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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Malware Removal 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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove CyberGod Scarab from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of CyberGod Scarab from Mac OS X.
How to Remove CyberGod Scarab from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CyberGod Scarab
Step 2: Uninstall CyberGod Scarab and related software 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 uninstall most 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: Scan for CyberGod Scarab with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CyberGod Scarab.
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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of CyberGod Scarab from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CyberGod Scarab and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove CyberGod Scarab via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CyberGod Scarab.
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 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 and how does it work?
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 algorithm how 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.
How does CyberGod Scarab ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.CyberGod Scarab Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
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.
One way to restore files, encrypted by CyberGod Scarab ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".CyberGod Scarab" files (Other Methods)?
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% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of CyberGod Scarab ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. 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. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
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 it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files 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.
