Short Description of Steam Messages
Numerous users of the game distribution platform Steam have reportedly received messages like “Is this you in the photo?”, “WTF Dude?” and “You will exchange this thing?”. These users should know that they have probably fallen victims to a malware named Win32:Malware-gen. Security experts warn that the malware may be delivered via other messages, such as “Steam Hack with Download”, “ALL STEAM GAMES FOR FREE HACK” or “Steam Hack with Download”. The purpose of these messages is to lure the users into downloading files dubbed “knife.exe” and “hackncrack.exe” containing malicious code. The links should not be clicked on because of the malware threat lurking at the other end.
Steam Trojan Infections Since 2010
Back in November 2010, malware experts have detected a new Trojan that has been disguised as a hacking tool helping users get free games on Steam. The Trojan was promoted via fake YouTube videos.
To trigger the attack, hackers posted videos on YouTube with titles like “Steam Hack with Download”, “ALL STEAM GAMES FOR FREE HACK” or “STEAM HACK WORKS 100% + DOWNLOAD.” Researchers said these were probably legit videos that were stolen at some point from other accounts. The videos demonstrated various Steam hacking tools allowing users to download games for free.
In the description field to each video here was a download link that directs the user to a file named hack-mod-v1.9.exe. Experts reported that this file was detected as malicious by 20 out of 43 antivirus programs. Researchers believed that the cyber criminals were then switching the download links so they would point to new threats because the older ones were being easily detected by AV products.
During his research, Christopher Boyd with GFI Software has received a file with the name hackncrack.ex, known as a trojan Ottodex.A.
Mr. Boyd explained that the Trojan appeared to be a typical downloader that should be ignored by users completely.
Various malware is delivered through Trojan downloaders, so users who fell for the trick probably ended up with numerous infections on their machines.
Experts’ Recommendation
Experts recommend regular updating of the AV products and avoiding hacking tools and cracks as they often expose the system to the risk of malware infection.
Preparation before removing .
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.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by 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 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 on your PC.
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.
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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.
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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
FAQ
What Does Trojan Do?
The 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.
What Damage Can Trojan Cause?
The Trojan is a malicious type of malware that can cause significant damage to computers, networks and data. It can be used to steal information, take control of systems, and spread other malicious viruses and malware.
Is Trojan a Harmful Virus?
Yes, it is. A Trojan is a type of malicious software that is used to gain unauthorized access to a person's device or system. It can damage files, delete data, and even steal confidential information.
Can Trojans, Like Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like , 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 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.R
Can a Trojan Virus be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan Virus 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.
Can 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.
Are Trojans Hard to Remove?
Yes, Trojans can be very hard to remove as they often disguise themselves as legitimate programs, making them difficult to detect and extremely tricky to remove.
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 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 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 ?
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 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. Trojan Horse – What Is It?
2. Trojanized AnyDesk App Delivered through Fake Google Ads
3. Hackers Continue to Use Malicious Excel 4.0 Macros to Deliver Banking Trojans
4. Ficker Infostealer Uses Fake Spotify Ads to Propagate
5. Jupyter Infostealer Malware Targets Chrome and Firefox Browser Data