A blog post created to show you how to properly remove the .scarab file extension ransomware, how to protect yourself from Scarab Ransomware infections and how to try and restore files that have been encrypted by it.
AES encryption algorithm is the cipher used by the ransomware infection, known as Scarab ransomware virus. This type of virus is from the file encryption kind, meaning that it scrambles the files on your computer after it infects it and then asks you to pay a ransom “fee” in BitCoin in order to get them back. The virus also adds the file extension .scarab to the encrypted files and a text file, named “IF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.TXT” which gives the victim instructions on how to make the payoff. If you are one of the victims of .scarab ransomware, we advise you to read this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Scarab |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the important files on the infected computer and then asks it’s owner to pay a ransom to retrieve them. |
| Symptoms | Files are appended the .scarab file extension and are no longer openable. Added ransom note, named “IF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.TXT”. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Scarab Download Malware Removal Tool | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss 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. |
.scarab Ransomware – Update November 2017
A new wave of e-mails that are distributing Scarab ransomware has been reported to be detected by malware researchers. The number of submissions on the website, created to assist victims with identifying ransomware ID ransomware has also risen in a masisve spike, like never before.
Scarab emails disguised as archives carrying scanned images from fake services and companies. The pattern of spam is very similar to the Necurs botnet spam campaign. These e-mails aim to deceive you that you are receiving e-mails coming directly from companies, such as Lexmar, HP, Canon, Epson and others. The e-mails themselves have been reported to contain a 7Zip type of archive which as a .vbs file in it. When this .VBS script is activated, it connects to a remote host, from which it downloads and runs an .exe executable type of file, which is the malicious file of Scarab ransomware. Here is how the e-mails look like, reported from researcher Brad at malware-traffic-analysis.net:
When the archive itself is opened, the Scarab ransomware virus may display the VBS (Visual Basic Script) file which is embedded within it. The file may have a name similar to the following:
image-392241212-421312-421.vbs
In the event that you encounter such file, recommendations are to not open it under any circumstances.
Scarab Ransomware – Distribution Methods
In order to infect your computer, the cyber-criminals by Scarab ransomware, may engineer multiple different methods to slither the virus files. These methods include the usage of different tools such as:
- Exploit kits.
- Web injectors.
- Fake updates.
- E-mail spam messages.
- Malicious e-mail attachments.
- Web-injectors.
- Infected software setups.
- Malicious macros.
All of these tools may result in spreading Scarab ransomware via:
- E-mail spam messages that pretend they contain a legitimate web link or an e-mail attachment.
- Fake setups uploaded on websites for a program which the victim is looking to download.
- Software activators, fake game cracks or other activation executables.
- Malicious web links posted as spam on forums, social media, etc.
Analysis of the .Scarab File Virus
When an infection with the Scarab ransomware virus happens, the unthinkable becomes reality. The first stage of activity of the virus on your computer is to prepare the PC for file encryption. It may initially connect to the command and control server of the cyber-criminals behind the virus. Then, the .scarab file virus may relay system information from the infected computer and uniquely identify it, using fuctions within it’s malicious executable. The malicious file of Scarab Ransomware is a random named .exe file and it may reside in various %SystemDrive% directories.
Besides the primary malicious file of this virus, a text file is dropped that has the ransom note message for the victim to read and pay the fee. It is named IF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.TXT and has the following contents:
*** IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK, PLEASE READ THIS ***
Your files are now encrypted!
—–BEGIN PERSONAL IDENTIFIER—–
**************************************
—–END PERSONAL IDENTIFIER—–
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: qa458@yandex.ru
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
How to obtain Bitcoins?
* The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click
‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price:
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
* Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
In addition to this, the Scarab ransomware does not stop there. The virus may also delete the shadow volume copies on your infected computer. This Is achieved by using the vssadmin command which the ransomware executes as an administrator:
Scarab Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption process of this virus is conducted via the AES encryption algorithm to encrypt the files and the base64 to rename them. To the encrypted files, the Scarab virus adds the file extension .scarab and they appear like the following:
Scarab ransomware targets specific files which it renders corrupt. These are documents, pictures, videos, audio files, archives and other files that are often used. The most targeted file types which are encrypted are the following:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
Remove Scarab Ransomware and Restore Your Files
Scarab ransomware is no virus to underestimate and this is why we advise you to backup your files even if they are encrypted. Then you should remove the virus files by using the instructions below. Bear in mind that Scarab is the type of virus which may create multiple objects with functions that may damage your Windows if you try to delete it. This is why a ransomware-specific removal software is recommend to perform the removal of Scarab ransomware automatically.
To restore your files, you can try the alternative methods in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Scarab” below. They are specifically designed to help restore at least a potion of the data, at least until a free decrypter is released by security researchers.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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How to Remove Scarab from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Scarab
Step 2: Uninstall 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 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 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 Scarab with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Scarab.
Ransomware infections and 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.
If the above link does not work for you and your region, try the other two links below, that lead to the same product:
Get rid of Scarab from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 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 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 2: Scan for and remove Scarab files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Scarab, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Scarab on your Mac.
Ransomware for Mac Scarab aims to encode all your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decode, unless you pay money. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files, but only in some cases. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Scarab FAQ
What is Scarab ransomware and how does it work?
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 Scarab ransomware infect my computer?
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 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 .Scarab files?
You can't. At this point the .Scarab files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Scarab files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by 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 ".Scarab" files (Other Methods)?
We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .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 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 Scarab ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Scarab files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like 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?
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.
