What is Zlob? How to remove Zlob Trojan from your PC or Mac?
The Zlob Trojan is a dangerous malware threat which is designed mainly for Microsoft Windows computers. It can be acquired from various sources, every attack campaign can focus on one specific tactic. Usually virus infections like this one are made by interacting with an infected file — this can be either a macro-infected document or a hacker-made software installer. They are often made by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and modifying them with the necessary virus code. Other data can also be affected. All kinds of other data may be used as well — this includes malicious plugins for web browsers and etc. In other cases the hackers can use a direct attacks that will look for system vulnerabilities and weaknesses. If any are found then the Zlob Trojan will be installed.
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 Zlob 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 | Zlob 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 Zlob Trojan. |
Zlob Trojan — How Did I Get It
The Zlob Trojan is an old hacking weapon that has been known to be part of various malware since 2005-2006. Ever since its first inception more than 30 distinct versions of it have been identified. A lot of them are spread in small-sized campaigns against certain networks. As such there are many possible distribution tactics that can be used:
- Malware File Carriers — Many of the earlier versions of the Zlob Trojan are distributed using bundle installers. This means that the virus is made part of other data that is marketed to the end users as safe and useful. This includes the likes of application installers of popular software that is often downloaded by end users. Many of the Zlob Trojan samples have been found to be made as embedded in codec packs which are often distributed on fake download portals or file-sharing networks.
- Phishing Mechanisms — The hackers can also orchestrate various phishing campaigns. They can be via email messages or by setting up specially made web sites. Their aim is to impersonate well-known services and companies. This is done by making them appear as landing pages, login prompts or notifications. As soon as the recipients click on the shown contents they will download and launch the infection script on their computer thus leading to the Zlob Trojan infection.
- File Sharing Networks — Through them the fake virus samples can be easily spread. The likes of BitTorrent and other peer-to-peer networks are often used to spread both pirate and legitimate content. Through them the virus files can be easily found.
- Browser Hijackers — These are malicious browser plugins that are made compatible with the most popular web browsers. To make the visitors want to install them they will be uploaded to the repositories of the browsers with fake user reviews and stolen or hacker-made developer credentials.
The Zlob Trojan has also been found to be distributed with fake antivirus programs. They were distribute en-mass a few years ago and can take various forms. They can remove existing software and take their place.
Another tactic which has been found to be particularly effective is the inclusion of the Zlob Trojan installation script across malware web scripts. They are made part of the so-called ActiveX controllers that launch multimedia features on web sites. Popular examples where such examples can be contacted include fake or network adult sites and redirect pages. Content that is of interest to the users is shown to them and if they want to view they are prompted to activate these scripts. As soon as this is done the Zlob Trojan will be installed onto the host computers.
Zlob Trojan — Capabilities
As soon as the Zlob Trojan is installed on a given host it will start its built-in sequence of malicious actions. One of the first actions that is run is the creation of multiple files in certain user and system locations. They are used to hide the modules and decrypted contents. A special PowerShell script will be launched in order to download any additional components. This means that at this point a preliminary data gathering has been made. This can include any of the following checks:
- Personal Information — The main engine can be used to scan the memory and hard disk contents in order to find out any specific information about the victims. This can include a person’s name, address, phone number and any stored passwords.
- Machine Metrics — Many Trojans choose to hijack details about the machines, the created profile can be used to generate an unique ID for the compromised host.
- Previous Infections — Advanced Trojans can also scan the system for any installed viruses across multiple types. This is done in order not to intrude into already infected networks as they may spy on the Trojan’s activities if they are controlled by another hacking group.
As soon as this is done the malware will continue with Windows Registry modifications. This leads to the creation of new entries that are specific to the Trojan. If existing ones are changed then the users can experience data loss, unexpected errors and performance issues.
The next stage of the infection is the manipulation of the operating system’s DNS records. This means that all Internet browsing queries will be relayed to the servers controlled by the hackers. This step allows them to view their Internet sites and used services in real-time.
When these modules have been finished running the actual Zlob Trojan engine will be launched. This will allows the hackers to take over control of the infected systems and also steal files. Having total control of the victims allows the hackers to implant other threats, spy on them and also intrude onto other host on the same network.
How to Remove Zlob Trojan
In order to fully remove Zlob 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 Zlob 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 Zlob 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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Zlob Trojan from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Zlob Trojan from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Zlob Trojan from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Zlob Trojan from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Zlob Trojan from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Zlob Trojan from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Zlob Trojan from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Zlob Trojan from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Zlob Trojan
Step 2: Uninstall Zlob Trojan and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Zlob 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 Zlob 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Zlob Trojan from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Zlob Trojan and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Zlob Trojan via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Zlob Trojan files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Zlob Trojan, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Zlob Trojan from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Zlob Trojan from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Zlob Trojan from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Zlob Trojan from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Zlob Trojan will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Zlob Trojan from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
