HackTool:Win32/Keygen is a tool used to generate special codes (keys) for a variety of illegally-installed software. Though it may sound useful at first, malware experts recommend users to avoid installing it as the tool leads to various PC threats.
Threat Summary
| Name |
HackTool:Win32/Keygen |
| Type | Malicious Keygen Tool, Malware |
| Short Description | It is designed to generate keys for illegally-registered software. |
| Symptoms | The system is compromised via malware infiltration. |
| Distribution Method | The keygen can be presented as a useful tool, and hence, downloaded by users. It could be spread in malicious packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss HackTool:Win32/Keygen. |
What Is HackTool:Win32/Keygen?
HackTool:Win32/Keygen is considered malicious because its primary purpose is to generate keys for illegally-registered software.
Many users do find that tool handy because they can easily install programs that were never purchased. They, however, do not realize the following:
- These illegally-obtained programs still require essential updates without which users may experience further software issues
- Keeping HackTool:Win32/Keygen may put users at risk for performing illegal activities
- A system infected by HackTool:Win32/Keygen may be vulnerable to outer threats such as being infiltrated by remote users, for instance.
Should You Remove HackTool:Win32/Keygen
As much as HackTool:Win32/Keygen’s benefit may lure you into using it to install programs without purchasing them, you may gain bigger issues in the end. Therefore, our malware experts encourage you to avoid using HackTool:Win32/Keygen or to remove it should you already have it on your PC.
Update (as of September 9, 2015):
As we have already reported, HackTool:Win32/Keygen comes from the family of malicious Windows platform tools. New malicious activity has been recently registered, which means that cyber criminals have revived the tool once again. Since HackTool:Win32/Keygen is employed to download harmful files and severely affect the PC’s performance. What is worst about the malevolent keygen is the fact that it can grant remote access to hackers. Once such access is obtained, the system can be compromised with a series of malicious activities.
What Is Remote Access and What Does It Do?
Literally speaking, remote access is the capacity to log onto a computer network from a distant area. What is needed to perform the task is:
- A computer.
- A modem.
- Remote access software.
A difference should be made between obtaining remote control over a computer, and permitting remote access. Remote control defines the activity of taking control of another computer. Remote access, as we already discussed, means that the remote computer turns into a complete host on the network.
HackTool:Win32/Keygen Aliases
According to Enigma Software researchers, the hacking tool has numerous aliases:
→HackTool.Keygen.r3 (Not a Virus) [CAT-QuickHeal], Generic PUP [McAfee], Trojan ( 001946171 ) [K7GW], Win32/HackKMS.A potentially unsafe [ESET-NOD32], CRCK_AUTOKMS [TrendMicro-HouseCall], Win.Trojan.Keygen-60 [ClamAV], Keygen (PUA) [Sophos], Win32.Trojan.Agent.ET9SBN [GData], possible-Threat.Hacktool.KMS [Ikarus], Trojan/W32.Genome.128512.B [nProtect], Malware.Packer.Gen [Malwarebytes], Suspicious_Gen4.ATNVF [Norman], TrojanDownloader.Delf.lka [Jiangmin], Trojan.Agent/Gen-StartPage [SUPERAntiSpyware] and W32/Backdoor.JUQY-0910 [Commtouch].
According to Microsoft researchers, HackTool:Win32/Keygen is often distributed together with malware pieces. It can arrive in multiple ways, depending on what software it is attempting to give you keys for.
Furthermore, malware can often masquerade as HackTool:Win32/Keygen. Several malevolent online threats have been associated with the threat:
- Blacole exploit kit
- Win32/Autorun
- Win32/Dorkbot
- Win32/Obfuscator
Users can get ‘infected’ by Blacole by visiting a compromised website with inserted malicious JacaScript code.
Win32/Autorun has the following aliases:
→Win32.Worm.Autorun, Worm:Inf/Hamweg.gen!A, Is/autorun, Worm:inf/Autorun.gen!A, Virus:W32/Autorun, Win32.worm.autorun.vx, W32/Autorun.worm
Note that Win32/Dorkbot is a worm that contains instructions to delete files it downloads and runs after reboot. The feature is needed so that the hacker gets the option to turn it on. What is worse is that the worm is designed to delete its initial dropper executable, after it is installed on a system.
Win32/Obfuscator Also has a range of variants such as:
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator
- Win32/Obfuscator
- Trojan:Win32/Obfuscator
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.XZ
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.ALM
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.ACY
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.XX
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.PV
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.PX
- VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.PW
Preparation before removing HackTool:Win32/Keygen.
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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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.
HackTool:Win32/Keygen FAQ
What Does HackTool:Win32/Keygen Trojan Do?
The HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen, 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HackTool:Win32/Keygen 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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen?
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 HackTool:Win32/Keygen threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.