to this, you should protect your files by putting important data in backup storages. There is a variety of online storage services that you are free to choose from. Additionally, you could store your files in your USB flash drives. Please choose an option which fits best to your needs and preferences.

Popular methods that ransomware infections like SkyFile virus spread

As we have mentioned, ransomware exploits operating systems that are not protected or contain severe vulnerabilities. Therefore, the obvious choice is not to delay the updates that are being offered to you automatically, or in official websites of programs or OSs. In addition to this, malspam is also a serious issue nowadays. Many people receive deceptive messages in their email accounts. If an organization is contacting you to inform you of a serious issue, please make sure that the email address is legitimate. Additionally, deceptive email messages can also urge you to download free programs, coupons or other deceptive content. Therefore, always be prepared to check the respectability of an email before downloading content from it.

Remove this SkyFile virus from your system

Now, as you are aware that SkyFile virus has infected your operating system, you should probably be interested in the ways you can remove it from your operating system. Therefore, we urge you to run a scan with Spyhunter anti-malware tools. These programs will provide you with a safety net in case your device becomes infected. Additionally, we also provide you with guidelines, explaining how a system restore is supposed to be completed.

The manual removal includes these steps:

1. Rebooting your computer in Safe Mode (Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt)
2. Once Command Prompt launches, type in cd restore and press enter.
3. Enter rstrui.exe and press enter again.
4. Click “Next” in the Window which appeared.
5. Select one of the Restore Points which would suggest a date before Magniber ransomware infected your device.
6. Click “yes” to start a system restore.

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