How to remove Scarabey ransomware

Scarabey – ransomware targeting Russian computer users

Scarabey ransomware is yet another variant of the notorious Scarab virus which is currently targeting Russian computer users. This file-encrypting malware is written in Delphi and is used for encrypting files on victim's computer to make them inaccessible. Once it encodes the target files, Scarabey creates a .txt file named as Инструкция по расшифровке (Decryption instructions in English) and drops it on computer's desktop.

In contrast to its predecessor, Scarabey virus does not spread via Necurs botnet.^[1] To drop the code and launch ransomware hackers have been misusing Microsoft's Remove Desktop Protocol (RDP). Besides, in some cases the virus can infect the system with the help of spam and ask you to use Support56@cock.lt to contact its developers.

Once the malicious code is executed onto the target computer, the virus scans the whole system and encrypts the most popular file formats, such as doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .pdf, .php, .rar, .raw, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wav, .wma, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xqx, .xqx, .zip, etc. Just like the previous version, it adds .scarab file extension to each of them and drops multiple files deep into the Windows OS to prevent easy removal of the malware. 

The ransom note of the Scarabey explains what procedures were initiated on victim's computer and what actions should him/her do to regain the access to locked files. The ransom note reads the following:

Good afternoon. Your computer has been infected with Scarabey. All data is encrypted with a unique key, which is available only to us.
Without the unique key – files can not be restored.
24 files are deleted every 24 hours. (we have copies of them)
If you do not run the decryption program within 72 hours, all the files on the computer are completely deleted, without the possibility of recovery.
Read carefully how to recover all encrypted data.

The virus uses strong cryptography, which, at the moment of writing, can be eliminated only by entering a unique decryption code which is help by hackers. In addition to locked files, the owner of the attacked PC can notice various system's changes and malfunctions, which is why Scarabey removal is the initial step we recommend taking. For that, use FortectIntego or similar anti-virus.

The only way to get the unique code is to contact the developer of the ransomware by email Support56@cock.lt and indicate the ID number to get further instructions.

However, we do NOT recommend that as this is a straight way into losing your money and files. No matter that crooks are promising to show the victim that they are capable of decrypting files locked by their ransomware, you should never follow their commands. Make sure you remove Scarabey from the system instead of sending two currently locked files (up to 1 MB) along with your ID. Then, proceed to our files' recovery section.

Do not pay the ransom, security experts warn

Although it's not yet clear how much money ransomware developers demand, based on the previous ransomware practice,^[2] we can guess that the amount of money varies from 500 to 2500 USD.

The deadline for the payment ends within 72 hours and, furthermore, every 24 hours of hesitation will end up with a permanent loss of 24 personal files. Nevertheless, security experts recommend people to remove the virus using a professional anti-virus tool before it injects its code deep into a target system.

Remove Desktop Protocol (RDP) can be used for ransomware distribution

As we have already pointed out, this ransomware can be distributed via Remove Desktop Protocol (RDP).^[3] With its help crooks may get access to people's PCs remotely and manually inject the malicious code. You should also be careful with spam emails, especially those from unknown senders and containing an attachment. Please, double check it before downloading it to your computer. 

Finally, do not fall for clicking low-quality eye-catching ads and be careful with programs from third party sources, such as torrents or P2P networks. Such apps can also be bundled with malicious programs, including file-encryption virus, browser hijackers, etc. 

A complete guide on how to uninstall Scarabey virus

If your personal files got locked because of the Scarabey ransomware, you have to decide immediately whether you are going to pay the ransom or not. Although you are locked from accessing your personal files, we would like to discourage you from hooking on the contact with cybercriminals.^[4]  

First of all, there's no guarantee that hackers will recover all your encrypted files. Second of all, by paying the ransom instead of eliminating ransomware from the system, people encourage cyber crooks for further attacks.

Once you remove Scarabey ransomware, you can try to decrypt files using a professional software decryption tool. However, we cannot guarantee that it will be capable of cracking a robust encryption code. We must add that Scarabey removal will damage Windows Shadow Volume Copies as well. People often use these copies for decrypting personal files, but this time hackers forestalled the possibility to use these copies by removing them.

Thus, before trying to recover encrypted files, get rid of Scarabey virus completely. For this purpose, you can use FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.