What is the Messenger Virus? How does Messenger Virus on Facebook Work? How to remove Messenger Virus from Facebook and get control of your Facebook Account back?
The Messenger Virus is a part of infection whose main goal is to send atomated messages to victims. These types of messages may be sent to victims containing a virus URL. The main message may pretend that it is in fact a YouTube video of some sort. However, once opened, the site may ask victims to login to Facebook to see the video, hence stealing their username and password. Read this article to learn more about the Messenger Virus and how you can remove it completely from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | Messenger Virus |
| Type | Trojan/Phishing attack |
| Short Description | Aims to send out automated messages on Facebook to ask victims to open a video. |
| Symptoms | A Facebook Messenger message with an attached URL to it that pretends to be a YouTube video. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Messenger Virus. |
Messenger Virus – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The main method used by the Messenger virus to be spread is likely to replicate different types and forms of scripts once it has compromised a computer. It may also be a Trojan that attacks particularly your Facebook profile. Such Trojans could be spread onto your computer by being sent to you via e-mail, where the virus file could pose as an attachment, like an invoice, a receipt or something of this type.
Another way that you could have gotten the virus is by simply opening the fake YouTube video message. From there, the Messenger Virus may activate a virus script, whose primary purpose is to hijack and take control of your computer.
Once, the Messenger Virus infects your computer, Facebook may become the least of your worries. The virus may also do the following malicious activities:
- Update itself to stay hidden on your computer.
- Take control over your web browser.
- Obtain saved passwords from your browser.
- Obtain details about your System.
- Obtain information about your IP and Mac addresses.
- Log the keys you type on your keyboard.
- Take screenshots.
Once the Messenger Virus is added to your computer, you may not initially notice it. The main idea of the Messenger Virus is to get users to click on the message. From there, a fake login screen may appear that looks like the following:
The main idea of this may be to steal your username and password via Phishing attacks. Only one more reason why you should immediately remove Messenger Virus from your computer.
Remove Messenger Virus from Your Machine
In order to get rid of Messenger Virus, you should follow the steps below. They have been made to help you isolate and remove the virus files of this malware step by step. If you want a faster and more automated removal, however we do recommend that you download and run a scan of your computer by using an advanced malware removal software. Such program has the capability of automatically detecting and removing Messenger Virus and other threats like it fully and swiftly plus protect you against future viruses just like it.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing Messenger Virus.
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 Messenger Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Messenger Virus 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 Messenger Virus 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 Messenger Virus 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.
Messenger Virus FAQ
What Does Messenger Virus Trojan Do?
The Messenger Virus 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 Messenger Virus, 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 Messenger Virus 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 Messenger Virus 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 Messenger Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Messenger Virus 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 Messenger Virus?
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 Messenger Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.