What is Scarab [email protected] ransomware? And how does it implement its attack?
Scarab [email protected] ransomware is a new variant of the infamous Scarab ransomware. Like other recently released Scarab variants, nothing much has changed in this new variant as it still uses the same sequence of attacks as the others although it uses a different extension this time which is [email protected] in marking its encrypted files.
As soon as it enters a targeted computer, it implements its attack by dropping its malicious payload in the system and connecting it to a remote Command and Control server. From this server, Scarab [email protected] downloads several other malicious files and places them on system folders. After that, it employs an information-gathering module where it gathers data about the user and the system.
The data gathered is then used for the next module known as stealth protection. In this process, the crypto-malware searches for any antivirus or security programs installed in the computer that might interfere with the attack. Moreover, it also makes some changes in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. Once all these system changes are implemented, it starts the encryption process using a sophisticated cipher and then appends the [email protected] to all the affected files. Following encryption, it opens a file named “HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt” which contains the following ransom note:
“Your files are now encrypted!
Your personal identifier:
6A0200000000000036FA53A51092C701C030080357A223F65F2CE73C5280556017936189959OA96… [redacted]
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us an email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for the 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]
If you don’t get a reply for 12 hours or if the email dies, then contact us using jabber(XMPP).
Download it from here: https://www.pidgin.im/ install it
Next download https://otr.cypherpunks.ca/ install it
Register here – https://www.xmpp.jp/signup?lang=en
In pidgin turn on module OTR
After writing us in pidgin –
[email protected] (It is not a mail, XMPP)
Free decryption as a guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (nonarchived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
How to obtain Bitcoins?
* The easiest way to buy bitcoins is the 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.”
How does Scarab [email protected] ransomware circulate the web?
Like other Scarab variants, Scarab [email protected] ransomware circulates the web using malicious spam email campaigns which contain a harmful attachment. Once this attachment is downloaded and opened, it will run some malicious scripts that are used to install Scarab [email protected] ransomware in the system.
Terminate Scarab [email protected] ransomware from your computer with the help of the removal guide prepared below.
Step_1: Tap the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys to open a menu and then expand the Shutdown options which are right next to the power button.
Step_2: After that, tap and hold the Shift key and then click on Restart.
Step_3: And in the Troubleshoot menu that opens, click on the Advanced options and then go to the Startup settings.
Step_4: Click on Restart and tap F4 to select Safe Mode or tap F5 to select Safe Mode with Networking.
Step_5: After your PC has successfully rebooted, tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Step_6: Go to the Processes tab and look for any suspicious-looking processes that could be related to Scarab [email protected] ransomware and then end their processes.
Step_7: Exit the Task Manager and open Programs and Features in Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in appwiz.cpl and then click OK or press Enter.
Step_8: Look for suspicious programs that could be related to Scarab [email protected] ransomware and then uninstall them.
Step_9: Close the Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
Step_10: Navigate to the following locations and look for the malicious components created by Scarab [email protected] ransomware like “HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.txt” as well as other dubious-looking files and then make sure to delete them all.
- %APPDATA%
- %TEMP%
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_11: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use Restoro this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step_12: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_13: Navigate to the listed paths below and look for the registry keys and sub-keys created by Scarab [email protected] ransomware.
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
- 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
Step_14: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Scarab [email protected] ransomware.
Step_15: Close the Registry Editor and empty the contents of the Recycle Bin.
Congratulations, you have just removed Scarab [email protected] Ransomware in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove Scarab [email protected] Ransomware in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
