Yqal ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Yqal file virus is controlled by the processes running in the background because the virus payload is loaded silently and copied in different places of the computer. This ransomware is a cryptovirus that belongs to a malware family known as Djvu ransomware.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Yqal ransomware: summary
| Name | Yqal ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, crypto-virus, file locking virus |
| Malware family | STOP virus/DVU ransomware |
| Extension | Files appended with .yqal extension, e.g., picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.yqal |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contact | manager@mailtemp.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| File recovery | If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. Nonetheless, we suggest you try the alternative methods that could help you in some cases – we list them below |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .yqal |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .yqal |
| Attacker contacts | manager@mailtemp.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 2 December 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.yqal - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
manager@mailtemp.ch
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Yqal ransomware
- Perform a full system scan with powerful security software, such as ,
- Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues after it is terminated.
How Yqal ransomware behaves
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
Yqal ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts personal files and marks them using .yqal
Yqal file virus is controlled by the processes running in the background because the virus payload is loaded silently and copied in different places of the computer.
This ransomware is a cryptovirus that belongs to a malware family known as Djvu ransomware. This malware encrypts all the important files on a Windows computer, appends them with .yqal extension, and restricts access to them.
In the ransom note _readme.txt, cybercriminals behind the attack explain that the only way to recover data is by paying ransom in Bitcoin. The sum can vary, depending on many different factors: criminals offer a 50% discount if the victim contacts the threat actor group in the first 72 hours.
While it is true that Yqal virus files require a unique decryption key to unlock them, experts recommend not paying the ransom, as cybercriminals might not keep their promises, resulting in financial losses.
Typical ransomware is a virus that attacks Windows computers by using various infiltration methods. One of them can include file attachments from spam emails and files included in bundles with pirated software or game cheats.
Once inside, it uses an encryption algorithm to lock up all documents, archives, videos, music, and other files. After that, ransomware delivers a ransom note via text file, which includes instructions on how to recover the encrypted data.
The note reads:
According to the virus authors, victims need to contact them via manager@mailtemp.ch, helprestoremanager@airmail.cc email, and provide their personal ID. Once that is done, users should receive further instructions to proceed with the payment provided in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Nonetheless, we do not recommend contacting the attackers because they might not deliver the required decryption tool. Check out the alternative methods we provide below instead and remove the Yqal ransomware as soon as possible.
Yqal is a type of virus that is classified as ransomware. These threats are known for accessing user machines without permission and encrypting all files on them. This way, cybercriminals behind the attack can ask for a ransom payment in return for a unique key.
The malware encrypts all files with the help of a powerful encryption algorithm and appends the .yqal extension to each of them. This virus derives from a well-known family Djvu, which was first spotted in 2018 and since then released multiple variants, including Luez, Robm, Rigj.
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
Possible encryption solution for Djvu versions
If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP.
It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone - it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately.
Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files - one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
Yqal is a dangerous virus that can affect your system and control various processes. This type of malware aims to get money from victims, so there are no reasons to trust the people behind this virus since they only care about cash. Sometimes even after transferring payment for decryption tool delivery does not happen anymore, which means those infected may never see their precious information again!
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
- "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
- "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
The Yqal ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-Tjb0YqckGX
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
manager@mailtemp.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helprestoremanager@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Yqal ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Yqal ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Yqal ransomware encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.yqalto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For Yqal ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Yqal ransomware still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of "hosts" file entries that were injected by ransomware:
In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the "hosts" file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Isolate the infected computer
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via the network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. NAS devices are commonly compromised via reused administrator credentials and remote access services, and attackers may also delete existing snapshots. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
In modern environments, ransomware often spreads using stolen credentials, remote management tools, VPN connections, and cloud synchronization services, not only through shared network drives.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. This does not disconnect wireless networks, VPN connections, or cloud services, which must also be disabled separately. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). In many organizations, devices are centrally managed, and network isolation is typically performed by IT or security teams using endpoint security or device management tools. The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
On modern Windows systems, network connections can also be disabled through the Settings app or automatically isolated using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.
- Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
- Go to Network and Internet
- Click Network and Sharing Center
- On the left, pick Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
- Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead. Before reconnecting, credentials should be reset, persistence mechanisms checked, and backups verified to ensure reinfection does not occur.
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
Removing the threat is not the same as decrypting data
Yqal file virus is a type of threat that encrypts your files and then forces you to pay.
For their gains, cybercriminals behind this ransomware first infect computers through emails containing attachments with malicious scripts.
They can also use the infected files loaded when pirated software is downloaded or installed on the machine. However, some users may have been tricked into downloading executables from HTTP downloads embedded right in web pages where they appear innocent enough.
Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc.
Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.
However, this is not the same as virus removal with apps like or . Anti-malware tools run the detection scan that allows the tool to find all possibly malicious pieces on the machine. But removing the threat, even though it is crucial and very important, is not the same as restoring those affected files from scratch.
First, file recovery is not easy and not quick. It is rarely even possible when it comes to cyber threat families like this one. There are many major changes that the computer encounters when an infection like this is running on the system. Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of repair to fully restore the machine.
Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
From our report of Dec 2021 · not reviewed since
Alternatives for the decryption
The Yqal virus is a nasty piece of work, but its encryption process sometimes cannot keep up with the times.
Previous versions were decryptable for a while, and victims had an opportunity to get their data back without additional risks. The latest versions are too sophisticated for any one person or computer to crack by themselves - which means there is no way to decrypt those infected files without access to your unique key.
The key is held by criminals who are waiting for payment in return. This is the thing that can be the most dangerous and risky - paying them. But do not worry though; if you have copies stored safely away from the home network, this will help restore lost data once things return back normal again.
The particular versions released after improvements in ransomware coding made within encryption processes too are not easily decipherable. Including the Yqal file virus. Meaning file recovery following infections like that could be limited depending on habit matters, such as making backup copies when appropriate.
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost - data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether Yqal ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
Install data recovery software
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Yqal ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .yqal and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Yqal ransomware
How do I open .yqal files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .yqal ending shows that Yqal ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Yqal ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
Is there a free Yqal ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Yqal ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Yqal ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
How did Yqal ransomware get on my computer?
The way Yqal ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .yqal and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Yqal ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Yqal ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .yqal and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Yqal ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I just remove .yqal from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .yqal extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Will Fortect remove Yqal ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Yqal ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 6, 2026)
- Threatpost: Ransomware Phishing Emails Sneak Through SEGs (read October 6, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Virus sample analysis (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)