Ransomware attacks have grown with the advent of the modern connected world and Today it has become one of the major headaches for online businesses of all types. In the recent past, Ransomware attacks have expanded to include data exfiltration, participation in distributed denial of service attacks (DDOS) & anti-detection components.

Recently a series of Scarab Ransomware variants were released that dominated Ransomware distribution. The malicious program employs sophisticated AES-256 & RSA-2018 encryption algorithm to lock personal information on targeted systems. The Ransomware belongs to hidden tear Ransomware family.

Scarab Ransomware was spotted for the first time in June 2017 & since then has been reappearing with new versions. Amongst the many variants of this Ransomware the updated ones encrypt files by appending it with .RAP, .zzzzzzzz, .krab, .fast, .key, .ERROR, .skype, .hitler, .mammon, .walker, .please, .Recovery, .red, .osk, .dan@cock.email, .bomber etc. The list of scarab Ransomware variants is endless.

Scarab Ransomware is no ordinary Ransomware as it uses Necurs botnet to spread around. The popularity & imperilment of this spam botnet largely intensifies the possibility of getting infected with this malice. The targeted files of this Ransomware attack include:

• Video files
• Audio files
• Picture files
• Document files
• Text files etc

Unlike other Ransomware attacks, this Scarab Virus soon after encryption places HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES ransom note in each of the affected folders. The ransom note is usually in Russian language but the latest variants use the English translation of the Russian note without correct grammar. The note informs users that the files have been encrypted & contain details about the ransom to be paid along with the contact details of the attacker. The ransom note reads as:

The threat actors of Scarab File Virus usually demand $300 to $500 in exchange for the Scarab Decrypter key to unlock the encrypted data. They use different email address to communicate with Scarab virus victims. These include:

• qa458@yandex.ru;
• resque@plague.desi;
• Help-Mails@Ya.Ru;
• suupport@protonmail.com;
• unlocking.guarantee@aol.com;
• westlan@protonmail.ch; etc

Ransomware attacks usually result in deletion of files regardless of whether or not the payment is made. Agreeing to pay to cyber maniacs hence reaps no fruits. Victims are therefore recommended to try some other ways to recover the lost data instead of paying to the hackers.

Threat Summary of Scarab Ransomware–

Scarab-krab Ransomware & Scarab-Zzz Ransomware- Most recent variants of Ransomware Attacks

Scarab- krab & Scarab- Zzz are customized versions of the Scarab Ransomware Trojan released on January 12^th& January 14^th, 2019 respectively.

The sacarb-krab Ransomware is known to be used in attacks on small businesses that use poorly protected remote desktop accounts & outdated software infrastructure. The Ransomware remove the System Restore points & the Shadow Volume snapshots on the infected devices making the recovery possible only through third-party backup solutions. The encrypted files receive the .[[crab1917@gmx.de]].krab extension.

The Scarab- Zzz Ransomware is similar to its other variants & uses identical ransom note. The rename pattern include .zzzzzzzz extension. For instance, a file named test.docx is renamed to 3RvbmV5d29vZCBwYXBlciBtaWxsLmRvY3gNCg==.zzzzzzzz. The threat actors appear to use ‘rohitramses@protonmail.com‘ and ‘rohitramses@tutanota.com‘ email accounts for reaching out to victims.

Other traits of these Ransomware variants resemble its earlier versions. The targeted files include images, audio, video, databases, and office documents.

Scarab Ransomware – Distribution Tactics

Scarab Ransomware in order to appear legitimate uses various techniques to dupe users. It is usually distributed via spam email attachments. Detailed ways for this Ransomware proliferation is described as follows:

1. Software Bundling: Software bundling is the process in which a malicious program is distributed with other free software, to get an unnoticed entry into your computer system. When a user installs a free application, the malicious programs gains a front door entry with the free application, the user has downloaded. Thus, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the installation screens while installing these free applications.
2. Infected Storage Devices: Your system can also get infected by using removable media such as USB hard drives and jump drives without scanning them with an anti-virus.
3. Spam Emails – Spamming is the most economic and common method used for the distribution of such malware. The targeted users get genuine looking emails which contain .doc, .txt, and other similar attachments. These attachments can be named as anything which can grab the user’s attention and triggers him/her to open the attachment. As soon as the user opens this attachment, the malware infects the user’s computer system.
4. Malicious Websites or Malevolent Advertisements: The malicious websites are the ones which are created just for promoting the malware infections. Such websites include but are not limited to porn sites, torrent sites and other free downloading platforms. By visiting such websites, the adware infects the user’s computer without permission. Fake advertisements and updates like Flash player and windows updates which ask the user to update to the latest version are a few examples. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. That is why, it is highly recommended to resist clicking on such links. Also avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuff such as Win an iPhones, cars or free overseas trips etc.

Step A: Remove the Services Installed By Scarab Ransomware from the System using Safe mode with Command Prompt

Once the system starts, ensure to use an account with administrative privilege to access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

After the user enters admin credentials, Command prompt window is displayed wherein you are entitled to enter the below commands:

1. Type the command “sc delete Scarab Ransomware” in the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Type “exit” to exit the command prompt and restart the system in safe mode with command prompt.

STEP B: Restore your system files and settings

Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected –

Prevention is always better than cure and this is cent percent true for the safety in the current digital world. Below are some of the tips for you to prevent and get rid of Scarab ransomware and to protect  yourself from Ransomware attacks.

1. Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
2. Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
3. Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
4. Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
5. Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Kaspersky Labs Inc and Hitman pro so that it remains safe.
6. Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.

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