Windows infected with Virus/es

[PJzinc]

Hi,

Recently I have been having a lot of issues, had my facebook account stolen and blocked, discord, instagram hacked.

i have dome to realise that possibly all of my computers are infected with Malware(I use 3 PC’s almost daily).

 

I have been running Malwarebytes / Windows scans for almost a week now, but still keep finding suspicious activity/files.

 

Could someone help me get rid of the malware as I now just want some peace of mind.

 

Thank you

[1PW]

Hello @PJzinc and :

While you are waiting for the next qualified/approved malware removal expert helper to weigh in on your topic, and even though you may have run the following Malwarebytes utility, please carefully follow these instructions:

1. Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
2. In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file.
3. In the User Account Control pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation.
4. Run the MBST Support Tool.
5. In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced.
6. In the Advanced Options, click only Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your computer.
7. A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply to this topic.

Thank you.

[PJzinc]

Hi 1PW! Thank you for the welcoming quick response.

Please see attached as requested.

mbst-grab-results.zip

Thank you

Best regards

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello.       @PJzinc

My name is Maurice.  I will guide you.  Let me know what name you prefer to go by. 

I will guide you along on looking for potential malware. Lets keep these principles as we go along.

• Removing malware can be unpredictable
• ...things can go very wrong!
• Backup
• any files that cannot be replaced. You can copy them to a CD/DVD, external drive or a USB-storage drive or flash/thumb drive
• Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Only run the tools I guide you to.
• Do not run online games while case is on-going. Do not do any free-wheeling web-surfing.
• The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.
• Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear".

Your topic will be closed if you haven't replied within 4 days!

[Maurice Naggar]

Please  set File Explorer to SHOW ALL folders, all files, including Hidden ones.  Use OPTION ONE or TWO of this article
Please use this Guide

Let's do one scan with Malwarebytes Adwcleaner to check for adwares. Just before pressing that "scan" button, be sure that Chrome & Edge, or other web browser are Closed.

It will not take much time,

First download & save it
guide & download link

Then be sure to close all web browsers after the download & before launching the tool.

Then go to where the EXE file is saved. Start Adwcleaner.  Then do a scan with Adwcleaner

Guide article

Attach the clean log from Adwcleaner when all completed.

[PJzinc]

Hi Maurice,

Please see log attached.

AdwCleaner[S00].txt

Best regards

PJ

[Maurice Naggar]

It is noted that AVG Antivirus is the installed antivirus.

Please run the following custom script. Read all of this before you start. Please Close all open work.

Once the script-run has been completed, please attach the file FIXLOG.TXT to your next reply

 

Farbar program location:   C:\Users\jakut\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe

 

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to C:\Users\jakut\Downloads

Fixlist.txt

 

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRSTENGLISH, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Run  FRSTENGLISH and press the Fix button just once and wait.
If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log on the Downloads folder (Fixlog.txt) . Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

NOTE-1:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files.  Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 30 minutes or more.

NOTE-2: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications will be automatically closed. Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies will also be removed. The use of an external password manager is highly recommended instead of using your browser to store passwords.

The following directories are emptied:

• Windows Temp
• Users Temp folders
• Edge, IE, FF, Chrome, and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
• Recently opened files cache
• Discord cache
• Java cache
• Steam HTML cache
• Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
• BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
• Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run. Attach FIXLOG.txt with net reply.

I would urge you highly to stay far away from hack / cracked software of any sort. Whether a so called free program or free game, or whatever.
Hidden risks in pirated software
https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2019/01/08/hidden-risks-in-pirated-software/

Why You Shouldn't Use Pirated Software
https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/trends/why-you-shouldnt-use-pirated-software
 

[PJzinc]

Hi Maurice,

Log Attached

Fixlog.txt

 

Regards

PJ

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you. The custom run is good & beneficial. 

As a next step, I suggest the following:

This is for a scan with ESET Onlinescanner (free). ESET is a well-respected, well-known entity and tool.

This here you can start & once it is under way, you can leave the machine alone & let it run over-night. No need to keep watch once it starts the actual scan run.

Next, This will be a check with ESET Onlinescanner for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.

Go to https://download.eset.com/com/eset/tools/online_scanner/latest/esetonlinescanner.exe

It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner.exe"

• Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.
• Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started.

 

• When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".
• Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes
• When prompted for scan type, Click on CUSTOM scan  and select C drive to be scanned
• Look at & tick ( select ) the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"
• and click on Start scan button.

Have patience. The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
There is a progress window display. You may step away from machine &. Let it be. That is, once it is under way, you should leave it running. It will run for several hours.

• At screen "Detections occurred and resolved" click on blue button "View detected results"
• On next screen, at lower left, click on blue "Save scan log"
• View where file is to be saved. Provide a meaningful name for the "File name:"
• On last screen, set to Off (left) the option for Periodic scanning
• Click "save and continue"
• Please attach the report file so I can review

[PJzinc]

Hi again,

I have ran the scan twice now. The first scan detected 23 PUPs(which it had quarantined), however when I hit save log the program moved onto next page and no log was saved anywhere.

Now I have ran it for the second time and it did not detect any suspicious activity - log for the second scan attached.

Thanks and regards,

PJ

 

ESETscanlog.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Hi. Alright. One other scan here.

TrendMicro HouseCall scan

https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/forHome/products/housecall.html

First, Download & Save to your Downloads folder the appropriate HouseCallLauncher
Once the download is complete, go to where the Housecalllauncher is saved & double-click it to start it.

The program will check with TrendMicro & do a update run.

Next it will show the Disclosure window.

Click Next to proceed.

The end user license agreement is presented.   Click the Accept radio button & click Next to proceed.

I suggest a CUSTOM scan on C drive.

IF you wish a Full scan or a Custom scan, first click on the Settings

then you can select which drives you want to include in the scan.

 

Click Scan now when ready.

The scan progress will then be displayed.   Monitor the progress or just leave it alone until it finishes this phase.

When the scan phase has completed, if any items are tagged, you will see a list, showing  the file & its location, the classification of the threat, the type, risk, and Action option.

If you see an item that you know is safe, you can click the Action  , and select Ignore.

When all done & ready, click the Fix now button.

[PJzinc]

HI Maurice,

HouseCall scan came back with no threats found. 891mb of junk files and that is all.

Forgot to mention previously that after getting hacked before asking for help on this forum  I performed multiple Windows defender and Malwarebytes scans. And one of the Malwarebytes scans came back with Sality.Virus.FileInfector.DDS.

I did some research on it and from what I read it seemed that Sality will eventually infect all executable files. Hence why I am so worried.

Thank you again!

PJ

[Maurice Naggar]

The Malwarebytes scan of 8 Janaury 16:30 hours did not report a malware. But we will do a new scan with Malwarebytes. ( plus some other different scans, later).
If truly there is still a "sality" infection ( I mean by future scans) then we can address that.

Do a new scan with Malwarebytes for Windows.

Do a Check for Update using the Malwarebytes Settings >> General tab.

See this Support Guide https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360042187934-Check-for-updates-in-Malwarebytes-for-Windows

When it shows a new version available, Accept it and let it proceed forward. Be sure it succeeds.

If prompted to do a Restart, just please follow all directions.

Let me know how that goes. Next, the Malwarebytes >>Settings >>

Then click the Security tab. Scroll down and lets be sure the line in SCAN OPTIONs for

"Scan for rootkits" is ON 👈 Click it to get it ON if it does not show a blue-color .

 

Next, click the small x on the Settings line to go to the main Malwarebytes Window. Next click the blue button marked Scan.

 

When the scan phase is done, be real sure you Review and have all detected lines items check-marked on each line on the left. That too is very critical.

>>>>>👉You can actually click the topmost left check-box on the very top line to get ALL lines ticked ( all selected).  <<<<💢

 

Please double verify you have that TOP  check-box tick marked.   and that then, all lines have a tick-mark

 

Then click on Quarantine  button.

 

Then, locate the Scan run report;  export out a copy;  & then attach in with your  reply.
See https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038479194-View-Reports-and-History-in-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-v4

😉

 

 

Now a different scan with another security scanner. 

This with Kaspersky KVRT tool.

Download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (KVRT) from here: https://www.kaspersky.com/downloads/thank-you/free-virus-removal-tool and save to your Desktop.

Next, Select the Windows Key and R Key together, the "Run" box should open.



Drag and Drop KVRT.exe into the Run Box.



C:\Users\jakut\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe will now show in the run box.



add

-dontencrypt

Note the space between KVRT.exe and -dontencrypt

C:\Users\jakut\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe -dontencrypt 

should now show in the Run box.



That addendum to the run command is very important.


To start the scan select OK in the "Run" box.



The Windows Protected your PC window "may" open, IF SO then select "More Info"



A new Window will open, select "Run anyway"



A EULA window will open, tick both confirmation boxes then select "Accept"



In the new window select "Change Parameters"

 

• In the new window ensure the following boxes are ticked:
  • System memory
  • Startup objects
  • Boot sectors
  • System drive

• Then select "OK" and „Start scan“.

The Kaspersky tool is very thorough so will take a considerable time to complete, please allow it to finish. Also while Kaspersky runs do not use your PC for anything else..

• completed: If entries are found, there will be options to choose. If "Cure" is offered, leave as it is. For any other options change to "Delete", then select "Continue".
• Usually, your system needs a reboot to finish the removal process.
• Logfiles can be found on your systemdrive (usually C: ), similar like this:

Reports are saved here C:\KVRT_data\Reports and look similar to this report_20230112_103000.klr

• Right click direct onto those reports, select > open with > Notepad.
• Save the files and attach them with your next reply

Edited January 11, 2023 by Maurice Naggar

[Maurice Naggar]

On 1/8/2023 at 5:03 AM, PJzinc said:

Recently I have been having a lot of issues, had my facebook account stolen and blocked, discord, instagram hacked.

That is what you described at top of this case. Just as a safety note, when we get to end of this case, I intend to ask you to change all passwords for all accounts to strong new passwords. In the meantime, I am urging you stay out of Facebook, Discord & Instagram and any other instant-messenger application. We need to trim off potential exposure surfaces. Stay out of all social media apps or sites. Do not do any loose web surfing. Do not do any shopping or banking on this machine, until after we Close this case.

[Maurice Naggar]

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 topic with your request.

This applies only to the originator of this topic. Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread.

Tips to help protect from infection

Thanks