.RAP File Extension

Scarab ransomware renames standard files that are important to the victim with a .rap extension. The files are typically documents, images, videos, and backup files, such as .AVI, .DOC, .XLSX, and .JPG files.

The purpose of ransomware is to take your files hostage and force you to pay the perpetrator to unlock your files. It may be introduced to your computer through an executable file disguised as another type of file. This may be through spam emails, counterfeit advertisements, or fraudulent system requests.

Once the executable file is run, it begins scrambling your files, renaming them with the .rap extension, and encrypting them. The virus then generates a .TXT ransom note (HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT) informing you of the takeover and what you are meant to do to recover your files.

NOTE: RAP files became prevalent in late 2018 and 2019 and are similar to BOMBER files.

No known program can restore RAP files to their original state. The best way to recover your files is to retrieve them from a recent backup or perform a System Restore to a point before your computer was infected.

Sony uses RAP, Rights Information File (RIF), and Sony Encrypted Data (.EDAT files) to apply Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection to PS3 games and system data. When you load a game downloaded from the PlayStation Network (PSN), the PS3 references the decryption key to verify ownership of the game.

NOTE: Using RAP files you did not purchase is piracy and illegal.

You should not attempt to open RAP files. Instead, you can activate a PS3 game stored in a PKG file on your Homebrew-enabled PS3 by installing the appropriate RAP file with the reActPSN or PSNPatch utilities on your PS3. Or, you can load a RAP file in RPCS3, a PS3 emulator for Windows and Linux.

NOTE: Do not rename the RAP file or else it will become invalid.