How to remove Youneedtopay Ransomware and decrypt .youneedtopay files

What is Youneedtopay Ransomware

Youneedtopay is a type of virus categorized as ransomware. It functions by encrypting personal files and demanding money for their return. During this process, ransomware assigns the .youneedtopay extension to all blocked data. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will be changed to 1.pdf.youneedtopay and reset its original icon. After appending these changes, the virus creates a text note called READ_THIS.txt which is meant to explain decryption instructions. Desktop wallpapers get altered as well. Take a closer look at what is the content there.

To decrypt the encrypted files, victims are guided to send 500$ to the attached crypto address in Bitcoin. Victims are given three payment options to do this – using gift cards for residents from the US, Bitcoin ATM, and online Bitcoin exchange. Detailed instructions for all the methods are written in the created ransom note. After performing the payment, victims should contact swindlers via marlin432@mail.com and attach their confirmation of payment. Then, it should take no more than 24 hours for cybercriminals to confirm they received the requested amount and send decryption software afterward. Unfortunately, it might be impossible to regain access to data without the help of ransomware developers. Whether to trust cyber criminals or not is always a tricky thing – they can fool you and take your money without sending any promised tools in reverse. The best doable way to recover your data is to use backup copies of data contained on physical or cloud storage. Usage of third-party instruments may help, but only with partial decryption of data. Whichever path of self-recovery you choose, it is important to get rid of the virus first and foremost. Learn how to do this fast and free in our tutorial below.

How Youneedtopay Ransomware infected your computer

Ransomware infections are often spread via trojans, malicious e-mail attachments, unprotected RDP configuration, fake software installers/updates, web-injects, backdoors, keyloggers, and other similarly-abused channels. The most popular to highlight from this list are e-mail spam messages and fake software installers. Many internet criminals use e-mail messaging to deliver malicious attachments disguised as something legitimate. They often cover such letters under the names of famous and trusted firms (DPD, DHL, FedEx) or other institutions known by users. It is also possible to receive the various gifts, lottery, or fake marketing letters trying to foist something. Do not trust content saying to act over ungrounded reasons inside of such letters. If you found a message in “Spam”, then most likely it should be avoided. Otherwise, clicking on the attached files or links may lead to devastating implications like Youneedtopay Ransomware we discussed above. Apart from this, users can be infected when downloading fake updates or program installers without knowing they are malicious. It may happen by following some clickbait ads stating to fix your computer issues or downloading the software directly from dubious third-party pages. Unless you want to receive such or other infections again, it is important to stay more careful and self-conscious while surfing the web. You can read our dedicated guide below to learn more about protection and capitalize on professional tips.

1. Download Youneedtopay Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .youneedtopay 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 Youneedtopay Ransomware

Youneedtopay Ransomware files:


READ_THIS.txt
{randomname}.exe


Youneedtopay Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .youneedtopay files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .youneedtopay 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 Youneedtopay 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 .youneedtopay 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.

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 is no items in the list choose 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 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 Youneedtopay Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Youneedtopay 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.