Yurei Ransomware

Yurei ransomware is a newly discovered strain that encrypts your personal files and demands a ransom in cryptocurrency for their recovery. It disguises itself as a legitimate system file or gets bundled with cracked software, then locks your data using strong encryption. Victims are left with a ransom note titled _readme.txt, where attackers pressure them to pay up or lose access to their data forever.

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Yurei Ransomware – Threat Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware
Encrypted File Extension	.yurei
Ransom Note Filename	_readme.txt
Email Contact	support@freshingmail.top, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
Detection Names	Trojan.Encoder, STOP/Djvu, Win32/Filecoder.Yurei
Symptoms	Files become unreadable, renamed with .yurei, ransom note appears
Damage + Distribution Methods	Encrypts personal files, spreads via pirated software, fake installers, email attachments
Danger Level	High – Data loss, extortion, possible permanent file loss

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How Did I Get Infected With Yurei Ransomware?

Yurei ransomware typically infects systems through cracked software downloads, keygens, or fake installers bundled with malware. Torrent sites, shady freeware bundles, and malicious email attachments are all high-risk vectors.

Once you launch the infected file, the ransomware silently executes in the background. It immediately starts encrypting files while avoiding system-critical areas to prevent detection.

If you’ve recently installed suspicious software or opened an unsolicited attachment, that’s likely how Yurei got in.

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What Yurei Ransomware Does to Your Files

As soon as Yurei installs, it starts encrypting your documents, images, videos, databases, and more—applying the .yureiextension to each file. For example, report.docx becomes report.docx.yurei, and can no longer be opened.

Once encryption is complete, Yurei drops a ransom note named _readme.txt in every folder containing encrypted files. This note provides instructions on how to contact the attackers and pay the ransom, often demanding $980, with a possible discount if you contact them within 72 hours.

It also tries to disable recovery options like Shadow Volume Copies, further reducing your chances of self-recovery.

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Should You Be Worried About Yurei Ransomware?

Yes—Yurei is highly dangerous. It uses strong encryption and deletes system restore options, making file recovery very difficult without backups or a working decryptor. While some STOP/Djvu variants like Yurei can be partially decrypted, this depends on whether the encryption used offline keys or online keys.

If Yurei used an online key (which is unique per victim), your chances of recovery without paying are very slim. Never pay the ransom—there’s no guarantee of getting your files back, and you may be funding future attacks.

Instead:

• Back up encrypted files (they might be decryptable in the future)
• Remove the ransomware with a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter
• Check if your files can be decrypted via Emsisoft’s STOP Djvu decryption tool

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Ransom Note Dropped by Yurei Ransomware

The _readme.txt ransom note left by Yurei contains the following text (excerpt):

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
...
Contact us:
support@freshingmail.top
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc

The note urges victims to send one file for free decryption as proof and offers a 50% discount if contacted within 72 hours. This social engineering tactic is designed to create urgency and push victims into paying quickly.

⚠️ Do not email or pay the attackers. Instead, use legitimate recovery tools and consider reporting the incident to local cybercrime authorities.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Yurei ransomware is part of the notorious STOP/Djvu family and poses a serious threat to your data. If you’ve been infected:

1. Disconnect your PC from the internet
2. Scan and remove the malware using a reliable security tool
3. Backup encrypted files
4. Avoid paying the ransom
5. Seek data recovery options (online decryptors or professional services)

While file recovery isn’t guaranteed, removing the infection now prevents further damage or reinfection.

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