This post is created to help you detect the Zeus Trojan and remove it permanently so that your computer is safe.
Computer Trojans are the ultimate form of spyware out there which aims to also remotely control your computer system from distance. And the Zeus Trojan is no exception from this rule. It can remain undetected on your computer system for a very long time, while being disguised as a legitimate program. If your computer shows any signs of having the Zeus Trojan or other threats on it, we strongly suggest that you read this post to learn more about it and how to protect your computer immediately and in the future too.
What Harm Can Zeus Trojan Do to My PC?
In this digital age, Trojan horses can be very significant not only to your computer, but to you as well. Since most users keep their important files on computers, all of their crucial information becomes at risk. This means that your personal ID number or other financial data that you may have used on a computer infected by Zeus Trojan can be compromised and used for malicious purposes. This is the primary reason why this threat should be dealt with immediately.
The reason why Trojans, like the Zeus Trojan are a significant threat, is that it has multiple different malicious functions that are utilized on your computer. The features of a Trojan may vary, depending on what type it is, but it is safe to assume that the _ Trojan can do the following on your PC:
- Steal the passwords from the computer and obtain the keystrokes from it via Keyloggers.
- Destroy data on your computer, like delete files. This may even result in damaging your Windows.
- Remotely monitor your activity. This means that whatever you do and see on your screen, the hacker who infected you can also see.
- Disable your Windows operating system via a DDoS attack (Denial of Service).
- Use your system’s resources (CPU and Video Card) to mine cryptocurrencies, like BitCoin.
- Harvest system data and login information automatically from your web browsers.
- Install other viruses on your computer which may cause even more damage.
- Display fake tech support screens that can lure you into a scam.
Encryption of the actual Zeus
The Trojan activity has been spotted and described by Kaspersky Lab researchers in a blog post from last week. They state that the new Trojan uses encryption methods from other Zeus malware versions as well as from ZeusVM and KINS virtual machines. Another encryption method it uses is the same as the Andromeda botnet’s one, creating a botnet with the same name as well.
The malware has been called Chthonic and is based on a new module loading method. Chthonic seems to infiltrate a main module into the computer that continues downloading secondary ones after activation. All the modules are encrypted with AES specification, and most of the modules are compatible with both 32 and 64-bit systems.
The Trojan steals passwords through a Pony malware, records key computer activities (Keylogger) and injects machines through malicious websites and VNC remote desktop software.
Breach of Zeus
Using a man-in-the-middle technique Chthonic violates the system by changing the targeted database. Users are being redirected to an infected web page. The malware continues then by stealing user sensitive data like username, password, PIN number, one-time password, etc. Fraud messages coming from the real webpage are being automatically hidden.
In some attacks in Russia, Kaspersky researchers said that it has been spotted the malware to spoof the entire content of the web page of the bank targeted and not just parts of it. This is not something typical for these types of attacks.
Although the many countries and banks targeted it seems that the Trojan cannot do much harm. As Zeus malwares are functioning for several years back many banks have changed the structure of their pages or their entire domains already. Many of the code fragments this Trojan is using seem to be pretty old.
Although it cannot do much harm at the moment, Zeus Trojan appears to be still evolving. Many of the malware developers are taking advantage of the fact that the ZeusS code source has been leaked and are using it as a base to develop their own Trojans for attacks. The new one – Chthonic – is using exactly this as a base to further evolve.
How to Spot and Fully Eliminate the _ Trojan?
The primary method which you can use to detect a Trojan is to analyze hidden processes on your computer. This is achievable by downloading process monitoring apps, like Process Explorer. However, you will have to have a trained eye on how to detect the malicious processes and how to remove those without damaging your computer. This is why, as a swift solution, a Trojan-specific removal tool should be used, according to security experts. Such removal software will automatically scan for Trojans like _ and get rid of them quickly and safely while protecting your computer against threats in the future.
Eliminate Zeus‘s Harmful Registries
For most Windows variants:
1) Hold Windows Button and R.
2) In the “Run” box type “Regedit” and hit “Enter”.
3) Hold CTRL+F keys and type Zeus or the file name of the malicious executable of the virus which is usually located in %AppData%, %Temp%, %Local%, %Roaming% or %SystemDrive%.
4) After having located malicious registry objects, some of which are usually in the Run and RunOnce subkeys delete them ermanently and restart your computer. Here is how to find and delete keys for different versions.
For Windows 7: Open the Start Menu and in the search type and type regedit –> Open it. –> Hold CTRL + F buttons –> Type Zeus Virus in the search field.
Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Hit Enter -> Press CTRL + F buttons. Type Zeus in the search field.