Scarab-Bin Virus is a newly discovered release of the Scarab ransomware family. It is possible that future versions of it are going to feature updated code that add newer functions. Read our complete Scarab-Bin Virus removal guide to learn more about it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Scarab-Bin |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .bin 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 Scarab-Bin. |
| 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. |
Scarab-Bin Virus – Distribution Ways
The Scarab-bin virus is distributed in the very same manner as previous iterations of the ransomware family.
Email phishing campaigns are used to spread fake email notification messages that are reminiscent of legitimate Internet services and companies. The Scarab-Bin virus files may be distributed as direct file attachments or links that are found in the body contents.
Another case is the use creation and maintenance of fake download sites that pose as legitimate portals. These two are mechanisms are also one of the preferred ways to spread infected payload carriers to the target systems. There are two main types:
- Documents — The criminals can embed the Scarab-bin virus code into files of different types: spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases. Once they are opened by the victims a notification prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in scripts (macros). When this is done the infection will follow.
- Application Installers — A similar tactic is used with installers of famous software packages: creativity suites, productivity and system utilities.
Scarab-bin virus strains can be distributed via browser hijackers that are in fact malicious web browser plugins. They are usually distributed via the official repositories using fake developer credentials and user reviews. An effective solution is to use an elaborate description that can attract many potential victims.
Scarab-Bin Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The Scarab-Bin virus follows the same set infection sequence as previous iterations of the ransomware engine. At the moment there is no information about the hacker or group behind it, however it is speculated that they have accessed the original Scarab source code from one of the hacker underground markets and have used it to create their own versions. The other possible explanation behind the new virus’s creation is a buy order to malware developers requesting a customized Scarab instance in return for a payment.
Depending on the included set of modules and the attack campaign the actual infection may begin with a data harvesting command. It instructs the virus engine to start gathering strings that are related to the user’s identity. The other type of harvested information is related to various data that can be used to optimize the attack campaigns. A sample list of the targeted information includes the following:
- Personal Victim Information — The Scarab-bin virus engine can extract strings that can expose the victim’s identity: their name, address, telephone number, passwords and etc.
- Hardware Information — A detailed report of the installed hardware components can be generated and acquired by the malicious engine.
- Operating System Data — Most of the viruses of this type also acquire certain values set by the users such as regional settings and specific installation-related entries.
This data can then be processed by the stealth protection module which can be made part of the Scarab-Bin virus engine. Such components apply a signature scan that detects installations of anti-virus software, virtual machine hosts or sandbox environments. Their real-time engines will be disabled as part of the infection process.
Following the ransomware’s installation it can also launch various system modification commands that will make it possile to modify the target systems in various ways. One of the major modifications are done to the Windows Registry wherein entries belonging both to the operating system and any user-installed entries can be made. This can impact the performance of the infected hosts, as well as disable certain services and functions.
The malicious engine can take measures against the boot options by disabling access to the boot recovery menu. It can institute itself as a persistent threat that is started every time the computer is booted.
The other dangerous change that the Scarab-bin virus can inhibit to the systems is the introduction of a Trojan capability. This is done by setting up a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It is used by the criminals to spy on the victims and control their machine at any given time.
Scarab-Bin Virus — Encryption
The ransomware engine is started after all other components have finished running. In a similar way to previous versions it uses a built-in list to determine the target files that are to be encrypted with a strong cipher. An example list can include the following data types:
- Archives
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
- Documents
The victim files are renamed with the .bin extension which includes a string in brackets containing the hacker’s contact email address. The collected samples in the ongoing attack are labeled with the .[mrbin775@gmx.de].bin extension. They are accompanied by the following ransom note:
Your files are now encrypted!
Your personal identifier:
6A02000000000000***7DF100
For instructions for decrypting files, please write here:
mrbin775@gmx.de
mrbin775@protonmail.com
If you have not received an answer, write to me again!!
Update! As reported by security researchers this iteration of Scarab ransomware may also use the distinctive extension .bin2 to mark corrupted files.
Remove Scarab-Bin Ransomware Virus and Restore .bin Files
If your computer got infected with the Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Scarab-Bin.
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 Scarab-Bin 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.
Scarab-Bin-FAQ
What is Scarab-Bin Ransomware?
Scarab-Bin 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.
What Does Scarab-Bin Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Scarab-Bin Infect?
Via several ways.Scarab-Bin 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.
Another way you may become a victim of Scarab-Bin 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 .Scarab-Bin files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Scarab-Bin files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key 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 .Scarab-Bin files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Scarab-Bin" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Scarab-Bin files.
Can I 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 Scarab-Bin 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.
Can a 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 Scarab-Bin Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Scarab-Bin 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 Scarab-Bin 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.
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