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Remove PowerSniff PoS Malware and Protect Yourself from It

shutterstock_223094779A new file-less malware has been spotted to send out approximately 2000 spam e-mails per week to users. The malware does not have any files, but instead it spreads via infected Microsoft Office macros. All users who have been affected by this malware should immediately take action towards blocking the active connection and removing this cyber-threat from their computer via anti-malware software.

On this page:
Name PowerSniff
Type PoS Malware
Short Description Steals financial data from the infected PoS system.
Symptoms Slow PC, PowerShell or CMD run briefly and close. Creates a temporary dll file in %AppDataa%.
Distribution Method Via malicious macros in Microsoft Office documents.
Detection Tool Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience Join our forum to discuss PowerSniff.

PowerSniff – Methods of Distribution

The primary method of distribution of this PoS threat is via spam email messages, containing infected Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other documents with infected macros. Here is an example of how a spam email sent out may appear like.

conflict-spam-macro-sensorstechforum

The sniffer-like malware is also reported to be spread primarily across the United States, but infections can also be seen in Canada and all over Europe as well.

Related Article: New Pro PoS Solution Banking Malware Available

PowerSniff In Detail

Once activated, the ransomware sends out system information to infect the user PC. After its macro has been enabled, similar to a network sniffer, the malware immediately sends system information to a remote host. Such information may include:

  • Windows version and architecture. (32 bit vs. 64 bit).
  • Computer’s antivirus software.
  • Firewall protection.
  • IP address.

Researchers at GrahamCluley report that after infecting the user PC, PowerSniff runs a concealed Power Shell window and executes an administrative command:

→ powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -WindowStyle Hidden –noprofile

Not only this, but the ransomware also begins to tamper with the Windows Registry Editor modifying it so that it creates a temporary DLL file in the %AppData% folder.

After the infection itself has been conducted, the malware has a clever selection process by which it looks for any PoS operation on the infected PC to collect credentials from them. This happens by looking for words such as “Point-Of-Sale”, “Sale” and others.

Not only this, but it also excludes any hospitals and medical centers from its hit list. This means that it excludes words such as “Hospital,” and others. These all point out to the ethics and cleverness of its developers.

Remove PowerSniff PoS Malware and Prevent It in the Future

If you believe you have become a victim of this threat it is essential to immediately transfer the funds and change the financial credentials of the PoS system and also on other systems in the network. To remove the malware, we advise using an advanced anti-malware software and following the step-by-step manual below, if the PoS system is working via Windows OS.

1. Restore the settings in your browser

1. Remove PowerSniff from your browser and restart it.

First, close your browser from the Windows Task Manager by pressing ? and X together and choosing Task manager. After that locate your browser, right click it from the list and click on End Task. After that open your browser in private/incognito mode and follow this manual to remove PowerSniff:

Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox and reset itRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome and reset it. Remove an add-on from Internet Explorer and reset it. Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.

Step 1:Remove Firefox Add-ons

Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window

uninstall-fig4

Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu

uninstall-fig5

Select PowerSniff and click “Remove

uninstall-fig6

After PowerSniff is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.

Step 2: Reset Firefox

IMPORTANT: Before resetting Firefox make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Right-click on Firefox on its icon in the taskbar and click New Private Window to enter private browsing.

Type about:support in your address bar.

Click on the ‘Refresh Firefox’ and accept any prompts from Firefox to save your old data before resetting.

Start Google Chrome and Open the drop menu

Step 1: Remoove Google Chrome Extensions

uninstall-fig7

  • Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions
  • uninstall-fig8

  • From the opened “Extensions” menu locate PowerSniff and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
  • uninstall-fig9

  • After PowerSniff is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
  • Step 2: Reset Google Chrome

    IMPORTANT: Before resetting Google Chrome make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

    Right-click on the Chrome taskbar icon and then choose ‘New Incognito Window’. This will start Chrome without any home pages.

    Type chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings and then click on the ‘Reset’ button.

    Step 1: Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

    Start Internet Explorer:

  • Click “‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
  • uninstall-fig10

  • In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window, make sure that in the first window ‘Add-on Types’, the drop menu ‘Show’ is on ‘All add-ons’
  • uninstall-fig11

    Select PowerSniff to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.

    uninstall-fig12

    After PowerSniff has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.

    Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer

    IMPORTANT: Before resetting Internet Explorer make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

    Right-click on Internet Explorer’s icon and choose Start In-Private Browsing.

    Click the gear leaver icon in the top right side of IE and choose Internet Options from the drop-down menu.

    Click on the Advanced Tab after which click the ‘Reset’ button. Wait a little for the ticks to complete and you should be fine.

    Step 1: Remove Safari extensions

    Start Safari

    Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
    uninstall-fig13

    From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
    In the new window select ‘Extensions’
    Click once on PowerSniff
    Click ‘Uninstall’

    uninstall-fig14

    A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall PowerSniff. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the PowerSniff will be removed.

    Step 2: Reset Safari

    IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

    Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

    Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

    2. Remove PowerSniff with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    2. Remove PowerSniff with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove PowerSniff.3. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove PowerSniff.
    Step 1: Click here to go to SpyHunter’s download instruction page.
    Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
    Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

    pets-by-myway-ads-virus

    Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any PowerSniff files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

    Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

    Remove PowerSniff Using Other Alternative Tools

    Malwarebytes Anti-MalwareSTOPZilla Anti Malware
    1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove PowerSniff.
    Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
    Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
    Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

    2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all PowerSniff associated files automatically.

    Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
    Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to delete them permanently.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

    1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove PowerSniff.
    Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
    Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
    Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

    2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all PowerSniff associated files completely.
    Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
    Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
    pets-by-myway-ads-virus
    Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

    After the removal of this malware make sure you follow the mentioned herein safety tips. They will make sure your organization is significantly more protected than any other threats of such type in the future.

    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.

    More Posts - Website

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    Preparation before removing PowerSniff.

    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 PowerSniff with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

    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.


    2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

    SpyHunter 5 Scan Step 1


    3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

    SpyHunter 5 Scan Step 2


    4. 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.

    SpyHunter 5 Scan Step 3

    If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

    Step 2: Clean any registries, created by PowerSniff 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 PowerSniff there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:


    1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
    Remove Virus Trojan Step 6


    2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
    Remove Virus Trojan Step 7


    3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
    Remove Virus Trojan Step 8 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 PowerSniff 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.

    Remove Virus Trojan Step 9

    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.

    Remove Virus Trojan Step 10

    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:

    file extension malicious

    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.

    Remove Virus Trojan

    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.

    Remove Virus Trojan Step 11

    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.

    PowerSniff FAQ

    What Does PowerSniff Trojan Do?

    The PowerSniff 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 PowerSniff, 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 PowerSniff 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 PowerSniff 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 PowerSniff Research

    The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PowerSniff 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 PowerSniff?

    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 PowerSniff threat is backed with VirusTotal.

    To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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