This article will aid you to remove .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .GEFEST3 extension. The .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware will leave ransomware instructions as a desktop wallpaper image. Keep on reading the article and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your locked files and data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The Scarab ransomware encrypts files by placing the .GEFEST3 before the affected files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Scarab ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware. |
| 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. |
.GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .GEFEST3 ransomware is a new release of the Scarab family and it uses the traditional methods to spread itself. The captured sample in the ongoing campaign were captured from email phishing messages that are being sent by the Fallout Exploit Kit. This is a method that relies on bulk sending of phishing email messages that pose as legitimate notifications from well-known companies. Their body contents will entice the recipients into interacting with a dangerous element that will lead to the infection — they can be either placed in the body contents or attached directly.
Other methods that can be used include malicious sites that directly copy legitimate and trustworthy search engines, Internet portals and product landing pages. They are created with similar sounding domain names and security certificates and have the main task of confusing the users into thinking that they have accessed the real page. By interacting with their multimedia elements or clicking on links the .GEFEST3 Scarab ransomware will be deployed.
There are other ways that the this threat can be delivered, an example is the payload delivery which depends on the creation of files that include the virus installation code. There are two types that are most commonly used:
- Infected Documents — The relevant .GEFEST3 Scarab ransomware instructions can be embedded in macros across all popular file types: spreadsheets, presentations, databases and text files. Whenever they are opened by the users a notification prompt will be called asking the users to enable the built-in scripts. The quoted reason is to “correctly” view the document. If this is done the malware delivery will take place.
- Application Installers — The same strategy can be used with setup packages of popular software that is often downloaded by end users: creativity suites, system utilities, productivity and office programs and etc. They are then distributed using one of the aforementioned strategies.
These data files can also be distributed using file-sharing networks like BitTorrent which are often used to spread to both pirate and legitimate files. In most cases the infected setup files are the most common carriers of the Scarab ransomware samples.
Larger campaigns can utilize browser hijackers which are dangerous plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are mostly found on the relevant plugin repositories with fake user reviews and developer credentials — the posted descriptions will promise feature additions or performance enhancements. In fact after installing them the victim browsers may be modified to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled landing page.
.GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
The .GEFEST3 Scarab follows the known Scarab behavior patterns. It is very possible that these attacks are operated by the same criminal collective behind the last few attacks utilizing samples from this malware family. We anticipate that the most common command will be launched against the victim users.
Malware samples can begin the infection with an information gathering mechanism which can gather information that can be grouped into two main categories:
- Personal Information — The engine can search for strings that can reveal sensitive data about the victim users that use the infected machines. This is possible by searching for strings such as the person’s name, address, location, interests and any stored account data. This can be used to carry out crimes such as identity theft, financial abuse and blackmail.
- Machine Identification Information The virus engine can run an algorithm that will be used to generate an unique ID for each infected machine. The input values that are taken include the list of hardware components, user settings and regional options.
The collected information can be used to locate if there are an installed security software. They will be bypassed or entirely removed, example ones include the following: anti-virus software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual machine hosts and debug environments.
The .GEFEST3 Scarab ransomware will then have the opportunity to hook up to running processes — both system ones and third-party applications. This allows the virus to spy on the users activities in real time. Other malicious actions include the following:
- Windows Registry Modifications — The .GEFEST3 Scarab ransomware can access and modify strings located in the Windows Registry. This can cause overall system stability issues and the inability to launch certain services. Unexpected errors can come up while running common programs.
- Boot Options — The Scarab ransomware can modify the boot options which will automatically launch the infection when the computer is powered on. Another side effect of this is that recovery menu access can be blocked which makes most manual removal guides useless.
- Trojan Delivery — One of the most dangerous actions that can be launched by this threat is the Trojan installation. This will install a local client that will connect to a hacker-controlled server. The criminal controllers will have the ability to spy on the victims in real-time, acquire their files before encryption and take over control of the machines at any given time.
- Additional Payload Installation — Like other similar Scarab variants the .GEFEST3 samples can also be programmed to install other malware from all popular categories: redirects, hijackers, miners and etc.
As the .GEFEST3 Scarab ransomware samples are modular in nature they can be programmed to cause a wide variety of other actions depending on the exact configuration.
.GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware – Encryption Process
The .GEFEST3 Scarab ransomware samples that we have received reports about use the familiar tactic of using a built-in list of target file type extensions. An example list may target the following:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Music
- Videos
The .GEFEST3 extension will be applied to all processed files. The crafted ransomware note will blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee.
Remove .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .GEFEST3 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.
About the .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
.GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware FAQ
What is .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
.GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 ..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the ..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 ..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 "..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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 .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .GEFEST3 Scarab Ransomware 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.