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.
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.
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.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Scarab and other threats.
Threats such as Scarab may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
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.
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”.
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: [email protected] 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:
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Scarab and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Scarab. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Scarab follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Scarab files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Scarab on your PC
Find files created by Scarab
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Scarab with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Scarab and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Scarab. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Scarab
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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
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.
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.
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.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Scarab and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
