What Is DuckRAT Trojan
DuckRAT Trojan is a recently discovered computer malware that is spread in active attack campaigns. The targets are high-profile in the detected activity, which means that the hacking group behind it must be experienced in planning viruses. Read our in-depth analysis of the samples and learn how to remove active infections in this article.
DuckRAT Trojan Summary
| Name | DuckRAT Trojan |
| Type | Trojan |
| Short Description | Aims to steal data from your computer and run different malware actions. |
| Symptoms | Your computer may behave strangely and new files may be dropped in several Windows Directories. |
| Distribution Method | Common infection methods including phishing messages and malware-infected files. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss DuckRAT Trojan. |
DuckRAT Trojan – Virus Infection Methods
The DuckRAT Trojan is a recently discovered malware threat which is rapidly being spread against computer users worldwide. Due to the smaller number of captured samples, it is not known which is the main distribution technique. Most Trojans are delivered using common strategies, many of them rely on the use of phishing strategies. They are sent in email messages which are customized by the hackers to impersonate notifications and letters with attached files or links. If the customers interact with them they will download the virus to their computer. An alternative phishing method is to create accompanying websites, they are designed to look like well-known portals, search engines, and other commonly accessed sites.
The virus code can also be inserted in file carriers including malware-infected documents which are created for the most popular office formats. An alternative is the inclusion of the virus code in application installers — they are of popular programs which are often created by taking the original files and then adding in the necessary code.
All virus-related data can be spread over file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where legitimate and pirate files are commonly distributed. The hackers can alternatively use fake or stolen credentials and post links to the virus files on various online communities such as social networks, chat rooms and forums.
DuckRAT Trojan – Virus Capabilities
The DuckRAT Trojan is a dangerous malware which has been detected in multiple hacking attacks. The most recent one shows that the virus is once again used as a weapon. It cannot be said for certain when the first attacks with it have started, it has been used by different groups throughout the detected campaigns. Each campaign may have a different execution sequence.
The DuckRAT Trojan will likely include the base functionality as expected from such malware. The main engine will connect to a hacker-controlled server which will allow the hackers to take over control of the machines and steal any contained within files. The DuckRAT Trojan can also include other functions, depending on the given campaigns various types of modules can be integrated. Possible components may be the following:
- Information Harvesting — The module can be used to hijack sensitive data from the users and their machines. This component can also access application data, such as web browsers, and detailed operating system information. The module can generate a report of the installed hardware components which can then be passed to an algorithm that will output an unique victim ID. All hijacked information can be used for crimes such as financial and identity theft.
- Boot Changes — The DuckRAT Trojan can edit the boot sequence and add in the necessary code and make the malware setup as a persistent threat. It will start automatically when the computer is powered on and it may also disable access to the recovery boot options.
- Additional Malware Delivery — The Trojan can be used as a delivery mechanism for other malware threats. Common ones are ransomware which are file-encrypting viruses that are designed to process users data. The victim files will be renamed with a given extension and the users will be extorted into paying the hackers a decryption fee.
- System Setting Changes — Many viruses also choose to edit important settings and values used by the operating system. This commonly applies to the Windows Registry where existing entries can be removed and the new ones can be added. As a consequence of such changes, the users may experience significant problems such as performance issues, loss of data, and the inability to run certain services.
Trojan threats such as this one are rated as dangerous due to the fact that they can be upgraded with additional features at any time. For this reason, we recommend that active infections are removed as soon as they are detected on a given system.
DuckRAT Trojan – Virus Removal GUIDE
In order to fully remove this infection from your computer system, recommendations are to try the automatic removal guidelines below. They are particularly created in order to assist you separate this malware first of all and after that remove it’s destructive files. If you lack the experience in malware removal, the best method and most reliable one according to safety professionals is to use an innovative anti-malware software program. Such will not just immediately get rid of the DuckRAT infection from your computer system, yet will certainly additionally ensure that your computer system remains shielded versus future infections.
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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Preparation before removing DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT 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.
DuckRAT Trojan FAQ
What Does DuckRAT Trojan Trojan Do?
The DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT 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 factory reset.
Can DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT 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 DuckRAT Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.