What Is ZeroAccess?
The ZeroAccess rootkit is a Trojan infecting Windows operating systems. The malware is also known as max++ or Sirefef and was first detected in the summer of 2011. The ZeroAccess botnet is to this day one of the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) botnets. The number of infected machines so far is over two million PCs. The rootkit is reportedly present on more than nine million systems. The botnet is almost impossible to be disabled because no central command and control (C&C) server exists. Every time a PC gets infected with ZeroAccess, it reaches out to a few of its peers to exchange data about other peers in the known peer-to-peer network. This way the bots are informed about the other peers and are able to deliver instructions and files in a quick manner. The constant connection between the peers makes the exchange of peer lists and the search for update files possible. This, unfortunately, makes any attempt to take the botnet down almost pointless.
The ZeroAccess infection usually remains hidden in the system due to its rootkit capabilities and is mainly used for the following purposes:
- To download various malware on the affected machine.
- To form a botnet used primarily for Bitcoin mining or Click fraud.
Computers that are involved in Bitcoin mining generate Bitcoins for the person controlling them. The experts report that the profit from them amounts to $2.7 million per year. The PCs used for click fraud imitate clicks on online ads, which generate profit on a pay per click basis. The estimated worth for this particular activity may amount to $100,000 per day.
ZeroAccess’ Distribution Path
As a typical Trojan, ZeroAccess does not spread on its own. It is usually delivered through compromised websites that redirect the user to a malicious online location where the malware is distributed via the Bleeding Life Toolkit and the Blackhole Exploit Toolkit. Both of those toolkits exploit numerous vulnerabilities to enter the user’s system and infect it with ZeroAccess.
The ZeroAccess Botnet – Not Quite Dead Yet
Microsoft Corp. has recently combined efforts with European authorities in an operation to bring down ZeroAccess botnet. The experts though are not that optimistic in their estimate and believe the botnet is not fully eliminated. The threat is too complex to be completely destroyed, professionals say. This is Microsoft’s eight attempt to disrupt the botnet in the past three years.
The servers delivering the ZeroAccess malware were shut down during a joint operation of Microsoft, FBI and the European Cybercrime Center. The command over 49 domains associated with the botnet was taken during the campaign. This is a significant number that should cripple the ZeroAccess botnet for a while, but it will take more hard work to eliminate it completely. The profit generated for the botnet’s creators was reportedly $3 million a month.
Preparation before removing .
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 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by 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 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 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.
FAQ
What Does Trojan Do?
The 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 , 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 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 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 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 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 ?
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 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.