This article will aid you to remove .Scorpion Ransomware. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
.Scorpion Ransomware is one that encrypts your data and demands money as a ransom to get it restored. Files will receive the .Scorpion extension. The .Scorpion 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 | .Scorpion ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files by placing the .Scorpion extension on the target files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and leave a ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Scorpion 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. |
.Scorpion Ransomware – Distribution Techniques
The .Scorpion virus is a new malware threat which has been captured in a low-volume attack campaign. This does not give out further details about the hacker perpetrators. We presume that the most popular methods are to be used.
Hackers will typically use phishing email messages that are sent in a SPAM-like manner to the target recipients. They contain the same multimedia content and layout as the legitimate ones. Through the posted links, images, videos and other types of materials the virus can be linked. An alternative is to attach them directly to the messages.
The other tactic is to craft malicious web sites that pose as legitimate and safe places from where users can acquire various types of computer programs. The list includes download portals, search engines, product landing pages and company sites. All kinds of built-in content, as well as pop-ups, interactive content, banners and other web elements can lead to the .Scorpion ransomware infection as well.
Other ways that a computer user might fall victim to it is by interacting with a dangerous payload carrier. Two of them are the following:
- Documents — There are scripts that can be inserted in various document types that will lead to the .Scorpion virus deployment: presentations, databases, text documents and spreadsheets. Whenever they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned which will request that the scripts are run in order to correctly view the contents of the files.
- Application Installers — The criminals can create dangerous setup files of popular applications which are often downloaded by end users. They are done by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and adding in the necessary code. They can then be distributed using the various channels. Usually all kinds of programs are distributed: creativity suites, productivity and office programs, system utilities and etc.
Many of the .Scorpio samples of all kinds can also be acquired from file-sharing networks like BitTorrent. They are widely used to share both legitimate and pirate content.
Much of the large-scale infections are caused through the installation of browser hijackers — malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are usually uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake developer credentials and user reviews. The posted descriptions promise new feature additions and performance optimizations. Whenever they are installed on the victim systems various changes will occur, including possible redirects to other sites.
.Scorpion Ransomware – Detailed Analysis
While there is no information about the .Scorpon ransomware activities due to the low number of samples, it is believed that this may be an early test release. In this version only the ransomware engine is active which means that future versions might contain many other malicious actions. A list of some of the popular components that are added in similar viruses is the following:
- Data Harvesting — The .Scorpion ransomware can be programmed to steal sensitive information, including one that can directly expose the identity of the victims. This is done by searching for strings such as a person’s name, address, interests and any stored account credentials.
- Machine Identification — Another popular concept used by many ransomware variants is to use an algorithm that creates an unique ID for each infected computer. This is done by taking in input values from a variety of sources including the installed hardware components, system environment values and certain regional settings.
- Windows Registry Changes — The engine can make modifications to the Windows Registry by adding in new strings, modifying existing ones or even deleting them. This can cause serious performance issues, errors and data loss.
- Security Bypass — One of the popular additions found in many viruses is the ability to search and bypass security software that can block the .Scorpion ransomware. This is done by searching the memory for such processes and the hard disk drive for any traces of such applications: anti-virus programs, virtual machine hosts, firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Additional Payload Delivery — The made infections can be programmed to land other threats to the already compromised computers. This is done intentionally as the .Scorpion ransomware may have already bypassed the system’s security.
Other features can be added in the future versions.
.Scorpion Ransomware – Encryption Process
Like other popular malware samples the .Scorpion ransomware will launch the encryption engine once all prior modules have finished running. It will probably use a built-in list of target file type extensions which are to be processed by a strong cipher. An example list can include the following data types:
- Backups
- Databases
- Archives
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All affected files are renamed with the .Scorpion extension. A ransomware note will be produced in a text file called “About .Scorpion V4.0 unlocking instructions.txt”.
Remove .Scorpion Ransomware and Try to Restore Data
If your computer system got infected with the .Scorpion 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 .Scorpion ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion 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 .Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Scorpion ransomware.
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 .Scorpion 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.
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.
.Scorpion ransomware-FAQ
What is .Scorpion ransomware Ransomware?
.Scorpion 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 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 .Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion 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 ..Scorpion ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Scorpion ransomware 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 ..Scorpion ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Scorpion ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion ransomware 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 .Scorpion ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Scorpion 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 .Scorpion 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.
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