This article has been made with the main idea in mind to show you how you can remove the AppMaster Malware fake optimizer program from your PC.
The Appmaster malware is a dangerous virus code that can be embedded in various software. It is being developed by an unknown criminal collective and can take many forms. Our in-depth article shows how users can identify the infections and attempt to remove them.
Threat Summary
| Name | Appmaster Malware |
| Type | PUP /Malicious Software, Dropper |
| Short Description | The application will be advertised as an useful system utility. |
| Symptoms | The users can experience significant performance issues and may discover that additional software has been installed. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Appmaster Malware. |
AppMaster Malware – Distribution Methods
The AppMaster malware is a modified version of a legitimate system utility that is being distributed using some of the common strategies. The security reports read that the main vector so far seems to be a hacker-created website that is designed to advertise a PDF conversion utility. A cross-check has confirmed that there are several different names that the Appmaster malware uses. One of the names it uses as a disguise is “PDF PRO 100” — a tool for converting popular file formats. Various scripts can redirect to the malicious sites — banners, pop-ups, in-line links and etc.
Another popular strategy is to send out SPAM emails — they use phishing tactics which are sent in bulk to the recipients. The malicious operators seek to impersonate messages that are sent by legitimate institutions and popular services.
By itself this particular threat represents a malicious software installer — there are two possible origins:
- Infected Software — The criminals can take legitimate system utilities, their original setup files will be taken by the criminals and modified to include the virus code.
- Malicious App — The application itself can be entirely made by the hackers with the intent of masking as a legitimate system tool.
Another tactic relies on the use of browser hijackers. They are dangerous plugins made compatible with the most popular web browsers and uploaded with fake user reviews and developer credentials. Their description often advertises promises of greatly enhancing their functionality or adding new features. When they are installed most of them will redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page and will also lead to a virus installation.
AppMaster Malware – Activity
The installation of the AppMaster malware will trigger different behavior according to the hackers configuration. One of the first signs of infection is the installation of additional programs — this means that the malicious operators can lead to infections of various types of threats. An example includes the following:
- Ransomware — These viruses are among the most deadly and are designed to encrypt target data with a strong cipher. The victims will be blackmailed to pay the operators for data recovery.
- Trojans — These are viruses that seek to take over control of the victims computers at any given time. They are also particularly useful for extracting files and data that can then be used for identity theft and financial abuse.
- Cryptocurrency Miners — Among the most popular threats are also miners that take advantage of the available system resources in order to carry out complex calculations. When they have successfully completed the malicious operators will be rewarded digital currency for the operations.
- Adware — Various scripts, redirects, pop-ups and banners can be generated in the victims banners. The reason for this is the fact that every viewed or interacted results in profit generation for the operators.
During the virus’s observation the analysts discovered that interaction with the document conversion utility does not actually fulffill the promises. The files are uploaded to a server belonging to a cloud service provider. It will do the conversation for them and offer the installation of a browser hijacker.
The security analysis shows that the Appmaster malware is particularly dangerous as it can use practically any software payload, not just the aforementioned “PDF PRO 100” application. We expect to see other campaigns featuring it as the main code.
How to Remove AppMaster Malware from Windows
Removing AppMaster Malware should be performed methodologically and properly. The app could present some difficulties for users during removal, because of the many files that it creates. One way to effectively remove AppMaster Malware is to follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea to help you remove this app either manually or automatically. Be advised that if manual removal is not something you feel prepared to do, security analysts often recommend using an advanced anti-malware program for the removal. Such tool will automatically attempt to scan for and remove any programs that are related to AppMaster Malware and make sure that the software is gone completely from your PC.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Preparation before removing Appmaster Malware.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Appmaster Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Appmaster Malware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Appmaster Malware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by Appmaster Malware on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Appmaster Malware FAQ
What Does Appmaster Malware Trojan Do?
The Appmaster Malware Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Appmaster Malware, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Appmaster Malware Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can Appmaster Malware Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Appmaster Malware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Appmaster Malware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Appmaster Malware?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Appmaster Malware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.