What is SectopRAT? How to remove SectopRAT Trojan from your PC or Mac?
The SectopRAT Trojan is a dangerous malware threat for Microsoft Windows computers. It can be acquired from various sources, every attack campaign can focus on one specific tactic. What we know for sure is that the current attack campaigns focus on using distinct infection techniques depending on the target operating system.
This particular threat is known for being spread using a multitude of weaknesses. It is set against both end users and servers. After the infection has been made the SectopRAT Trojan can download other threats, launch multiple dangerous modules and install a cryptocurrency miner which will run a sequence of performance-demanding tasks.
Threat Summary
| Name | SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT Trojan. |
SectopRAT Trojan — How Did I Get It
The SectopRAT Trojan is a malware which was first detected in November this year targeting end users around the world. This particular threat is probably being created by an experienced hacking group as the captured samples are signed by the Sectigo Certificate Authority. The files are displayed with an Adobe Flash icon which shows that the criminals have probably used advanced social engineering tactics in order to manipulate the victims into executing them.
Popular methods on which the hackers rely on include the creation of malware-infected documents that can be of all popular formats: spreadsheets, presentations, databases and text files. As soon as they are opened by the victims a window pop-up will be shown to the victims asking to enable the built-in code. When this is done the infection will commence.
Another popular method is to host hacker-made sites that aim to impersonate download portals, landing pages, web services and other common Internet pages. The hacking group can impersonate well-known sites and use stolen contents to manipulate the users into believing that they are accessing a safe and trustworthy domain.
These files can be distributed on file-sharing networks and socal networks as well. The criminals can use fake or hacked accounts and post the relevant files ether publicly or in private chats and messages. Larger infections can be caused by being carried by other malware — usually ransomware or dangerous browser extensions.
SectopRAT Trojan — Capabilities
The security report giving details about the SectopRAT Trojan shows that a very complex behavior pattern is started following the infection. The Trojan files which are placed on the relevant computers will have random names in order not to provoke any suspicion. The virus files have both read and write attributes and use a special algorithm in order to hide themselves from any security software.
Most of the popular Trojan files will search for processes and files related to programs and services that may interrupt the normal execution of the malware. This includes the likes of anti-virus programs, firewalls, sandbox environments and etc.
The standard Trojan operations will begin by launching a connection to a hacker-controlled server allowing the criminal controllers to take over control of the devices. This is also used to spy on the victim users and steal their files.
The analysis shows that the Trojan is able to interact with both the system and the installed programs. A list of the common modules are the following:
- Applications Interaction — The Trojan has been found to interact with web browsers including the popular ones including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. They can be launched and reconfigured.
- Machine Information — The main engine is capable of harvesting data that can be used to identify the users. Personal information can be used for other crimes such as identity theft and financial abuse.
- System Configuration Changes — Apart from the reconfiguration of the web browsers the Trojan can also be programmed to commit dangerous actions against the system as well. This will depend on the individual hacker instructions or local conditions.
How to Remove SectopRAT Trojan
In order to fully remove SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT or programs, related to it, we suggest what most security experts advise – to download and run a scan of your computer with a reputable anti-malware program. Downloading this software will not only save you some time, but will remove all of SectopRAT files and programs related to it and will protect your computer against such intrusive apps and malware in the future.
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 SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT 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.
SectopRAT Trojan FAQ
What Does SectopRAT Trojan Trojan Do?
The SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT 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 SectopRAT Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.