How to remove YiBackdoor malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is YiBackdoor?

YiBackdoor is a piece of malicious software classified as a backdoor. Malware of this kind is designed to open a "backdoor" into systems for further infections. Some backdoors can also download/install payloads, and YiBackdoor utilizes various plug-ins to this effect.

This malicious program has been around since at least the early summer of 2025. YiBackdoor shares significant code similarities with other malware – IcedID and Latrodectus.

YiBackdoor malware overview

As a backdoor, this malware is designed to collect system data and prep the device for further infection. This malicious program's code bears extensive similarities with that of IcedID and Latrodectus malware. It is speculated that YiBackdoor may be used together with these programs.

The backdoor utilizes multiple anti-analysis and anti-detection mechanisms, such as detecting when the malware is launched on a virtual machine or in a sandbox environment (e.g., KVM, Microsoft Hyper-V, Parallels, Virtual Box, VMWare, Xen, etc.). During the infection process, this program uses code injection, which may aid in detection evasion by certain security software. It also employs persistence-ensuring techniques.

YiBackdoor collects relevant device data, including the operating system version, running processes list, network details, etc. The malware can execute shell commands using both the Command Prompt and PowerShell. It can take screenshots.

While the backdoor itself is not incredibly multifunctional, it relies on plug-ins to expand its arsenal of features. YiBackdoor downloads and stores the plug-ins in the temporary folder. These plug-ins have randomized filenames and the ".bin" extension.

Theoretically, programs that use malicious plug-ins (or otherwise download/install additional malware) can cause just about any kind of infection – e.g., data stealer, file grabber, spyware, ransomware, cryptocurrency miner, etc. However, in practice, backdoors tend to operate within limitations or specifications. It is possible that YiBackdoor is intended for ransomware infections, as both IcedID and Latrodectus have been used for this purpose.

It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, possible future versions of YiBackdoor could have additional/different functions.

To summarize, the presence of malicious software like YiBackdoor on devices can lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Backdoor-type malware examples

We have investigated countless malicious programs; Tropidoor, Anubis, Betruger, and Squidoor are just some of our articles on backdoors. This type of malware prepares compromised systems for further infection, and some backdoors can infiltrate the next-stage software themselves.

The dangers associated with an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the attackers' goals. Yet regardless of how a malicious program operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did YiBackdoor infiltrate my computer?

Generally, malware is spread by relying on phishing and social engineering tactics. It is usually disguised as or bundled with regular software/media files. They can be executables (EXE, RUN, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. The infection chain is triggered once such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened.

Malware is predominantly distributed via drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, etc.), malvertising, online scams, dubious downloaded channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and dangerous content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant communications must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

It is paramount to have a dependable antivirus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is YiBackdoor?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of YiBackdoor malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".

Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with YiBackdoor malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Most likely, no – since malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that YiBackdoor malware can cause?

The threats associated with an infection depend on the malicious program's functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. YiBackdoor uses various plug-ins to expand its functionalities – hence, its capabilities can differ between infections. Generally, the presence of a backdoor-type malware on a device can lead to multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of YiBackdoor malware?

Malware attacks are most commonly motivated by financial gain. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious programs to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did YiBackdoor malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, malvertising, spam emails/messages, online scams, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing practically all known malware infections. Remember that running a complete system scan is essential since high-end malicious software usually hides within systems.