An infection with the dangerous Scarab-Osk virus leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover Scarab-Osk- Files
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Distribution of Scarab-Osk Virus
Scarab-Osk virus is a new data locker ransomware that has been released in attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. The threat could be utilizing widely used tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.
One of the easiest ways for the criminals to spread the payload of Scarab-Osk ransomware is by attaching it to email messages that are later released in active attack campaigns. The method allows hackers to send the virus to large lists of potential victims. The attachments to malicious email spam messages usually have Word documents or other types of files which users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with Scarab-Osk crypto virus. Other infection tactic related to emails is hyperlink inserted in the content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest.
Computer criminals behind this new ransomware can be using malicious sites or download portals to distribute malware of different kinds, including Scarab-Osk virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.
The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind Scarab-Osk virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious add-ons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware, but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.
Impact of Scarab-Osk Virus
The Scarab-Osk is the latest representative of the Scarab ransomware family which is probably being operated by the same hackers. We anticipate that future versions of the Scarab family will be made as well, as this has proven to be one of the most popular threats in the last few months.
The security analysis does not reveal any major differences in the functionality of the new version. As before it can begin the infection by hijacking sensitive data from the users via a data harvesting module. The information can either expose the victim’s identity by stealing information that can reveal them or be used for campaign metrics. In either way the collected information can be processed by a stealth protection component. It is used to counter any programs or services that can interfere with the virus’s proper execution. Examples include anti-virus programs, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. Advanced strains of it can be configured into deleting themselves if they fail this step.
The orchestrated system changes primarily affect the Windows Registry settings. The usual targets are entries that belong to the operating system and as a result overall performance issues. When user-installed applications are concerned certain functions or services may stop working properly.
To make removal more difficult the Scarab-Osk virus can cause various actions that affect the operating system. This includes the set up of the Scarab-Osk virus as a persistent threat which is made possible by removing the possibility into entering into the boot recovery menu. By doing so the computer victims have no way of stopping the threat from automatically starting every time the computer boots. In addition the Scarab-Osk virus can delete the Shadow Volume copies of target user data. This means that data recovery would be possible only with a quality program.
Once all infection components have completed the ransomware engine is started. It uses the very same algorithm as previous strains by using a predefined list of target user data. An example list may contain the following files:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The .osk extension is applied to the victim files. A ransomware note is created in a file HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT which has the following contents:
YOUR FILES ARE CRYPTED!
Your personal identifier
6A02000000000000***46D93F
Your documents, photos, databases, saving in games and other important data were encrypted.
Data recovery requires a decryptor.
To receive the decryptor, you should send an e-mail to [email protected]
In the letter, indicate your personal identifier (see At the beginning of this document).
If I can not connect through the mail, I can not
* Register on the site http://bitmsg.me (online delivery service Bitmessage)
* Send an email to BM-2cUvL7bCPmMZc7QonNfrdLQesmpxX9Sr53 with your email and ID of the identifier
Next, you pay the cost of the decryptor. In the reply letter you will receive the address Bitcoin-purse, for which it is necessary to perform the transfer of money in the amount of 0,013 bitcoin ( 0,013 BTC ~ 100 $ ).
If you do not have bitocoins
* Create a Bitcoin purse: https://blockchain.info/en/wallet/new
* Acquire the Bitcoin crypto currency:
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins (Visa / MasterCard, etc.)
https://www.bitcoin.it/wiki (instruction for beginners)
* Send 0,013 BTC to the address in the email address
When the money transfer is confirmed, you will receive a file decryption for your computer.
After starting the decryption program, all your files will be restored.
Attention!
* Do not attempt to uninstall the program or run antivirus software
* Attempts to self-decrypt files will result in the loss of your data
* Decoders of other users are incompatible with your data, as each user unique encryption key
Remove Scarab-Osk Virus and Restore PC
Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cyber criminals does not really solve your problem with Scarab-Osk crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.
WARNING! Manual removal of Scarab-Osk ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
DOWNLOAD Anti-Malware ToolScarab-Osk Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
-
– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
-
– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover Scarab-Osk- Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with Scarab-Osk ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
