Skyfile Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Skyfile Ransomware is?

Skyfile Ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting threat, so if you infect your system with it, all of your files might become enciphered with a secure cryptosystem. The worst part is the files can be unlocked only with a particular decryption tool and the only ones who can provide it are the cybercriminals behind this malware. It is important to understand the hackers might be able to help victims decrypt their files, but it does not mean they will be willing to do so even if all of their demands are being fulfilled. In other words, users who pay the ransom could lose their money in vain. Therefore, instead of risking your money on a tool you might not get, or that may not even work we advise you to erase Skyfile Ransomware. If you think it would be wiser as well, you could follow the removal guide available below and get rid of this malicious application manually. However, if you want to know a bit more, before deciding what to do, you should read our article first.

For starter, we would like to talk about the malware’s possible distribution channels. Our computer security specialists say Skyfile Ransomware could travel with malicious email attachments, fake software installers, malicious pop-up advertisements, and so on. Either way, it is apparent the victims should be inexperienced or careless users who do not think about safety precautions when opening data downloaded from the Internet. To avoid infections, alike researchers always recommend staying away from files attached to Spam emails. If you feel curious and still wish to open suspicious data the least you could do is scan it with a reputable antimalware tool first. This way the user would not have to learn about the file’s malicious nature by endangering his system. Another smart idea would be to be cautious when launching installers downloaded from torrent or other unreliable web pages, although the safest option is not to visit such sites at all.Skyfile Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

After the malware gets in it is supposed to create a few files in the C:\Windows directory and a Registry entry in the KCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run location. The malicious application creates a particular value name in the Run directory to make the infected computer launch it automatically after each restart. Consequently, there is a possibility Skyfile Ransomware might be able to encipher new files it finds each time the victims turns on the computer. Our security specialists say the infection is after user’s data, which means it should encipher files like photographs, videos, archives, text and other documents, etc. The user can quickly recognize damaged data from the second extension it should have (e.g., sunset.jpg.sky). Right after the encryption process, the malware may show a pop-up message saying to take a look at a specific text document we call ransom note. The sample we tested did not drop it, but we believe this document should contain a message saying the user has to pay for decryption since many similar threats leave such messages.

Again, we would like to stress how dangerous it could be to pay the ransom and if you are not sure you want to risk your savings, we urge you to ignore the ransom note and get rid of this infection. More experienced users could erase it manually while following the removal guide available a bit below. As for users who find these steps a bit too difficult we would advise installing a reputable antimalware tool instead. Then, you should set it to scan the system and wait till it detects Skyfile Ransomware along with other possible threats and displays a deletion button.

Erase Skyfile Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
2. Pick Task Manager.
3. Take a look at the Processes tab.
4. Locate a process related to the malicious program.
5. Select this process and press the End Task button.
6. Click Windows Key+E.
7. Navigate to the suggested paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%Downloads
8. Find a file that was opened when the system got infected.
9. Right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
10. Navigate to C:\Windows
11. Right-click the following files and press Delete to remove them
    debuglog.dll
    lan.dll
    {random numbers}ID
    0F8BFBFF000506E3
    0F8BFBFF000506E3files
12. Leave File Explorer.
13. Click Windows Key+R.
14. Insert Regedit and select OK.
15. Find this location: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
16. Right-click a value name called Java Platform Auto Updaterand press Delete.
17. Exit Registry Editor.
18. Empty Recycle bin.
19. Restart the computer.

In non-techie terms:

Skyfile Ransomware is to be blamed if your files cannot be opened and are marked with a .sky extensions, for example, document.docx.sky, picture.jpg.sky, and so on. Our computer security specialists report users could infect their systems with this threat after opening a malicious email attachment or other harmful data downloaded from the Internet. Unfortunately, the only one hundred percent way to get your data back is to delete enciphered files and place copies from removable media devices, cloud storage, etc. As for paying the ransom, there is a possibility the cybercriminals could scam you, and if it happened, you would be unable to get your money back. Thus, for users who do not wish to gamble with their savings, we do not recommend paying the ransom. If you think it would be too risky as well, we encourage you to eliminate the malicious application with the removal guide available a bit above this paragraph or a reputable antimalware tool of your choice.