Poweliks Malware Infection

[MWMiller]

Symantec Endpoint Protection notified me I have this infection. Can see it running in Task Manager (COM surrogates). Symantec cannot remove, downloaded Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and it did not clean but is blocking Malicious Websites. Norton Power Eraser did not find and clean nor did SparkTrust or Spy Hunter. Have attached the FRST Files. Also, seems to include Adclicker and fff5ee. 

 

Mike

FRST Addition.txt

FRST File.txt

[LiquidTension]

Hello MWMiller, welcome to Malwarebytes' Malware Removal forum!

My username is LiquidTension, but you can call me Adam. I will be assisting you with your malware-related problems.
If you would allow me to call you by your first name I would prefer that. 

General P2P/Piracy Notice: 
 

If you are using Peer to Peer (P2P) filesharing software such as uTorrent, BitTorrent or similar you must either fully uninstall or completely disable the programme(s) from running whilst receiving assistance at this forum. 
Failure to remove or disable such software will result in your topic being closed and no further assistance being provided.
If you have illegal/cracked/keygen or similar software on the computer, please remove/uninstall the software now and read the policy on Piracy. Failure to do so will also result in your topic being closed.

 
======================================================

Please read through the points below to ensure this process moves as quickly and efficiently as possible.

• Please read through my instructions thoroughly, and ensure you carry out each step in the order specified.
• Please do not post logs using the CODE, QUOTE or ATTACHMENT format. Logs should be posted directly in plain text. If you receive an error whilst posting, please break the log in half and use multiple posts.
• Please do not run any tools or take any steps other than those I provide for you. Independent efforts may make matters worse, and will affect my ability in ascertaining the current situation and providing the best set of instructions for you.
• Please backup important files before proceeding with my instructions. Malware removal can be unpredictable.
• If you come across any issues whilst following my instructions, please stop and inform me of the issue in as much detail as possible. Please do not hesitate to ask before proceeding.
• Topics are locked if no response is made after 4 days. Please inform me if you will require additional time to complete my instructions.
• Ensure you are following this topic. Click  at the top of the page.

======================================================
 
Due to the nature of one of the infections present on your machine, I must ensure you are aware of the following. Please read the warning below, let me know what you think and how you wish to proceed. 
 

BACKDOOR WARNING
 
------------------------------

One or more of the identified infections is known to use a backdoor, that allows attackers to remotely control your computer, download/execute files and steal critical system, financial and personal information.

If your computer was used for online banking, has credit card information or other sensitive data, using a non-infected computer/device you should immediately change all account information (including those used for banking, Email, eBay, Paypal, online forums, etc).

Banking and credit card institutions should be notified of the possible security breach immediately. Please read the following article for more information: How Do I Handle Possible Identify Theft, Internet Fraud and CC Fraud?

Whilst the identified infection(s) can be removed, there is no way to guarantee the trustworthiness of your computer unless you reformat your Hard Drive and reinstall your Operating System. This is due to the nature of the infection, which allows the attacker remote control over the machine. Many experts in the security community believe that once infected with this type of malware, the best course of action is to reformat/reinstall. Please read the following articles for more information.

• When should I re-format? How should I reinstall?
• Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do?
• Where to draw the line? When to recommend a format and reinstall?

You now have the choice between cleaning the infection(s) present or reformatting your computer. Ultimately, this decision is personal, and down to you and what you're most comfortable with. Please let me know how you wish to proceed, and if you have any questions.

[MWMiller]

Adam

 

Please use my first name, Mike. After reading your post I think I will do as you recommend and reformat the computer. HP loaded recovery information on drive D, hopefully it is not infected. Will need a day or so to back up files and use another computer to change all of my Passwords. Will send an update when I have completed this, hopefully by the end of today.

 

Mike

[LiquidTension]

Hi Mike, 

 

Sounds good. Let me know if I can help with anything. 

 

Adam

[MWMiller]

Adam

 

Backed up my computer, formatted the drive, and reloaded the factory operating system. This seems to have cured the infection, but of course I am now reloading all the programs, etc that I had added over time.

Thanks for the support. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Symantec Endpoint protection on the clean operating system so hopefully this will not happen again.

 

Mike

[LiquidTension]

No problem at all, Mike. 

 
I have compiled below a list of resources you may find useful. The articles document information on computer security, common infection vectors and how you can stay safe on the Internet.

• Answers to common security questions - Best Practices by quietman7, MVP
• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected? by quietman7, MVP
• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet by Lawrence Abrams, MVP
• How to Prevent Malware by miekiemoes, MVP
• How to backup and restore your data using Cobian Backup by YourHighness
• Slow Computer/browser? It May Not Be Malware by quietman7, MVP
   

The following programmes come highly recommended in the security community.

•  AdBlock is a browser add-on that blocks annoying banners, pop-ups and video ads.
• CryptoPrevent places policy restrictions on loading points for ransomware (eg.CryptoPrevent), preventing your files from being encrypted.
•  Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit (MBAE) is designed to prevent zero-day malware from exploiting vulnerable software.
•  Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium (MBAM) works in real-time along side your Anti-Virus to prevent malware execution.
•  NoScript is a Firefox add-on that blocks the actions of malicious scripts by using whitelisting and other technology. 
•  Sandboxie isolates programmes of your choice, preventing files from being written to your HDD unless approved by you. 
•  Secuina PSI will scan your computer for vulnerable software that is outdated, and automatically find the latest update for you.
•  SpywareBlaster is a form of passive protection, designed to block the actions of malicious websites and tracking cookies.
•  Unchecky automatically removes checkmarks for bunlded software in programme installers; helping you avoid adware and PUPs. 
•  Web of Trust (WOT) is a browser add-on designed to alert you before interacting with a potentially malicious website. 

[LiquidTension]

Hello, 

 

Do you still require assistance?

[AdvancedSetup]

Due to the lack of feedback this topic is closed to prevent others from posting here. If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!