How to remove Yufl ransomware

YUFL ransomware – new Dharma/Crysis malware family member

YUFL is ransomware belonging to the Dharma/Crysis family. This malware encrypts^[1] the personal data, renames the files by adding users' ID, the yourfiles1@tuta.io email address and extension “.YUFL,” e.g., file once known as “a.pdf” would appear as “a.pdf.id-F532A932.[yourfiles1@tuta.io].YUFL” after the ransomware encryption. This renders the data useless because the victims can't access it or modify it in any way.

When the virus has done its job, a pop-up window would appear with instructions on what to do next to unlock your files. Victims also found a new file “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” with the perpetrator's email address – yourfiles1@tuta.io; yourfiles1@cock.li. This cryptovirus is distributed via spam emails and their infected attachments,^[2] various torrent websites, etc. 

According to VirusTotal.com, 62 of 71 antivirus software detected this ransomware. This just shows the importance of a dependable malicious software program acquisition (see our recommendations at the bottom of this article). Here's a few examples of what the antivirus apps have found:^[3]

• Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]
• Trojan/Win32.Crysis.R213980
• Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.To
• W32.RansomeDNZ.Trojan
• Ransom-Dharma!45B27BA3F368

Though the detection names are different – the virus is not. Remove YUFL ransomware threat immediately, as the malware might continue encrypting the incoming files. It is also important to use robust anti-malware solutions for the process (we recommend SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes) to ensure that all malicious components are eliminated. Additionally, you can use FortectIntego to fix any system damage that could have been sustained due to malware.

In the post encryption pop-up window (seen below this paragraph), the cybercriminals give the victims instructions on how to contact them. They also prescribe each user with a unique ID. YUFL file virus developers are asking the owners of infected systems to contact them by provided emails – yourfiles1@tuta.io, yourfiles1@cock.li, and advise not to try altering the files by renaming them or using any third-party decryption software as this could lead to permanent data loss. Here is the full message:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email yourfiles1@tuta.io YOUR ID C279F237
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:yourfiles1@cock.li
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there's no other method for unlocking .YUFL files without paying cyber thieves or using personal data backups. But we strongly recommend not to. In some cases, even after the victims contact the developers and pay the ransom – no decryption software/key is given. Then you lose both files and your money. If the malware hasn't encrypted all the data on the users' system, that can be prevented by uninstalling it.

Sadly, YUFL ransomware removal won't undo the damage that's already been done (uninstallation won't unlock/decrypt already encrypted files). In some cases, if the malware hasn't been fully completed and has some bugs, a third party software might unlock it, but that rarely happens.

Ransomware means of distribution

Usual and most typical ways for malware to spread is via spam emails, torrent sites, file-sharing platforms, and phishing websites. Cybercriminals send out thousands of spam emails – this is called a “spam campaign.” Within that email, the perpetrators might have hidden a link to a phishing site or an infectious file. The whole email could look like an official email either from a bank, shipping company, etc., but right after a user presses a provided link – his computer might get infected.

The same thing might happen after opening an email attachment sent from an untrusted source. Remember, the developers of malware/ransomware want to make you believe that you got the email from your bank, company, etc. – that's how they get your guard down and infect your system. Always be aware of what links you are opening and scan your email attachments with reliable antivirus software prior to downloading or viewing them.

Users should have reliable, trustworthy antivirus software and keep it up to do date to evade malware. That's the most important step in fighting cybercriminals. The software should only be downloaded from legitimate websites. Illegitimate software activations tools (aka “cracks”) shouldn't be used either, you never know who created these executable files and what their real purpose is. Keeping backups on different devices, cloud, etc., adds another layer of protection because there is absolutely no guarantee that after paying a ransom, the crooks would give the user the decoding software/key.

Recommendations for YUFL removal

Having your computer system infected is a nightmare. But if it happened – it happened. Ransomware only targets non-system files so the cybercriminals can ask for a ransom for your sensitive data. So although your files are lost – your computer system is not, if you didn't comply with the perps demands, that is. The next smart thing to do is use a proper YUFL ransomware removal tool.

To remove YUFL ransomware from your computer, you should employ powerful anti-malware software, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. If the virus is tampering with your security software, access Safe Mode with Networking – you will find the instructions below. If you notice that your system is crashing or suffering from other stability issues, use FortectIntego to repair system damage. Finally, if no backups are available, use alternative methods to restore your data.