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.
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.
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.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Olympic Destroyer and other threats.
Threats such as Olympic Destroyer may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
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.
The 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics cyber attack was found to be caused by a malware called the Olympic Destroyer Virus. The initial code analysis reveals that this is an advanced Trojan that recruits the impacted systems into a worldwide botnet network. It can also be used to institute ransomware and other additional viruses.
Threat Summary
Name
Olympic Destroyer
Type
Trojan, Botnet
Short Description
The Olympic Destroyer Virus is an advanced virus that can delete important files and recruits the infected host to a worldwide botnet network.
Symptoms
In most cases the victims may not be able to spot any infection symptoms. In certain cases applications and services may stop working.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Olympic Destroyer
Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.
Olympic Destroyer Virus – Distribution
The Olympic Destroyer Virus has become famous as this is the virus that was able to penetrate the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. At the moment the released details showcase that the threat has been deployed using a Wi-Fi network. Media reporters on location shared that shortly before the ceremony the Wi-Fi access stopped working due to technical difficulties. A spokesperson later issued a statement that the technical problems affected several areas of the Games without revealing further information. However many guests and reporters reported that they started receiving malware emails which means that the Olympic Destroyer Virus has probably penetrated the internal network. Using the obtained information we can deduce a few potential infection distribution tactics delivering the Olympic Destroyer Virus samples.
The hackers behind the virus may have targeted a particular software vulnerability using an automated penetration testing framework. These utilities are loaded with exploits for many of the most commonly used services. It is possible that the event organizers have employed an outdated version of a certain software services which was hijacked.
Another possibility is the active distribution of the Olympic Destroyer Virus through email messages to users of the internal network. In such cases the malware operators can uses various social engineering scams. There are two primary ways the email messages can be customized. One of them is the direct attachment of the virus files to the messages. The victim recipients are instructed to download and run them. Another prominent strategy is to send the ransomware file through a hosted instance. In this case malware hyperlinks are used to direct the intended victims into them.
When mass infections are intended the hackers can also take advantage of browser hijackers. They have the ability to modify the settings of the installed web browsers and are usually compatible with the most popular apps: Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera and Safari. The default behavior is to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page, as well as infect the victims with viruses.
Other techniques include the use of infected documents that may be of different types: rich text documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The hackers customize them to appear as files of interests: invoices, letters, notifications or contracts. As soon as they are opened a prompt pops up and asks them to execute the built-in scripts (macros). Once this is done the virus infection follows.
A similar technique is the use of software installers that represent modified instances of popular software. The malware operators usually take the legitimate installers from the official vendor sites and modifying them to include the dangerous code. They are then uploaded to counterfeit download sites or sent using email message campaigns. Note that such files are also actively distributed on file sharing networks such as BitTorrent.
Olympic Destroyer Virus – Impact
The captured Olympic Destroyer Virus have been found to be based on a modular framework. Once the virus engine has found a way to penetrate the target system it starts to look out for security software and other applications that may interfere with its processes. Like other advanced malware it is able to counter and bypass the real-time security engines of anti-virus products and has been found effective against debuggers, sandboxes and virtual machines as well. We remind our readers that the hackers can also instruct the samples to delete themselves if they are unable to do so. This step is made in order to counter post-intrusion detection.
Once this is done the ransomware engine continues further by launching an elaborate information gathering module which is able to query sensitive information found in the infected machines. At the moment we have received confirmation that the bulk of data is related to the regional language settings and system data. This includes details about the computers such as their operating system.
A series of dangerous system changes follow that can make manual removal impossible without the use of a quality anti-spyware solution, refer to our in-depth guide after the analysis. The Olympic Destroyer Virus is extremely sophisticated as it can delete a number of important parts of the operating system: Shadow Volume copies (that make data recovery difficult), backups and certain Windows registry values. As a consequence the victims will find that data recovery will be difficult and that they will need to use a professional-grade software. The users can also experience serious performance issues and discover that certain services or applications may fail.
The main infection module has the ability to interfere with the boot options which in effect also disables the recovery options. By hooking up to system services it can masquerade itself from analysis and can spawn its own processes using both user and administrative privileges. The virus allows the hacker operators to execute arbitrary commands on the infected machines. Such use can allow the criminal operators to insitute additional malware including Trojans. They allow the computer system to be spied upon in real time. The hackers can also overtake control of the machines at any given time.
Such threats can be modified to include a ransomware component which can encrypt sensitive files based on a predefined list of target file type extensions. The files are encrypted using a powerful cipher and can be renamed with different extensions which can be customized according to the malware version or attack campaign. Usually after this is done the hackers create special documents called ransom notes that blackmail the victims for a ransom fee. The money is usually quoted in a cryptocurrency where the transactions cannot be traced down to a certain individual or group.
According to the security reports the main goal of the infections is to recruit the host to a worldwide network of zombie nodes that can be used to launch devastating denial of service attacks. Once all infection components have completed execution the virus spreads to other hosts via a network worm propagation technique. This is the reason why it is considered a high-risk threat.
How to Remove Olympic Destroyer Virus and Restore Files
Тo remove Olympic Destroyer ransowmare just follow the step-by-step removal guide below which provides both manual and automatic approaches. Due to the complexity of ransomware code, security researchers recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool that guarantees maximum efficiency.
Once the removal is complete, alternative data recovery approaches could be also found in the guide. They may be useful for the restore of some encrypted files. Be advised to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you proceed with the recovery process.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Olympic Destroyer and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Olympic Destroyer. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Olympic Destroyer follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Olympic Destroyer files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Olympic Destroyer on your PC
Find files created by Olympic Destroyer
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 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.
Step 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 navination 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:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 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.
Step 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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Olympic Destroyer with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Olympic Destroyer and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Olympic Destroyer. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Olympic Destroyer
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Olympic Destroyer
Ransomware infections and Olympic Destroyer aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
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.
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.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Olympic Destroyer and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
