Decrypt .scarab virus files and remove Scarab ransomware

This entry gives comprehensive insights into the Scarab ransomware issue, including its distribution vectors, cryptographic facet, and recovery options.

There hasn’t been much activity on ransomware developers’ end lately. Whereas there have been some speculations regarding the cause, every hiatus of that kind tends to be the lull before the storm. Breaking news of the day is the emergence of a new blackmail virus made by a cybercriminal crew with ambitions. It is referred to as the Scarab ransomware, because that’s the extension it affixes to victims’ encrypted data items. On the face of it, the culprit doesn’t appear to be a remake of any existing strain. Meanwhile, it does leverage tactics security researchers are well familiar with. To infect Windows computers, the crooks are employing a botnet called Necurs, the one liable for spreading such a malicious heavyweight as Locky. The malspam with bad binary on board is masqueraded as scanned copier messages. The 7z archive attached to them, when opened, triggers the contamination chain behind the scenes.

As soon as the payload is executed, it downloads all the missing component of the perpetrating program without any apparent signals that might raise red flags. Then, the Scarab ransomware scans local hard drive volumes, removable media if any, as well as mapped network drives in search of potentially valuable data. The pest goes with a predefined list of file formats to look for, so it is more than likely to spot most of the information that matters to the plagued user. Once the offending entity is done traversing the machine this way, it applies a mixture of symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to render the matching files inaccessible. There is a conspicuous byproduct of this routine – a specific extension added to filenames.

There are several different variants of the Scarab baddie circulating concurrently, which may be a sign of an affiliate, or Ransomware-as-a-Service, marketing model behind the campaign. Analysts have spotted the following variants of extensions being concatenated to encoded files: .[resque@plague.desi].scarab, .[mich78@usa.com].scarab, .[suupport@protonmail.com].scarab, .[unlocking@guarantee@aol.com].scarab, and [help-mails@ya.ru].scorpio. The extension itself speaks for itself, instructing the prey to contact the rogue players using the email address indicated in the string.

Yet another side effect accompanying the incursion is the onset of ransom notifications sprinkled all over the desktop and individual folders. Again, there are a few different editions of these notes. One is verbosely named “IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL YOUR FILES BACK, PLEASE READ THIS.txt”. Another one is “Recovery.txt”. Their contents are identical, going, “Your files are now encrypted! 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.”

The above-mentioned manual also contains the user’s unique ID, which is a long string to random characters. The crooks also claim to provide the option of restoring up to three files for free as a guarantee that the data is decryptable, as long as these files aren’t valuable and are less than 10MB in size. At the end of the day, to decrypt all hostage objects the victim is coerced into submitting somewhere between $500-1500 worth of Bitcoin. However, it’s strongly recommended to refrain from coughing up the money and treat the criminals’ offer as the last resort only. If infected with the Scarab ransomware, start remediation with the tips below. This way, you will get rid of the perpetrating code proper and, if the stars align, you will be able to recover all or some of the ransomed files.

Scarab ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Scarab, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Scarab remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Scarab ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Scarab virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .scarab files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Scarab ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Scarab removal tool