Do you know what Scarab-Osk Ransomware is?
Scarab-Osk Ransomware might be yet another variant of Scarab Ransomware. Recently, we encountered quite a few of them and so can easily confirm it acts in a very similar manner, although there are some changes as well. For instance, the program’s primary objective is still encrypting user’s private data it is just the newer version may also change original file names. After the encryption process, it acts as usual for such malicious applications. To be more precise, Scarab-Osk Ransomware should show a ransom note demanding to pay a ransom if the user wishes to decrypt his files. Naturally, doing so could be extremely risky, which is why we would advise against it. If you think ignoring the ransom note is for the best as well we encourage you to use the removal guide available a bit below the main text or a reputable antimalware tool and get rid of this malware at once. Reading the rest of the article could give you more knowledge about the infection, so if you came here to learn, you should invest a couple of minutes to read the rest of this report.
Scarab-Osk Ransomware should be distributed in usual ways, for example, infected email attachments, malicious pop-up ads, unsecured RDP connections, and so on. Usually, we advise our readers to replace all weak passwords, update out-dated software, avoid or at least scan suspicious email attachments before opening them, and keep away from pop-ups originating from possibly harmful web pages. To protect the system from infections alike, it could be useful to install a reputable antimalware tool too; as such software might be able to recognize malicious behavior and stop threats from entering the system.
Unfortunately, if Scarab-Osk Ransomware settles in the malware might start encrypting your valuable files one by one. During this process, each file should get a new random name and .osk extension, for example, a picture called roses.jpg could turn into 2wHNr2=iP509GBmqO50aTPAu2mNNRi4fA2soVFTkoC4FJUQNMiYgc.osk or something similar. It is not all because after all targeted files are locked the malicious program should drop a ransom note titled HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT. Our computer security specialists say inside of it the user should see a message telling to contact the cybercriminals who created Scarab-Osk Ransomware via email and then pay a ransom of 0.013 Bitcoins. Needless to say, we advise strongly against it since there is a change the malware’s developers may not bother sending the needed decryption tools, which means you could lose your money in vain.
What we do recommend is erasing Scarab-Osk Ransomware. It might not restore any data, but at least the computer would be clean, and victims would not have to risk their money. One of the ways to get rid of the threat is to delete its data manually and if you take a look at the removal guide placed below you should learn how to achieve this. The other way of dealing with the infection is to scan the computer with a reputable antimalware tool and then press its provided deletion button.
Erase Scarab-Osk Ransomware
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
- Pick Task Manager.
- Take a look at the Processes tab.
- Locate a process belonging to this malicious program.
- Select this process and press the End Task button.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Find a file that was opened when the system got infected.
- Right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Look for a file named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT.
- Right-click it and select Delete.
- Leave File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
Scarab-Osk Ransomware is a nightmare for anyone who does not back up valuable data. As you see the malicious application encrypts it with a secure encryption algorithm, leaving it impossible for the user to open the affected files. The main ways to get them back are replacing encrypting data with backup copies or unlocking files with decryption tools. The problem is the decryptor might be available only to the cybercriminals who created the malware and sadly, they are not offering it free of charge. Clearly, by making the payment, you would risk your money as it is impossible to get it back from the hackers and there is a chance they may not keep up with their promises. Therefore, it is advisable not to put up with any demands. If you think it would be a bad idea too, you could eliminate the infection while following the removal guide offered a bit above or by scanning the system with a reputable antimalware tool of your choice.