YGKZ ransomware drags another malware into the system alongside it – AZORULT, which is an infamous password-stealing Trojan. It is crucial to delete this virus as soon as possible as it can steal information such as browser-stored data, including login credentials, banking details, cryptocurrency and more. Speaking of other ransomware damage, it adds a list of domains to block into Windows HOSTS file, deletes Volume Shadow Copies and performs other illegal activities on the computer. To party obfuscate its activities, the virus displays a fake Windows Update screen (updatewin.exe process).

Criminals demand money: contents of the ransom note

The ransomware that infected your computer was developed by cybercriminals for only one purpose – virtual extortion. To explain the purpose of the attack, YGKZ ransomware creates and saves _readme.txt in every infected data folder. This note holds a brief message that explains all files including pictures, databases, documents and other important files were encrypted with ‘strongest encryption algorithm’ and that the only method to recover files is to pay a ransom for cybercriminals. The attackers even suggest decrypting one .ygkz file for free. However, this file should be small and not contain valuable information (the criminals are afraid that you will try to decrypt the most valuable file and avoid paying for full data decryption altogether). The note also mentions the price of the ransom. According to it, the victim can get a 50% discount if one contacts the attackers within 72 hours, which guarantees decryption tools for $490. If the victim delays, the ransom price will be $980. The note includes a new email address never seen in previous STOP/DJVU versions – helpteam@mail.ch, and an old one, helpmanager@airmail.cc. We as cybersecurity experts do not recommend paying the ransom at all. First, it is not a good practice that doesn’t guarantee file decryption, second, if you pay, you help the cybercrime industry. Third, paying a ransom might be illegal in certain countries. The primary thing you should do now to secure your computer is to remove YGKZ ransomware virus along with AZORULT Trojan using malware removal software of your choice. Additionally, we recommend scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Typical ransomware infection vectors

YGKZ ransomware is distributed in the same way as prior STOP/DJVU versions (including PLAM, COSD, OMFL, WBXD and others). The infection mainly hides in illegal torrents and untrustworthy downloads. Most of the time, victims download it in a form of a software crack or keygen, which upon execution downloads and runs the ransomware and associated files (such as updatewin.exe fake screen). Some victims have reported downloading it among Adobe Photoshop or video editing software torrents that included software license cracking tools. We’d like to remind you that such downloads are ALWAYS dangerous, and most of the time include specific extras that do damage to your computer or your privacy. That said, it’s best to stay away from unconfirmed software download sources and choose their official developers’ websites only. Cybercriminals know that infecting computers via such downloads has a high success rate; not only many computer users look for such files online, but they also tend to ignore antivirus’ warnings about potential maliciousness of such files. Ransomware-type viruses are also distributed via malicious email spam. In such scenario, criminals compose convincing messages asking the victim to open attached file. These emails frequently include well-known company logos to deceive the victim that the original sender of the email is trustworthy. Lately, popular scam schemes include usage of ‘track parcel delivery‘ topic, because more users shop online during the COVID-19 epidemic. Our recommendation is to stay away from emails you did not wait or expect to receive. Do not let your curiosity trick you – many people get tricked by that ‘who’s writing me, what did I miss, I need to check this‘ feeling which forces you to open the email or attachments without thinking. Additionally, even if the sender’s email seems legitimate, it can be spoofed. In other words, it can be made to display a different sender’s address than the actual one. You can learn how to identify spoofed address here. Another well-known technique to spread malware as well as various spyware is fake Adobe Flash player or Java update pop-ups online. These installers will drag unwanted extras to your computer. If you believe that you need an update, please download it from official sources only to avoid infection like YGKZ virus.

Remove YGKZ ransomware virus with ease and recover encrypted data

You can remove YGKZ ransomware virus using professional guidelines provided below. Make sure you update your security software before scanning the system first. You will need to boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to eliminate malware without interruptions – the guidelines are provided as well. Afterward, we recommend scanning with RESTORO to eliminate malware remains (if any) and repair virus damage on Windows OS files. Once YGKZ ransomware removal is complete, you need to take steps to report cybercrime incident (see references below) to a proper institution in your country. Next, we strongly recommend using available tools for file decryption/repair. Finally, do not forget to change your passwords for accounts saved in browser, and, if you have bank card data saved in browsers as well, inform your bank about possible theft of data. 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: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. 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. 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.

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove YGKZ ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users Now, you can search for and remove YGKZ ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense If you’re looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek’s Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Decrypt YGKZ files

Fix and open large YGKZ files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. YGKZ ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BPTO, ISWR, ISZA, BPSM, ZOUU, MBTF, ZNSM (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie. Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible. In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt YGKZ files, follow the given tutorial.

Meanings of decryptor’s messages

The YGKZ decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages: Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID] This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor’s database. No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible. Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future. If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn’t available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your YGKZ extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Victims of YGKZ ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can’t find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up “[your country name] report cyber crime”. This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities. Another recommendation is to contact your country’s or region’s federal police or communications authority.