This blog page is made to give you insight on what exactly is the .crabs variant of Scarab ransomware and how you can try and remove it from your computer thoroughly.

Yet another version of the notorious Scarab ransomware has come out, infecting unsuspecting victims. The ransomware aims to encrypt the files on the computers it infects and then leaves the .crabs file extension added to the files. The files then cannot be opened and this version of Scarab ransomware leaves a ransom note file, demanding from victims to pay ransom in order to get their files recovered back to their normal working state leaves a ransom note file, demanding from victims to pay ransom in order to get their files recovered back to their normal working state. If your computer was recently infected with the .crabs variant of Scarab ransomware, we suggest that you read this article.

There is more than one way that is used to replicate the .crabs file variant of Scarab ransomware. One of the methods, which accounts for about 80% of ransomware infections globally is via e-mail messages sent to victims. These e-mails often are very cleverly created and may fool you in a big way. Their primary goal is to convince you to download the attachments that are embedded within the e-mails themselves. These attachments are often in an archive so that they can be obfuscated. The archives may contain the malicious file in a .js extension or in a suffix that has taken another form, like .docx or .pdf files.

Besides e-mail, the .crabs ransomware virus may be spread as a result of Its infection file being uploaded on multiple suspicious sites, like hacked WordPress sites, or privately hosted sites. The outcome of this is when you search for a crack, patch, portable program or just a free setup of a software you are trying to install, you may land on a fake web page that promotes the infection file of the .crabs Scarab ransomware and wind up being infected with the virus.

The .crabs virus is the type of infection, whose primary goal is to perform file encryption on your data. The outcome of this is that the virus may render the files unusable, so that the crooks behind it can extort you into paying ransom to get your files back. The .crabs virus may go through a lot of different activities in order to reach this goal. The main ones of those activities are to firstly drop its virus payload onto your computer. The payload may have files of the following types:

→ .exe, .docx, .pdf, .bat, .vbs, .cmd, .js, .tmp, .dll, .key

The files may be created with a random name or a name imitating some type of legitimate Windows app, like “notepad.exe”, for example. They may usually reside in the following Windows directories

• %Local%
• %Temp%
• %Windows%
• %Roaming%
• %ProgramData%
• %ProgamFiles%
• %SystemDrive%
• %AppData%

Once Scarab .crabs ransomware has dropped its malicious files, the ransomware may check if its running on a real computer or if has been activated on a virtual drive. If it is in a virtual environment, the .crabs ransomware may stop and self-erase its virus files. The outcome of this is that the .crabs ransomware virus may stop researchers from snooping its code.

In addition to this, once the .crabs ransomware has established that there are no obstacles, the virus may perform the following activities:

• Create mutexes.
• Interfere with the Windows registry editor.
• Drop its ransom note file.
• Escalate its privileges to an administrator level.
• Read and write files.
• Obtain your IP address and location.
• Obtain language information.
• Steal saved passwords and perform other spyware activities (not very likely, but still possible).

The .crabs virus may drop its ransom note on the Desktop of your computer or on folders where encrypted files are. The ransom note is named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.TXT and accriding to researcher Emmanuel_ADC-Soft(@Emm_ADC_Soft ), the note appears like the following:

The main message to the victims in the “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES” note aims to extort them to pay Bitcoins:

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.

Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.

This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.

You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Contact us using this email address: GHBeIABE EET VE

Free decryption as guarantee!

Before paying you can send us up to 2 files for free decryption.

The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).

To encrypt files, the .crabs variant of the Scarab ransomware infection may begin to scan the victimized computer for the files it is set to encode. The virus may look for the following file types:

• Videos.
• Images.
• Documents of all types.
• Audio files.
• Virtual drive files.
• Files, associated with often used programs.
• Databases.

Once the .crabs version of Scarab detects those files, they are immediately encrypted and cannot be opened anymore. The virus also sets the .crabs extension, so the files assume the following appearance:

If you want to get rid of the .crabs variant of Scarab Ransomware, we suggest that you do a fresh backup at first. It will allow you to secure your files, just in case something goes wrong during the removal. Be advised that it is not recommended to tamper with the .crabs files unless you have backed them up.

If you want to remove the virus manually, then the first two instruction steps below are just for you. However, if this does not seemt to solve your problems, we strongly recommend what most cyber-security experts advise an that is to download and run a scan with an anti-malware program, whose main goal is to automatically detect and delete all of the virus files in a safe manner and ensure future protection too.

If you want to try and get your data back, then we advise you to see the alternative file recovery methods underneath. They are made in order to help you restore as many files as possible, but be advised that they come with no 100% guarantee to be able to get all your data back.

The .crabs Scarab Virus virus has been spotted using the its own file extension. The .crabs Scarab Virus virus also communicates via TOR through which it sends a decrypter after the ransom has been paid. In case you are a victim of the new .crabs Scarab Virus virus we advise you to read this article and learn how to remove the virus files and try to decode encrypted objects.

.crabs Scarab Virus Virus – What Does It Do

Being a variant of the ransomware family, which exists in a lot of virus families, the .crabs Scarab Virus ransomware has been reported to drop one or more executable files in the %AppData% Windows directory.

After doing so, the .crabs Scarab Virus virus may modify the Windows registry entries, more specifically the Shell sub-key with the following location:

• HKLM/Software/Microsoft/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion/Winlogon/Shell

Then, the .crabs Scarab Virus virus may also modify the Run registry key to run the executable file(s) in the %AppData% directory. The key is with the following path:

• HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run/

This may result in the virus file booting alongside the Windows start-up process.

.crabs Scarab Virus also drops a ransom note file with a ransom message and places it somewhere easy to locate. Then, the .crabs Scarab Virus virus may attack files with the following file types to encrypt them:

• Videos.
• Images.
• Documents.
• Audio files.
• Archives.

After .crabs Scarab Virus encrypts the files, the virus leaves the files no longer able to be opened and likely appends a custom file extenson to them.

.crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware – How Did I Get Infected

The infection process of .crabs Scarab Virus is conducted primarily via spammed e-mails that have deceptive messages embedded within them. Such messages may pretend to be sent from services such as PayPal, UPS, FedEx and others. They may contain attachments that pretend to be invoices and other fake type of files. Other social engineering techniques include:

• Fake buttons and pictures as if the e-mails are sent from a social media site, like LinkedIn.
• Fraudulent PayPal links.
• Links to GoogleDrive and fake e-mails that look the same as if they are sent from Google.

Other infection tools may also include the usage of torrent websites and other third-party sites to upload fake updates, fake installers as well as other fraudulent executables.

Which Files May Get Affected by .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware?

.crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware serves as a typical file-encoding Trojan. As soon as it gets access to your machine, this cryptomalware will perform a quick scan to find the paths to all of your personal files. The targeted data includes all MS Office documents, your precious photos and videos, your databases, the program files, etc. Only a few files such as the ones related to the core Windows processes may be spared. Once the operation ends, you will notice a threatening lockdown message on your desktop and the default file extension will become ‘.dll’. The cyber criminals give the victims only several days pay the ransom of Bitcoins, or else they threaten to delete forever the decryption key. The purpose of this frightening message is to shock the person and make him act irrationally. The victims often feel as the only solution to the issue is to pay the money. In reality, all specialists unanimously recommend not to follow the instructions of the hackers for several different reasons.

How to Protect Yourself from .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware?

This ransomware may cause huge and often irreversible damage to the affected machines. Fortunately, you can prevent the infection as long as you are vigilant during your online sessions. This Trojan isn’t known to use some unique methods to infiltrate the defences of your computer. The most probable cause for .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware to enter is via spam emails. You may receive a message with a shocking content, encouraging you to either click on a malicious link or download a compromised file. The hackers have a whole arsenal of tools to manipulate you into doing so. For example, they may claim to represent an international bank or some popular shipping company. If they address you without mentioning your name, the email is probably a scam and you should ignore it. Unfortunately, if you simply click or download the infected file, your action will most likely be enough to activate the harmful codes of .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware. In this case, only a credible security solution may be able to prevent the forthcoming damage.

How to Delete .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware and Decrypt Your Files for Free?

The main reasons not to pay the ransom are two. First, you may not receive the promised unlocking key even after doing exactly as the hackers demand. They often scam the victims because the Bitcoin platform doesn’t allow refunds and the people have no way to get their money back. The second reason not to finance cyber criminals is that your money will only motivate them to create more aggressive ransomware like .crabs Scarab Virus. On the other hand, if their attacks are in vain, they may stop spamming the web with such malicious Trojans. These parasites require quite some efforts to be created professionally and spread efficiently.

Once you decide not to pay the ransom, there are several other ways that may help you decrypt your personal files. You should begin the attempts by removing all traces of the malware. If you fail to delete .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware properly, it may decrypt your files once again in the future or spread to other connected devices. The manual removal is not the recommended solution since it requires expert-level knowledge in computers. The most reliable tactic is to use dedicated security software that has added F.crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware to its database. Once the scan finishes, you should try some of the programs for restoration of files or the integrated System Restore feature. If you are lucky enough to have a spare copy of your files on some external device, you can import them back to your computer safely.

Removal Instructions for .crabs Scarab Virus

If you want to remove .crabs Scarab Virus, we strongly recommend that you first backup your data, just in case something goes wrong. Then, you can follow the manual or automatic removal instructions below, depending on which type of steps suits you more. If you lack the experience and the confidence that you will remove .crabs Scarab Virus manually, then you should do what most experts would and save yourself some time by downloading and running a scan with an advanced anti-malware software. Such programs are created to quickly identify and remove threats and programs with intrusive behaviour, like .crabs Scarab Virus, plus they also aim to ensure that your system is protected against future intrusions as well.

Manual Removal of .crabs Scarab Virus

Booting in Safe Mode

For Windows:
1) Hold Windows Key and R
2) A run Window will appear, in it type “msconfig” and hit Enter
3) After the Window appears go to the Boot tab and select Safe Boot

Cut out .crabs Scarab Virus in Task Manager

1) Press CTRL+ESC+SHIFT at the same time.
2) Locate the “Processes” tab.
3) Locate the malicious process of .crabs Scarab Virus, and end it’s task by right-clicking on it and clicking on “End Process”

Eliminate .crabs Scarab Virus‘s Malicious Registries

For most Windows variants:
1) Hold Windows Button and R.
2) In the “Run” box type “Regedit” and hit “Enter”.
3) Hold CTRL+F keys and type .crabs Scarab Virus or the file name of the malicious executable of the virus which is usually located in %AppData%, %Temp%, %Local%, %Roaming% or %SystemDrive%.
4) After having located malicious registry objects, some of which are usually in the Run and RunOnce subkeys delete them ermanently and restart your computer. Here is how to find and delete keys for different versions.
For Windows 7: Open the Start Menu and in the search type and type regedit –> Open it. –> Hold CTRL + F buttons –> Type .crabs Scarab Virus Virus in the search field.
Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Hit Enter -> Press CTRL + F buttons. Type .crabs Scarab Virus in the search field.

Automatic Removal of .crabs Scarab Virus

If you are in Safe Mode, boot back into normal mode and follow the steps below
Step 1:Click on the button to download SpyHunter’s installer.

DOWNLOAD REMOVAL TOOL FOR .crabs Scarab VirusThe free version of SpyHunter will only scan your computer to detect any possible threats. To remove them permanently from your computer, purchase its full version. Spy Hunter malware removal tool additional information/SpyHunter Uninstall Instructions

It is advisable to run a scan before committing to purchase the full version. You should make sure that the malware is detected by SpyHunter first.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.

Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for the program to update.

Step4: If the program does not start to scan automatically, click on the “Scan Computer Now” button.

Step5: After SpyHunter has completed with your system`s scan, click on the “Next” button to clear it.

Step6: Once your computer is clean, it is advisable to restart it.

Recover files encrypted by the .crabs Scarab Virus Ransomware.

Method 1: Using Shadow Explorer. In case you have enabled File history on your Windows Machine one thing you can do is to use Shadow Explorer to get your files back. Unfortunately some ransomware viruses may delete those shadow volume copies with an administrative command to prevent you from doing just that.

Method 2: If you try to decrypt your files using third-party decryption tools. There are many antivirus providers who have decrypted multiple ransomware viruses the last couple of years and posted decryptors for them. Chances are if your ransomware virus uses the same encryption code used by a decryptable virus, you may get the files back. However, this is also not a guarantee, so you might want to try this method with copies of the original encrypted files, because if a third-party program tampers with their encrypted structure, they may be damaged permanently. Here are the vendors to look for:

• Kaspersky.
• Emsisoft.
• TrendMicro.

Method 3: Using Data Recovery tools. This method is suggested by multiple experts in the field. It can be used to scan your hard drive’s sectors and hence scramble the encrypted files anew as if they were deleted. Most ransomware viruses usually delete a file and create an encrypted copy to prevent such programs for restoring the files, but not all are this sophisticated. So you may have a chance of restoring some of your files with this method. Here are several data recovery programs which you can try and restore at least some of your files: