Zbot – one of the most impactful Trojans to date
Zbot is a dangerous trojan horse that mainly focuses on information-stealing – whether it is regular computer users or financial institutions. Additionally, it can be set to perform a variety of malicious activities on a Windows computer, as well as the network. Since its main goal is to steal data, it can harvest and send the following:
- logins and passwords
- credit card details
- banking site information, etc.
Zbot, which is otherwise known as Zeus or Panda banker, is one of the most iconic pieces of malware in history, since it infected millions of computers worldwide and was especially prevalent in Canada, the US, and Europe. Besides, scammers and fraudsters also adapter Trojan's name in their malicious social engineering attacks, trying to mislead users into believing that their systems are infected with Zbot.
| Name | Zbot |
| Type | Trojan, info-stealer |
| Also known as | Zeus, Panda Banker, Terdot, GameOver Zeus, Zeus Sphinx |
| Release date | 2007 |
| Capabilities | Creates a botnet, sends spam, steals banking and other information, etc. |
| Removal | Perform a full system scan with powerful anti-malware, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner |
| System fix | Malware infections can diminish the performance of your computer or cause serious stability issues. Use FortectIntego to remediate your device and ensure that the virus damage is fixed |
As soon as this virus infiltrates the computer, it modifies the system according to its needs. It can drop its own files, modify the registry, and initiate other activities that are needed for it. After doing so, it starts recording the victim's keystrokes and can even take desktop screenshots.
As soon as Zbot gains access to a Windows computer, it establishes a connection with a Command & Control server so it would be able to communicate with the attackers. Thanks to this connection, malware authors can:
- send the commands remotely;
- receive harvested information;
- send updates that include new features.
Zbot is modular malware[1] – it uses the toolkit to create the environment suitable for the infection. The second component of the threat is needed to modify the affected computer according to hackers' needs. At the same time, the Command & Control one was created to ensure full control of the virus.
However, these capabilities are just a fraction of that malware is actually capable of doing. According to Kaspersky researchers, it can also operate as a botnet:[2]
First, it creates a botnet, which is a network of corrupted machines that are covertly controlled by a command and control server under the control of the malware's owner. A botnet allows the owner to collect massive amounts of information or execute large-scale attacks.
Due to these extensive modifications, Zbot removal might be a difficult task, although it can be terminated thanks to powerful security tools, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, for example. Additionally, since the virus changes a variety of system settings and files, Windows might start malfunctioning after the Trojan is eliminated. If that is the case for you, you should employ FortectIntego to fix these problems at once.
Malware is spread via spam emails or similar methods
Zbot Trojan is mostly spread with the help of spam. You may be tricked into downloading this virus on your computer if you fall for a fake message that looks like it was sent by some reputable company.
Such fake mails typically report about nonexistent airline e-tickets, missing deliveries or postal packages, and similar things that can increase the curiosity in people. Here is an example of such malicious message:
——– Original Message ——–
Subject: Ninja Killed – Postal Tracking #PSGMR64782BY2C2
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:32:50 +0900
From: United Parcel Service of America [email protected]
To: recipient.comHello!
We were not able to deliver postal package you sent on the 14th of March in time because the recipient’s address is not correct.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our office.
Your United Parcel Service of AmericaWhat is more, Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.gen has some backdoor functionality and may even record keystrokes.
Beware that such emails are also filled with the link or the attachment, which is supposed to download trojan onto the system. Thus, you should always scan the file with anti-malware software or upload it to online analysis platforms such as Virus Total.
Additionally, researchers also noticed that software vulnerabilities,[3] combined with drive-by downloads, were used to spread this Trojan during its prime.
If you think that your machine was infected by this trojan, you shouldn't waste any minute because you may lose your personal information and other important data.
Remove Zbot virus to ensure your information safety
If you think that your PC is infected with a trojan or other malicious software, you shouldn't waste your time and remove Zbot virus from your system at once. Otherwise, there are lots of malicious activities that can be initiated by such evil programs. They can try to steal your personal information, disable legitimate software, and can even try to infect your computer with other cyber threats.
In order to perform a full Zbot removal, you should employ powerful security software. If malware is interfering with this process, you should access Safe Mode, as explained below. It is also advisable to change all your passwords on all accounts and monitor your online banking to prevent financial theft.
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