Scarab-Glutton Virus - How to remove

Scarab-Glutton is believed to be an updated version of original Scarab ransomware. This computer virus also has another version – Scarab-XTBL. So what are the differences and similarities between those 3 viruses? They use the same code base and cryptography to encrypt files, as well as similar distribution techniques. The main difference is extensions that are added to encrypted files. Original Scarab infection employs .scarab extension, Scarab-XTBL uses .xtbl and then finally Scarab-Glutton comes with .glutton. That’s why this virus is sometimes referred to as .glutton virus.

Scarab-Glutton can be defined as a typical ransomware infection, because it infects computers, encrypts personal files stored on the system and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt locked files. If you were unlucky enough and your computer was hit by Scarab-Glutton, do not pay the ransom right away. There are some solid alternatives that can help you remove the virus and restore locked files without spending a dime, so you go for it first.

In case you have no idea what to do in the situation like this, we will try to help you. In this article, we will provide you with the instructions on how to completely eliminate Scarab-Glutton infection from your computer and also retrieve your locked files.

How Scarab-Glutton Infection Operates

Scarab-Glutton infection gets infiltrated into the computer and immediately starts working towards encrypting files stored on that system. To that, this ransomware will scan all your files to identify the ones that can be encrypted. Unfortunately, it is capable of locking up almost all most common files, such as images, backup files, video and audio files, text documents and so on.

After that, it will automatically encrypt them all with strong cryptography, so you will not be able to open or use those files in any other way. Extension .glutton will be added to the end of every encrypted file. For instance, if you had a file named “image.jpg”, now it will be named “image.jpg.glutton” and you won’t be able to use it anymore.

The same technique is used by other notorious ransomware infections, such as TotalWipeOut, Kraken Cryptor or SARansom.

Eventually, file named “!!!HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES!!!.TXT” will be placed on the desktop and every folder that contains encrypted files. It is a ransom note and it goes like this:

Your files are now encrypted!
Your personal identifier:
6A02000000000000***XB81D7D
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
Now you should send us email with your personal identifier.
This email will be as confirmation you are ready to pay for decryption key.
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Contact us using this email address: [email protected]
Free decryption as guarantee!
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption.
The total size of files must be less than 10Mb (non archived), and files should not contain
valuable information (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.).
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price
(they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

They encourage you (as a victim) to send them up to 3 files that can they will ’decrypt’ for free. It is done in order to prove that they have the technology to decrypt files. We don’t recommend to do that – any contact with cyber criminals can be dangerous. Instead of that, continue reading and learn how to remove Scarab-Glutton and restore your files.

How To Remove Scarab-Glutton And Restore Files

First, you need to make sure that Scarab-Glutton is completely eliminated from your system. To do that, get yourself reliable anti-malware tool, such as Spyhunter and scan your computer with it. All malicious files of Scarab-Glutton will be detected and removed automatically.

Also, this infection can infiltrate other malware into your system, so the anti-malware software will detect and remove it as well. You can use other anti-malware tools of your choice too.

Removing the ransomware from a computer is not enough – your files won’t be decrypted just yet. To do that, try to perform a complete system restore following this guide. If you have a valid backup copy that was made before the virus infected your computer, this should work.

If you don’t have a backup, try to use free file recovery tool. Even though we can’t guarantee that this will definitely work, it’s worth to give it a try.

Automatic Malware removal tools

How to recover Scarab-Glutton Virus encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before .glutton virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Scarab-Glutton Virus

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to .glutton virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Scarab-Glutton Virus affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually .glutton virus tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Scarab-Glutton Virus encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.