How to remove Scarab-Walker Ransomware and decrypt .JohnnieWalker files

What is Scarab-Walker Ransomware

Scarab-Walker Ransomware is a malicious software variant belonging to the notorious Scarab ransomware family, known for encrypting files on victimized systems to extort money from its victims. When this ransomware infiltrates a computer, it scans the system for a wide array of file types such as documents, PDFs, images, videos, and databases, making them inaccessible by using strong encryption algorithms. Upon encryption, these files are appended with the distinctive .JohnnieWalker extension, signifying that they have been compromised. The specific encryption method used by Scarab-Walker is robust enough to prevent simple decryption attempts without the corresponding decryption key, which is why it becomes crucial for affected users to look for specialized decryption solutions rather than attempting random file recovery methods. Once the encryption process is complete, a ransom note is generated, usually placed in all folders containing affected files, as well as the desktop, to ensure visibility to the user. This ransom note, typically named HOW TO DECRYPT WALKER INFO.TXT, provides instructions for victims on how to contact the attackers and make a ransom payment—often demanded in Bitcoin—in exchange for the supposed decryption key.

Even though the situation may seem dire, victims should exercise caution and not immediately proceed to pay the ransom, as there are potential decryption tools available. Notably, Kaspersky has developed a decryption tool known as RakhniDecryptor, which may be capable of decrypting files encrypted by Scarab-Walker ransomware. Users can attempt using these tools to restore their .JohnnieWalker files. However, it is critical to keep updated antivirus software running and exercise caution with suspicious emails and downloads to prevent falling victim to similar threats in the future.

How Scarab-Walker Ransomware infects computers

Scarab-Walker Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive spam emails, which often masquerade as legitimate communications. These emails may contain malicious attachments or links that, when opened or clicked, initiate the ransomware download without the user’s knowledge. The attackers craft these emails to closely resemble official correspondence, increasing the likelihood of recipients falling prey to the ruse. Additionally, the ransomware can spread through compromised software downloads, where it is bundled with seemingly harmless free applications or updates, unbeknownst to the user. Once downloaded, Scarab-Walker executes a payload that encrypts the victim’s files, appending the “.JohnnieWalker” extension, and subsequently demands a ransom in Bitcoin for decryption. To protect against such infections, it is crucial to maintain robust email security measures, avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, and regularly update your antivirus software with ransomware protection capabilities.

1. Download Scarab-Walker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .JohnnieWalker files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Scarab-Walker Ransomware

Scarab-Walker Ransomware files:

{randomname}.exe


Scarab-Walker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .JohnnieWalker files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .JohnnieWalker files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .JohnnieWalker files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Scarab-Walker Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .JohnnieWalker files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Scarab-Walker Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Scarab-Walker Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro