This blog post has been created to explain what is the HackToo.Zacinlo malware and show how you can remove it from your PC.
A new malware, calling itself Zacinlo has been recently detected by Symantec researchers to perform series of unwanted activities on the computers of victims. The malware’s main goal is to create various different types of files which monitor the infected computers and the tool registers various different types of entries that allow it to stop system processes and having it on your computer may mean that you may start seeing BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). If your PC has become infected by HackTool.Zacinlo, we advise that you read this article and learn how you can remove HackTool.Zacinlo from your computer completely.
Threat Summary
| Name | S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware |
| Type | Hacktool Malware/ Rootkit |
| Short Description | Heavily modifies Windows, shuts down system processes and blocks system activities on the infected computers. |
| Symptoms | The tool begins to monitor your PC and stop processes and if debugger is active, you may see BSOD. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware. |
HackTool.Zacinlo – Spread
In order for this HackTool to be spread onto the computers of victims, the malware may come together with a fake program, like:
- Fake version or setup of an often used software, like converters, etc.
- Fake portable versions of programs.
- Cracks.
- Patches.
- Keygens.
- Other.
In addition to this, the Zacinlo malware, believed to originate from Romanie by the Zacinlo hacking group, has been reported to also add a rootkit compnent and to pretend to be the free VPN service, called s5Mark, which is advertised as an application that is seemingly helpful and provides free VPN services. The app looks like the following:
The app was previouslycategorized as a potentially unwanted programs by malware researchers and now it seems to be used to install Zacinlo malware, which is both a rootkit and a Trojan at the same time.
Zacinlo Malware – Analysis
The distribition of this application and It’s advertisements has been reported to first be active in 2014. The activity then continued in waves in 2015, 2017 and the latest wave is June, 2018.
Once installed on the computer of the victim, the S5Mark VPN program may perform series of malicious activites on the victim PC, with an end goal of installing the malicious component. The S5Mark program itself may remotely connect to a third-party VPN server, the main idea of which is to display various third-party advertisements on the computer of the victim, such as:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Online banners.
- Highlighted text advertisements.
Besides the fact that these applications may obtain different information from the victim’s computer, the Zacinlo malware performs series of malicious activites in the background as well. These activities start with modifying the following Windows Registry sub-keys by creating sub-keys in them wit custom values:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\atimode
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\set_st
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\set_bl
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\set_pt
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\set_hp
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\set_hpdl
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\FilterClasses
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\shield_count
The Zacinlo malware then runs a system check up of the following Registry Values:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\PowerMode
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\Control\Network\PowerMode2
The check up is done with the goal to filter how programs are opened and with what permissions, which gives the maware control of the executed software on your computers.
The Zacinlo malware then proceeds with it’s malicious activities by checking for the following files to be present in data components of the Windows Registry Editor:
→ BAPIDRV64.SYS
DSARK64.SYS
FILTERINGD.SYS
HITMANPRO
KNBDRV.SYS
MBAMSWISSARMY.SYS
MWAC.SYS
NNSPIHSW.SYS
PANDA_URL_
SYMNETS.SYS
The malware may also blacklist the following .SYS (System) files if they are present somewhere in the Windows Registry Editor:
→ ASWMONFLT.SYS
ASWSP.SYS
ATC.SYS
AVGMONFLT.SYS
AVGNTFLT.SYS
AVGSP.SYS
EPP64.SYS
GZFLT.SYS
KLBACKUPFLT.SYS
KLIF.SYS
MBAM.SYS
PSINFILE.SYS
SRTSP64.SYS
SYMEVENT64X86.SYS
TRUFOS.SYS
WDFILTER.SYS
ZAM64.SYS
In addition to this, the Zacinlo malware also performs heavy monitoring of what types of processes are created. If the processes that are created are one of the blacklisted onses, the virus blacklists the certificate and the original file name of the process it does not want to run, until the process has ended, suggesting that this hacktool is the work of someone with quite the experience with Windows systems.
But the Zacinlo malware may also shut down processes automatically. Researchers have reported it to target and delete any registry entries of the infected computer that may belong to the following .EXE processes:
The malware creates a threat which checks whether or not the Windows 10 debugger is active.
Remove HackTool Zacinlo from Your Computer Completely
The Zacinlo malware can be removed manually if you follow the manual removal instructions below. But since they are general methods and approach on how to remove viruses such as Zacinlo, complications may occur if you try to remove Zacinlo yourself, because one wrong file that is deleted may make the difference between breaking your Windows and stopping it from functioning and deleting the virus completely. This is why, for maximum effectiveness, security professionals often advise turning to an advanced anti-malware software and taking the automatic removal approach. Such software will automatically scan your computer for the Zacinlo malware and remove it from your computer completely, plus ensure that your PC stays protected agianst future infection as well.
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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware on Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware in Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Internet Explorer.
- Guide 8: Disable S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware Push Notifications in Your Browsers.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
About the S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware threat is backed with VirusTotal https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1.Browser Redirect – What Is It?
2.Adware Is Malicious, and It Uses Advanced Techniques to Infect
3.The Thin Red Line Between Potentially Unwanted Programs and Malware
4.The Pay-Per-Install Affiliate Business – Making Millions out of Adware
5.Malicious Firefox Extensions Installed by 455,000 Users Blocked Updates
How to Remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware
Step 2: Uninstall S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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 S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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 S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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.
Step 4: Scan for S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
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.
Video Removal Guide for S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware (Windows).
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Get rid of S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3.In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware:
4.Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5.In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware, 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.
Video Removal Guide for S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware (Mac)
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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 Stop Push Pop-ups
Erase S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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 Stop Push Pop-ups
Uninstall S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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 Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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 S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Eliminate S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware 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.
Remove Push Notifications caused by S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware from Your Browsers.
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware FAQ
What is S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware?
The S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware threat is adware or browser redirect virus. It may slow your computer down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What are the symptoms of S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your computer for viruses.
What types of Unwanted Programs are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to do if I have a "virus" like S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most adware or unwanted program threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them from your browser and computer. One reccomended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter is one of the reccomended anti-malware apps, that can scan your computer for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps and eliminate them quickly. This saves time when compared to doing the removal manually.
How to secure my passwords and other data from S5Mark VPN and Zacinlo Malware?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our website, where you can also ask any questions and comment underneath the articles about your computer problems. We will try to respond as fast as possible.