malware infection Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 3, 2025

Wacatac Trojan: What Is It And How To Remove It

The Wacatac Trojan is a type of malware first documented in January 2020, known for disguising itself as benign software to trick users into installation. It operates under various aliases, including Trojan:Script/Wacatac and Trojan:Win32/Wacatac, and can connect to Command-and-Control (C2) servers for remote manipulation. Its capabilities include stealing credentials, evading antivirus detection, creating or joining botnets, causing system damage, enabling spyware functions, acting as Remote Access Tools (RATs), and downloading additional malware. Symptoms of infection include sluggish performance, program failures, unexplained storage reductions, and unfamiliar processes. Wacatac spreads through unofficial software, malicious web pages, and phishing emails. Removal is best achieved using reputable antivirus software, while prevention involves avoiding questionable downloads, practicing good digital hygiene, keeping software updated, backing up data, and using quality antivirus solutions. False positives can occur, where legitimate programs are mistakenly flagged as Wacatac.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

12 ways to find viruses on your PC for free (and how to remove them)

In cybersecurity, modern viruses operate subtly, making them hard to detect while stealing data. Signs of infection include unfamiliar programs, missing files, erratic browser behavior, frequent error messages, and disabled security settings. If infected, disconnect from the internet, boot into Safe Mode, and run a full scan with Windows Security or trusted antivirus software. To protect your PC, delete temporary files, reset browser settings, uninstall suspicious apps, scan external drives, install updates, change passwords, and avoid suspicious links. For suspicious files, use VirusTotal to check for malware. If problems persist, a complete reinstallation of Windows 11 may be necessary after backing up important files.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

These 12 malicious Android apps are recording your conversations — delete them right now

Twelve Android applications have been found to covertly record user audio in the background, functioning as vehicles for spyware called VajraSpy. This spyware is spread through social engineering tactics on platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Signs of device compromise include unexplained battery drain, unexpected data usage, persistent background activity, frequent microphone prompts, and strange notifications. To protect against such threats, users should be cautious with app permissions, monitor for unusual behavior, use reputable antivirus applications, and limit the number of installed apps.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Senator Wyden Urges FTC to Probe Microsoft for Ransomware-Linked Cybersecurity Negligence

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Microsoft for "gross cybersecurity negligence" linked to ransomware attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure, particularly in healthcare. Wyden's concerns were highlighted in a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, referencing a ransomware attack on Ascension that compromised personal and medical information of approximately 5.6 million individuals. The breach was initiated by a contractor clicking a malicious link on Microsoft's Bing, leading to exploitation of insecure default settings in Microsoft software. Wyden criticized Microsoft's use of the outdated RC4 encryption technology, which is vulnerable to attacks, and noted that Microsoft's software does not enforce a minimum password length for privileged accounts. Microsoft plans to phase out support for RC4 and implement additional security measures in future updates. The scrutiny follows previous criticisms of Microsoft's cybersecurity practices, including a report from the U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Senator Wyden Urges FTC to Probe Microsoft for Ransomware-Linked Cybersecurity Negligence

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Microsoft for "gross cybersecurity negligence" linked to ransomware attacks on U.S. healthcare networks. In a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Wyden expressed concerns about Microsoft's cybersecurity practices and its dominant market position, which he believes pose a national security risk. He referenced a ransomware attack on the healthcare system Ascension that affected 5.6 million individuals, attributed to the Black Basta group, and noted that the breach was initiated by a contractor clicking a malicious link on Microsoft's Bing search engine. The attackers exploited insecure default settings in Microsoft software, using a method called Kerberoasting that targets the Kerberos authentication protocol. This method takes advantage of the outdated RC4 encryption technology, which Microsoft still supports. Wyden criticized Microsoft's lack of adequate warnings about the risks associated with RC4 and pointed out that the software does not enforce a minimum password length of 14 characters for privileged accounts. Microsoft plans to phase out RC4 in future updates, with new installations of Active Directory Domains using Windows Server 2025 set to have RC4 disabled by default starting in Q1 of 2026. Additionally, a report from the U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board highlighted preventable errors that allowed Chinese threat actors to compromise Microsoft Exchange Online mailboxes. Despite these cybersecurity issues, Microsoft continues to secure lucrative federal contracts.

Winsage

September 8, 2025

MostereRAT Targets Windows Users With Stealth Tactics

A recent investigation by cybersecurity experts revealed a sophisticated phishing campaign utilizing a new strain of malware called MostereRAT, which targets Microsoft Windows systems. This Remote Access Trojan (RAT) allows attackers extensive control over compromised devices and employs advanced evasion techniques, including being crafted in the Easy Programming Language (EPL). MostereRAT can disable security tools, obstruct antivirus traffic, and establish secure communications with its command-and-control server through mutual TLS (mTLS). The attack begins with phishing emails aimed at Japanese users, leading to the download of a Word document that contains a concealed archive. This prompts the user to execute an embedded executable, activating the malware, which installs itself in the system directory and creates services with SYSTEM-level privileges. It also displays a deceptive message in Simplified Chinese to further spread the malware. MostereRAT can disable Windows Update, terminate antivirus processes, and impersonate the TrustedInstaller account to escalate privileges. Its functionalities include keylogging, system information collection, downloading and executing payloads, creating hidden administrator accounts, and running remote access tools like AnyDesk and TightVNC. Some components of MostereRAT's infrastructure were previously linked to a banking trojan reported in 2020.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

APT37 Hackers Weaponizes JPEG Files to Attack Windows System Leveraging “mspaint.exe” File

A new variant of the RoKRAT malware, attributed to North Korea's APT37 group, utilizes advanced techniques such as steganography to hide malicious code within JPEG image files, complicating detection efforts. This malware is primarily distributed in South Korea through compressed archives containing Windows shortcut files that lead to a multi-stage infection process. The process involves executing PowerShell commands to decrypt and run the malware, which can inject itself into trusted Windows processes like mspaint.exe and notepad.exe, leaving minimal forensic traces. The malware also exfiltrates sensitive information using legitimate cloud APIs, making attribution difficult. APT37 has demonstrated adaptability by changing its injection targets and camouflaging its development artifacts, highlighting the need for advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions and proactive security measures.

Winsage

June 18, 2025

It’s time to update Asus Armoury Crate, folks—the latest vulnerability could allow hackers to compromise your Windows OS

A newly discovered vulnerability in Asus Armoury Crate, identified as CVE-2025-3464, has a severity rating of 8.4 out of 10 and allows hackers to gain low-level privileges on Windows systems. The affected versions of Armoury Crate range from V5.9.9.0 to V6.1.18.0. Researcher Marcin "Icewall" Noga from Cisco Talos highlighted this issue, prompting Asus to issue a product security advisory. Users are advised to verify their version of Armoury Crate and update to the latest version if necessary. No incidents of this exploit being actively used have been reported thus far. This is the second vulnerability found in an Asus utility within two months, following a separate issue with DriverHub reported in May.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

Steps to Scan Your Computer for Free and Check for Viruses and Malware

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security tool in Windows 10 and 11 that provides comprehensive protection against viruses and malware without requiring additional software. Users can perform manual scans, including Quick, Full, and Custom scans, to identify and eliminate threats. To run a scan, users must open Windows Security, navigate to "Virus & threat protection," and select the desired scan option. Windows Security also includes features such as real-time protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, and account protection. It is essential to keep Windows Security updated with the latest virus definitions for optimal protection. Users can also schedule automatic scans for regular checks.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Russian Hackers Leverages Weaponized Microsoft KMS to Hack Windows Systems

The Russian state-sponsored hacking group Sandworm, affiliated with the GRU, has been using pirated Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS) activation tools to infiltrate Ukrainian Windows systems since late 2023. They distribute a harmful ZIP file named “KMSAuto++x64_v1.8.4.zip” on torrent platforms, which, when executed, deploys the BACKORDER loader and disables Windows Defender. The BACKORDER loader then downloads the Dark Crystal Remote Access Trojan (DcRAT) from attacker-controlled domains, allowing data theft, including keystrokes and browser credentials. The campaign exploits Ukraine's high prevalence of unlicensed software, estimated at 70% in the public sector, increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks. Researchers have linked this activity to Sandworm through shared infrastructure and tactics, highlighting its role in Russia's hybrid warfare strategy against Ukraine. Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding pirated software and implementing robust security measures to mitigate these threats.