Duqu also known as Duqu 2.0, W32.Duqu and W32.Duqu.B is classified as a collection of malware found in September 2011 by a security team from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. It is a sophisticated threat that has even hit the Kaspersky Lab. Duqu 2.0 is even meaner and more refined than its previous version and has intelligence gathering modules targeted at telecommunication operators around the world. Duqu 2.0 may be called a sophisticated cyber-espionage platform.
Researchers suspect that Duqu is related to the infamous Stuxnet worm. The Duqu virus as users usually call it has been revived recently. 
Malware researchers classify it as a remote access Trojan (RAT) that executes intelligence gathering attacks in the information security, telecoms and electronics sectors.
A similar threat with a numerous module platforrm is Regin Malware.
Duqu 2.0 General Description
Even though worms and Trojan horses are different types of malicious software, both of them can install a backdoor on a computer. Once installed, an RAT such as Duqu provides cybercriminals with indefinite access to the infected endpoints. Duqu is designed to harvest sensitive data and transfer it to its creators via C&C (Command & Control) servers. Attackers may aim at obtaining confidential information about the targeted company and its products and services. Previous targets of the Duqu malware include several telecom operators and electronic equipment manufacturers based in Europe, North Africa, and South East Asia. Other countries that have been targeted by Duqu’s creators are the USA, UK, India, and Hong Kong.
The term Duqu, according to Wikipedia, may be about:
- Duqu malware – a variety of software components that provide malicious services to cybercriminals such as information stealing capabilities, kernel drivers, and injection tools.
- Duqu flaw – a flaw in Microsoft Windows that is applied in malicious files to execute malware components of Duqu. Presently, one flaw is unveiled, a TTF related problem in win32k.sys.
- Operation Duqu – the process of using Duqu for unknown and potentially harmful goals. The process is considered related to Operation Stuxnet.
Duqu 2.0 Distribution Technique
Being a computer worm, Duqu does not contain any code, so it doesn’t have to drop its malicious files onto the system. However, it can still sneak into the PC and stay on the disk. It may have entered the system through spam emails and illegal software versions. Duqu is quite harmful towards companies due to its capabilities to exploit security vulnerabilities. Enterprise computers should have a powerful anti-malware solution that guards their systems against information stealers.
Duqu 2.0 Removal Options
A trustworthy anti-malware program will detect and delete Duqu 2.0. Since worms such as Duqu endure in the system indefinitely and do not attach to existing programs, manual removal is not regarded an option.
Keep in mind that once a system has been infected by Duqu 2.0, it can be re-infected even after the system is rebooted. Luckily, to avoid future attacks by Duqu, anti-malware giants Symantec and Kaspersky have added immediate detection with the hope to freeze a new Duqu activity.
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
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
Follow Me:
Preparation before removing Duqu 2.0.
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 Duqu 2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Duqu 2.0 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 Duqu 2.0 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 Duqu 2.0 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.
Duqu 2.0 FAQ
What Does Duqu 2.0 Trojan Do?
The Duqu 2.0 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 Duqu 2.0, 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 Duqu 2.0 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 Duqu 2.0 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 Duqu 2.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Duqu 2.0 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 Duqu 2.0?
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 Duqu 2.0 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.