Name | TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef |
Type | Trojan Downloader. |
Short Description | This particular threat downloads various unwanted programs on the user PC |
Symptoms | Slow PC, unknown programs, antivirus starts blocking different threats |
Distribution Method | Via spam mail or by careless online clicking. Redirects by adware PUPs are possible |
Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef |
A new type of trojan going by the name of TrojanDownloader:Autoit/Fadef has been reported to infect numerous PCs worldwide. This particular trojan horse is a downloader type, meaning that it modifies individual permissions that allow it to download and install several different programs on your computer in the background without your consent. The Trojan may use process migration to deceive your average antivirus program by transferring the hidden processes it runs to other executables. Experts recommend isolating the threat and automatically removing it with an advanced anti-malware scanning tool.
How Did TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef infect my PC?
Attackers have two types of strategies when they affect user PCs. One of them is targeted attack that is designed for a particular computer or a network of computers in an organization. It is usually done with a particular purpose this is why it is performed by MiTM attacks or Spoof emails. Given that this type of trojan is ‘Downloader’ we cannot rule out the fact that since it is believed to download numerous unwanted programs on the user PC, it may be distributed via massive spam mail campaigns that may resemble famous websites, like PayPal, eBay, Amazon, Alibaba and others. The threat may also be administered via social networks, like Facebook, Google+, Twitter and others, mainly via spam bots that post on users’ behalf. Also, you may have been infected by being redirected to a malicious site. This can happen if you have a browser hijacker or another PUP(Potentially Unwanted Programs) on your machines. Some PUPs cause redirects to client sites that may be dangerous to the user.
How Dangerous is TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef?
There are numerous possibilities of how this vile threat can influence your machine. One detail is that it is a trojan horse after all, and this means that it can undermine critical processes and may download applications that do different devious deeds:
- Encrypt user files and extort him for their unlocking (Ransomware).
- Delete user files (Depending on the cyber-criminal).
- Track the user’s typing key by key to steal passwords and other credentials. (Keyloggers)
- Send copies of user data to the attacker.
- Crash the operating system.
- Lock the user out of their PC.
- Conduct cyber-attacks from this computer (Common in botnets known as zombie networks).
- Control the PC hardware (Activate the camera, CD/DVD, etc.)
- Install a rootkit in the firmware of the computer, which is very difficult to remove and may be present even after a complete memory wipe-out and a freshly installed operating system.
More to it than that the Trojan is believed to created several different files in the %temp% and %appdata% locations in Windows, as well as keys and entries in the Registry Editor (RegEdit). This is done with the purpose of modifying different OS settings hence make itself harder to erase from the system.
TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef – How To Detect And Remove It?
When it comes to trojan horses, you have to implement different removal tactics in comparison to other malware. Since a Trojan has an active connection to a foreign server and has FTP enabled, it is important to isolate the cyber threat by disconnecting from the web. Then you should download an anti-malware program from a safe device that will detect all of the files affected and downloaded by this menace. The program should be with the latest definitions to remove every associated objects. To safely scan your PC, it is recommended to boot it in safe mode without networking to run it only with the essential Windows components and drivers. After scanning your computer with the anti-malware, a simple restart should be all that is necessary.
Bear in mind to backup your important data before removing any malicious files that may change critical windows elements which when quarantined may crash your operating system. It is recommended to use an external flash drive or other memory carrier device. Also, experts recommend to backup your files, using a live operating system, from a live cd or an USB stick. For more information and instructions about cleaning up the threat, refer to the instructions after this article.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
Preparation before removing TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef.
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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef 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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Step 3: Find virus files created by TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef 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.
TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef FAQ
What Does TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef Trojan Do?
The TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef 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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef, 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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef 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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef 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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef 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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef?
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 TrojanDownloader:AutoIt/Fadef threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.