The NetBus Trojan is a dangerous threat which is used to infect multiple devices at once. It is a popular weapon that has seen many modifications since its first inception. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | NetBus Trojan |
| Type | Trojan |
| Short Description | The NetBus Trojan is a utility malware that is designed to silently infiltrate computer systems, active infections will spy on the victim users. |
| Symptoms | The victims may not experience any apparent symptoms of infection. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Scripts and others. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss NetBus Trojan. |
NetBus Trojan – Distribution Methods
The Netbus Trojan is a common malicious infection that is based on older source code. This is one of the most famous threats dating back to a first release in 1998. The first versions were created as a prank however later versions were developed as a fully-featured Trojan. As such it can be distributed using various tactics.
Trojan file are most often distributed as single executable files, a common technique is to rely on hacker-controlled download portals. They use hijacked web elements from legitimate vendor sites and Internet portals, domain names and any associated security certificates. Alternative locations include any file sharing networks such as BitTorrent. They are often used to spread illegal and pirate content.
The Netbus Trojan files can also be spread via email SPAM messages, like the sites they contain social engineering tactics. They are used to coerce the victim users into interacting with a malicious element. The emails contain a Trojan either as a direct attachment or links in the body contents. They are designed with hijacked elements from popular Internet sites and services.
The Netbus Trojan infections can also be spread in various infected payloads. There are two main types available:
- Infected Documents — The target users will be shown documents of various types (rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases). When they are opened a prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in macros. If this is done the Trojan infection will be established.
- Infected Installers — The criminals behind the threat may use any form of application installers to bundle the NetBus Trojan code. Popular choices are installers of user applications, plug-ins, updates and etc. They lead to a so-called transparent delivery — the users will have no idea that they are installing a virus onto their systems.
In other cases a browser hjacker delivery method may be preferred. It makes use of malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers — they are usually uploaded to the relevant plugin repositories or third-party (fake) download sites. What makes users infect themselves with them is the fact that they are presented with fake user reviews and developer credentials. The offered descriptions of the plugin promises to add new functions or enhance already existing ones. Upon their installation it is common to modify the browser settings which will redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. Following this the virus infection will be performed.
The virus files are installed on the victim computers using file names such as the following: Patch.exe, Setup.exe, Msconfig.exe and etc. When they are distributed in archives or combined with other files the NetBus Trojan files can mask as legitimate installers, application launchers or system utilities.
NetBus Trojan – Detailed Description
The Netbus Trojan has many different iterations, most of them compact in size. The common forms follow a predesignated behavior pattern. It starts the infection by modifying the Windows Registry creating explicit strings for itself. This makes the operating system to execute it every time the computer boots. Newer versions of it add a stealth protection module which also scans for the presence of security services and software that can interfere with its correct execution. This includes all anti-virus software, virtual machine hosts and sandbox environments.
Prior to the deployment of the Trojan engine it is able to activate a data harvesting engine. Most of the common threats have the ability to extract information that can be grouped into two main types:
- Private User Data — It consists of information about the victim users themselves and is hijacked with the purpose of being used for identity theft and financial abuse. Typical strings that are hijacked include the user’s name, address, phone number, location, interests and any stored account credentials.
- Device Information — The Trojan engine can extract information about the compromised devices that can be used to create detailed statistics about the infections. This includes certain operating system parameters, installed hardware components and user-set settings.
As the threat is a common Trojan horse it establishes a secure connection with a hacker-controlled server. It can be used to constantly spy on the victims in real-time, take over control of their computers and deploy other threats.
Common interactions include also device manipulations, some of them may be pranks — opening and closing the CD-ROM, writing files to removable devices and etc. Take over of the mouse and inserting keystrokes is also a common tactic in these type of infections.
When using various blackmail tactics the hackers operators behind the NetBus Trojan can manipulate the infected devices by displaying photos, message boxes and etc. What’s more important is that the virus code can automatically access all keystrokes entered by the users, as well as modify them. Using the built-in screenshot and surveillance tools the hackers can automatically hijack the credentials entered into services and login pages. If downloading sensitive files they can be automatically stolen along with any other data that is stored on the local computers.
Prank controls of the infected hosts include the starting and operation of installed applications or services. When spying on the victim users the controllers can play music/video clips, overtake control of the mouse, disable keys and manipulating the volume controls. Such behavior also allows the criminals to set up scripts that can automatically monitor for the execution of certain behavior, when it is detected certain actions will start.
Network operations are also part of the later versions of the NetBus Trojan engine. It will scan the local network for other machines and attempt to launch infections against them. This can happen through several methods:
- Penetration Testing — Using a set of built-in exploits the network engine can attempt to infiltrate the target devices.
- File Upload — If any open network shares are found the Trojan executable files will be copied to them.
- Hacker-operated Network Infections — When the criminals have overtaken control of the target machines they can manually use the command prompt and other operating system tools to carry out network infections.
From the hacker’s side a graphical user interface (GUI) is being used to control the infected machines. It allows them to scan a network range which can detect multiple infiltrated device signatures.
Remove NetBus Trojan
If your computer system got infected with the NetBus Trojan, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the Trojan and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for NetBus Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall NetBus Trojan and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by NetBus 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 NetBus 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.
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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove NetBus Trojan
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by NetBus Trojan.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and NetBus Trojan aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
NetBus Trojan-FAQ
What is NetBus Trojan Ransomware?
NetBus Trojan is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does NetBus Trojan Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does NetBus Trojan Infect?
Via several ways.NetBus Trojan Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of NetBus Trojan is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .NetBus Trojan files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .NetBus Trojan files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .NetBus Trojan files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".NetBus Trojan" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .NetBus Trojan files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of NetBus Trojan Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate NetBus Trojan ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .NetBus Trojan files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can NetBus Trojan Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the NetBus Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NetBus 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 malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the NetBus Trojan ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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