What is NanoCore? How to remove NanoCore Trojan from your PC or Mac?
The NanoCore Trojan is a dangerous malware threat which is designed mainly for Microsoft Windows computers. It can be acquired from various sources, every attack campaign can focus on one specific tactic. Usually virus infections like this one are made by interacting with an infected file — this can be either a macro-infected document or a hacker-made software installer. They are often made by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and modifying them with the necessary virus code. Other data can also be affected. All kinds of other data may be used as well — this includes malicious plugins for web browsers and etc. In other cases the hackers can use a direct attacks that will look for system vulnerabilities and weaknesses. If any are found then the NanoCore Trojan will be installed.
Remote access Trojans, dubbed RATs for short, have been on the rise again. Cybercriminals employ them for various reasons – from financial gain to truly staggering spying sessions. Another NanoCore remote access Trojan recently has been detected to rove around the Web. Its highest rates of infection are found in USA and Canada.
Threat Summary
| Name | NanoCore Trojan |
| Type | Malware, Trojan, Miner |
| Short Description | A dangerous malware which can launch a miner and start a Trojan module. |
| Symptoms | The victims may notice performance issues and can get infected with other malware. |
| Distribution Method | Common distribution tactics and direct web attacks. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss NanoCore Trojan. |
NanoCore Trojan – Update September 2019
The NanoCore Trojan as an old Trojan which is still easily accessed on the hacker underground markets and chatrooms. Different versions of it can be found as well as in-depth tutorials and howto guides on how to use it in different hacking attacks. The fact that it is still used and updated by various hackers shows that the tool is used in all kinds of scenarios. By definition it is a RAT that will infect computer users through a local malware app. Computer security experts have discovered a recent version with titled NanoCore v.1.2.2 which includes a lot of malicious techniques — password stealing, keylogger and the ability to spy on the victims.
NanoCore Trojan – How Did I Get It
The NanoCore Trojan is completed with premium plug-ins and specifically targets energy companies. Security experts believe that cyber criminals have started developing the threat back in 2013. Multiple variants have been detected since then, showing the different stages the Trojan has gone through.
The Trojan has been noticed to aim at energy companies in the Middle East and Asia. As reported by security specialists, the attackers first proceeded by impersonating the address of a legit oil organization in South Korea, adding credibility to the bogus message. The files used to employ the attack are usually RTF or Word.
The exploited vulnerability – CVE-2012-0158 in Microsoft Windows Common Controls – has been known for quite some time. Software specialists note that the bug is present in a bundle of older products.
NanoCore Trojan – What Does It Do
Experts have declared that the NanoCore last version is also suitable for less-experienced cybercriminals – it’s easy to find and cheap to buy. The Trojan proves to be a real kick for the career of every youngster wishing to develop malware. Researchers have also released information about the countries affected by the malicious attack. The highest rate of attacks is found in the United States, followed by Canada, Singapore, India, UK, and Hong Kong. Other targeted countries are Japan, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria.
How to Remove NanoCore Trojan
In order to fully remove NanoCore from your computer system, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. If the first two manual removal steps do not seem to work and you still see NanoCore or programs, related to it, we suggest what most security experts advise – to download and run a scan of your comptuer with a reputable anti-malware program. Downloading this software will not only save you some time, but will remove all of NanoCore files and programs related to it and will protect your computer against such intrusive apps and malware in the future.
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Preparation before removing NanoCore Trojan.
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 NanoCore Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by NanoCore Trojan 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 NanoCore Trojan 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 NanoCore Trojan 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.
NanoCore Trojan FAQ
What Does NanoCore Trojan Trojan Do?
The NanoCore Trojan 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 NanoCore Trojan, 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 NanoCore Trojan 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 NanoCore Trojan 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 NanoCore Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NanoCore Trojan 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 NanoCore Trojan?
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 NanoCore Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.