Win.pure_rat Virus – How to Remove It [Fix]

What is Win.pure_rat?

Win.pure_rat appeared in a security scan, Microsoft Defender flagged a related detection, or you want to understand what this threat does and how serious it is. Read this guide immediately – Win.pure_rat is one of the more serious malware families currently active and demands immediate action.

Win.pure_rat is the detection name for PureRAT – a full-featured Remote Access Trojan also known as PureHVNC and ResolverRAT. Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects it as Trojan:Win32/PureRat!rfn. Malpedia classifies it as a Remote Access Trojan. The malware may appear alongside PureLogs, a separate PureCoder infostealer that extracts browser logins, cookies, payment-card data, VPN credentials, and cryptocurrency wallet data.

How Did I Get Win.pure_rat?

• Cracked software and pirated application installers – A consistently documented delivery route: cracked apps or keygens from unofficial sources embed PureRAT in the installer, executing it silently during setup.
• Malicious email attachments – A document or archive from a phishing or spam email drops the RAT when opened. PureCoder campaigns rely heavily on phishing for initial access.
• Software bundling with unofficial free downloads – A free program from a third-party site installs PureRAT as a hidden bundle component through software bundling.
• Fake software update pages – Deceptive update pages for browsers or media players deliver PureRAT instead of or alongside the claimed update.

What Does Win.pure_rat Do?

PureRAT gives the attacker hidden, persistent control over every aspect of the infected device. Here is the full documented capability:

• Hidden VNC and remote desktop – The attacker sees and controls the infected desktop in real time through a hidden VNC channel with no visible indication on the victim’s screen.
• Mouse and keyboard control – The attacker can simulate mouse movements, clicks, and any keyboard input on the device.
• Webcam and microphone access – PureRAT can activate the device’s webcam and microphone to capture live audio and video of the victim’s environment without any warning.
• Real-time keylogging – Every keystroke is captured and transmitted to the attacker, including passwords, messages, and any other typed input.
• Remote command execution and code injection – Arbitrary commands can be executed on the system remotely, and malicious code can be injected into running processes.
• File theft – Files on the device can be accessed and exfiltrated to the attacker’s infrastructure at will.
• PureLogs infostealer bundled in many infections – PureLogs specifically targets browser-saved passwords, session cookies, payment-card details, VPN credentials, and cryptocurrency wallet data.

How to Remove Win.pure_rat [Fix]

Given the active remote-access capability, the device must be treated as fully compromised while being cleaned. Follow these steps in order:

• Disconnect from all networks immediately – Unplug ethernet and disable Wi-Fi to cut off the attacker’s remote access before beginning any cleanup.
• Change all passwords from a clean, separate device – Do not use the infected device for any account access – the keylogger and remote access are still active until the malware is fully removed. Enable 2FA on all accounts.
• Assume cryptocurrency wallets and VPN credentials are compromised – Move funds to a fresh wallet with a new seed phrase generated on a clean device. Revoke and regenerate VPN credentials.
• Run a Microsoft Defender Offline Scan – Open Windows Security, go to Virus and Threat Protection, then Scan Options, then Microsoft Defender Offline Scan. This runs before Windows fully loads and catches components that hide during normal startup.
• Run a dedicated anti-malware tool as a second opinion – PureRAT is sophisticated; use a specialized tool rather than attempting manual file hunting.
• Monitor all financial accounts – After confirming clean scan results, watch all financial and sensitive accounts for any unauthorized activity.

Follow the complete removal guide below this article for the full step-by-step process across Windows and Mac.

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.

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Preparation before removing Win.pure_rat.

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 Win.pure_rat with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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

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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.

Step 3: Find virus files created by Win.pure_rat 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.

Win.pure_rat FAQ

What Does Win.pure_rat Trojan Do?

The Win.pure_rat 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 Win.pure_rat, 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 Win.pure_rat 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 a factory reset.

Can Win.pure_rat 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 Win.pure_rat Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Win.pure_rat 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 Win.pure_rat?

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 Win.pure_rat threat is backed with VirusTotal.

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