How to remove Scarab-Walker ransomware

Scarab-Walker – yet another crypto-virus from Scarab family

Scarab-Walker is one of the variants of a popular Scarab ransomware^[1] family. Malware adds .JohnnieWalker file extension to the encrypted data and deliver a ransom message with all the details how you can get the decryption key in HOW TO DECRYPT WALKER INFO.TXT file.

Scarab-Walker ransomware uses a strong and nearly unbreakable AES cryptography^[2] to make files inaccessible on the affected computer. When all files are locked with .JohnnieWalker extension, victims are encouraged to read the message in the “HOW TO DECRYPT WALKER INFO.TXT” text file.

The message by Scarab-Walker virus includes the name of the cyber threat, email address and other information about decryption. Virus developers listed some websites where you can purchase bitcoins for your ransom payment:

Your documents, photos, databases, save games and other important data was encrypted.
Data recovery the necessary decryption tool. To get the decryption tool, should send an email to:
JohnnieWalker@firemail.cc
Letter must include Your personal ID (see the beginning of this document).
In the proof we have decryption tool, you can send us 1 file for test decryption.
Next, you need to pay for the decryption tool.
In response letter You will receive the address of Bitcoin wallet which you need to perform the transfer of funds.

Authors of Scarab Walker say that you can send them one test file for quick decryption, but it might be the only file that you get back. They are still demanding you to pay for the full data decryption. You cannot be sure that they do what they say. In that case, we do not recommend to pay them anything.

This key possibly can help to decrypt your remaining files and is created individually to each victim. However, we do not recommend to trust the cybercriminals. These people might disappear after the payment is complete. It’s better to focus on Scarab-Walker removal and try alternative methods for data recovery.

It’s important to remove Scarab-Walker because when it is still on the computer decryption of your files is impossible even if you have data backups. As soon as you connect an external or cloud storage, the virus might affect documents there immediately.

We want to point out that you should not try to get rid of the crypto-virus manually. This is a complicated task that requires stopping and terminating malicious processes that might be hidden under legit system names. So, we recommend using reputable tools, such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for the effective Scarab- Walker removal.

Beware of the suspicious email attachments – they might include ransomware payload

When getting a lot of emails, you often can miss one or two of spam emails. It is essential that you delete them without reading or checking those suspicious attachments. You can get malware from these or trojan virus that opens up a backdoor to other infections like ransomware. That can cause a threat to your computer system.

Malware researchers from Virusi.hr^[3] informs that malicious spam emails might be not the only method used for ransomware distribution. These infections are spreading through various questionable PUPs and fake software updates. You should check what you are downloading to avoid data loss.

For ransomware prevention, it is also recommended to have anti-virus and anti-spyware apps. Update them frequently and run system scans to make sure that any cyber infection is not residing on your device.

Remove Scarab-Walker from your computer as soon as you can to prevent more damage

We recommend FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for proper system scan and Scarab-Walker removal. Keep in mind that it’s just a suggestion. If you prefer other anti-malware tools, feel free to use them. But don’t forget to update it first!

However, it might not be as easy to remove Scarab-Walker as it may seem at first. Such cyber threats can block security tools. For this reason, you need to extra steps and disable the virus first. There is a removal guide below that can help you to detect and delete this ransomware for good.