CyberGod Scarab Virus is a new test release belonging to the Scarab ransomware family. The collected samples indicate that a new hacker or a criminal collective has acquired the source code of the family and is creating new versions of it . Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | CyberGod Scarab |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .CYBERGOD extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CyberGod Scarab. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
CyberGod Scarab Virus – Distribution Methods
CyberGod Scarab virus is a newly released sample belonging to the Scarab ransomware family. The initial reports indicate that a small set of samples have been released possibly indicating a test release.
The hackers can make use of SPAM email messages that contain social engineering tricks. They attempt to coerce the users into interacting with a dangerous element by believing that they have received a legitimate message from a well-known or service. The messages may signal that they are software update reminders, password reset forms or other common emails. The CyberGod Scarab strains may be attached directly as attachments or linked in the body contents.
Another strategy that is popular with Scarab ransomware threats is the construction of fake download sites — they copy the design and contents of popular portals and vendor download sites. Along with the email messages they are a popular method for spreading out infected payloads. Two of the most popular ones are the following:
- Software Installers — The CyberGod Scarab virus can be embedded in installers of popular software. The criminals take the original files and modify them with the associated virus code. Popular targets are system utilities, creativity suites and productivity applications.
- Documents — The same strategy can be applied to documents of all kinds: presentations, rich text documents, spreadsheets and databases. Once they are opened by the victim users a prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in macros. When this is done the virus infection will follow.
Additional measures used by the criminals behind the CyberGod Scarab virus malicious scripts that can be integrated in both the hacker-controlled sites and legitimate communities. This includes both redirect scripts, in-body links, pop-ups and banners.
Advanced spread campaigns may also use browser hijackers to further increase the number of infected machines. They are dangerous plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are advertised using fake developer credentials, user reviews and an elaborate description promising many new feature additions. Once they are installed the extensions will change the default settings (home page, search engine and new tabs page) to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page. Following this the virus infection will follow.
CyberGod Scarab Virus – In-Depth Analysis
At the onset of infections the CyberGod Scarab virus will start its built-in behavior pattern. The Scarab ransomware family is well-known for having a modular framework allowing it to be fine tuned according to the exact instructions of the hackers.
One of the first modules that are activated is the data harvesting component. It is programmed to look out for specific strings that are sent to the hacker operators automatically. This includes information that can expose the victim users identity by collecting data such as their names, address, phone number, location, interests and account credentials. Other information includes campaign metrics that are used by the controllers to optimize their next attacks. The harvested information is made up of a report giving details on the installed hardware components, certain user-set settings and operating system values.
The collected information can then be used by another component called stealth protection. It uses the harvested data to scan for applications and system services that can interfere with the correct execution of the threat. This includes all kinds of anti-virus products, sandbox environments or virtual machine hosts. The threat can block their real-time engines or altogether delete them to suppress discovery of the infection.
When this is complete the CyberGod Scarab virus will proceed with the actual operating system changes. Some of the most common modifications include the following:
- Persistent Installation — The ransomware can be installed as a persistent threat which means that the virus code will be automatically launched when the computer is powered on. It can also disable the execution of certain services and access to the boot recovery menu. This will render certain manual removal instructions useless, in these cases the users will need to resort to a professional anti-spyware utility.
- Windows Registry Modifications — The virus engine can also modify the Windows Registry entries belonging both to the operating system and the user-installed applications. This can result in overall performance decline and the inability to start certain functions.
- Trojan Module — Many ransomware also include the ability to setup a Trojan infection on the compromised hosts. It establishes a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It allows the operators to spy on the victims in real time, steal their files and take over control of the machines at any given time. Furthermore they allow the hackers to deploy additional threats to the victims.
- Data Removal — The CyberGod Scarab virus can be programmed into deleting the information such as the System Restore data and identified Shadow Volume Copies. This will make system restore difficult unless the users resort to a professional backup & restore solution.
The criminals can add other modules as required.
CyberGod Scarab Virus — Encryption
The Scarab ransomware family and the associated CyberGod Scarab virus use a common behavior pattern. Based on a built-in list of target file extensions system data is encrypted with a strong cipher. An example list can affect the following files:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Music
- Videos
- Documents
The modified files are renamed with the .CYBERGOD extension as per standard Scarab renaming policies. Updated version of this particular strain may continue to use this suffix or add other elements such as a victim ID.
The associated ransomware note called From Jobe Smith.TXT which reads the following message:
I am The Lawnmower Man!
And i can make you forget everything you got here!
Or you can make offer for me on my mail:
localgreenskeeper@firemail.cc or jobesmith@airmail.cc
To show you my almighty power I can decrypt few files for you
But dont forget to send me your ID!
Have a nice Day!
Remove CyberGod Scarab Ransomware Virus and Restore .CYBERGOD Files
If your computer got infected with the CyberGod Scarab ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for CyberGod Scarab with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CyberGod Scarab and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CyberGod Scarab on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by CyberGod Scarab there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CyberGod Scarab
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CyberGod Scarab.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and CyberGod Scarab aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
CyberGod Scarab-FAQ
What is CyberGod Scarab Ransomware?
CyberGod Scarab is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
Can CyberGod Scarab Ransomware Cayse Damage?
Yes, ransomware can damage your computer. Ransomware is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
Should I Ignore Viruses, Like CyberGod Scarab?
No, you should never ignore ransomware. It can encrypt your data and block access to your computer, making it impossible to access your files until you pay a ransom.
Ignoring ransomware could lead to the permanent loss of your data, as well as the potential for the ransomware to spread to other computers on your network. Additionally, paying the ransom does not guarantee that your data will be recovered.
How Does CyberGod Scarab Infect?
Via several ways.CyberGod Scarab Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment.
This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way you may become a victim of CyberGod Scarab is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .CyberGod Scarab files?
You can't. At this point, the .CyberGod Scarab files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryptionkey for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .CyberGod Scarab files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CyberGod Scarab" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CyberGod Scarab files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of CyberGod Scarab Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate CyberGod Scarab ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CyberGod Scarab files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like CyberGod Scarab ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts.
What to Do If I Cant Get The Files Back?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can CyberGod Scarab Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Why Is the Ransom Paid in Crypto?
Cryptocurrency is a secure and untraceable form of payment, making it the ideal choice for ransom payments. It is difficult to trace, and the transactions are almost instantaneous. This means it is nearly impossible for authorities to track the payment and recover the money.
Can Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the CyberGod Scarab Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CyberGod Scarab how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the CyberGod Scarab ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.