How to remove Ymir Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is Ymir Ransomware

Ymir Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. It operates by utilizing the ChaCha20 cryptographic algorithm, a sophisticated method ensuring that the files are virtually inaccessible without the unique decryption key held by the attackers. Once it infiltrates a system, Ymir Ransomware appends a random string of characters to the original file extensions, effectively altering the filenames and rendering them unrecognizable. For instance, a file named 1.jpg might be transformed into 1.jpg.6C5oy2dVr6, making it clear that the data is under lock. After the encryption process is complete, the ransomware disseminates a ransom note titled INCIDENT_REPORT.pdf in each folder containing encrypted files. This document provides comprehensive information about the attack, the extent of data compromise, and the payment instructions for the ransom. Alongside the PDF, victims may also encounter a full-screen message before the log-in screen, reinforcing the ransom demand and the threat of data publicization if the victim fails to comply.

When it comes to decrypting the files affected by Ymir Ransomware, the outlook isn’t particularly optimistic. At present, no free public decryption tools are available for this specific ransomware, primarily due to the robust and secure encryption it employs. Typically, engaging with the ransom demands is not advisable since there’s no guarantee of regaining access to the encrypted files after payment, and it also funds criminal activities. To decrypt files, victims would need the specific decryption key generated during the encryption, which is usually held only by the attackers. A professional malware removal tool, like Combo Cleaner, can help eliminate the ransomware from the system, preventing further encryption, but it won’t decrypt existing files. Victims are advised to focus on restoring files from backups if available. Maintaining regular and secure backups, segmented in multiple locations like remote servers and unplugged storage devices, remains the most effective strategy against data loss due to ransomware attacks.

How Ymir Ransomware infects computers

Ymir Ransomware infects computers primarily through deceptive methods, exploiting vulnerabilities in user behavior and system security. It often infiltrates systems via phishing emails, which contain malicious attachments or links disguised as legitimate communication. These emails trick users into downloading and executing harmful files that initiate the ransomware. Additionally, Ymir can spread through compromised websites or drive-by downloads, where simply visiting a malicious site can lead to infection if the system’s defenses are outdated. Once inside, Ymir uses PowerShell and other remote control commands to propagate through local networks, employing tools like SystemBC and RustyStealer to assist in its operation and data theft. The ransomware’s ability to evade detection by performing actions in memory rather than on disk makes it particularly insidious, as it can exploit network vulnerabilities and weak security protocols to encrypt files and demand ransoms before users are aware of the threat.

1. Download Ymir Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Ymir Ransomware

Ymir Ransomware files:


INCIDENT_REPORT.pdf
{randomname}.exe


Ymir Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Ymir Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Ymir Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Ymir Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro