How to remove TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A

TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A is a virus that infects the system via malicious download link from spam email attachment

TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A is a trojan that enters via spam emails and propagates other viruses, resulting in a infection of multiple threats simultaneously. The malware derived from Emotet virus family, and, while very similar, its distribution method differs slightly. Previous variants of the virus used a very common distribution method – a malicious attachment in spam emails. This time, however, crooks decided to attach a PDF file (presented as an invoice) that contains a download link to the malicious MS Office document, obfuscating the built-in scanner efficiency, and making the scam more believable. The presence of TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A malware might very quickly result in ransomware,^[1] crypto-miner or banking trojan infiltration.

TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A virus a deceptive and dangerous threat, and is designed to do different things on the infected system. Social engineering campaigns help malware to infect as many machines around the world as possible to be able to perform the following activity: 

• steal various data about the user;
• collect keystrokes;
• spread other malware;
• steal and use banking credentials;
• mine cryptocurrency.

TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A is linked to Emotet virus, which is known to security researchers from 2014 as a banking trojan that is capable of stealing banking information. Additionally, malware is known to perform denial of service attacks (DDoS) attacks on other systems.

TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A is a high-risk virus that can perform in many different ways. It spreads when people are tricked to download a document form a download link hidden under “get your invoice” or similar text. 

The email content that this trojan use to distribute might look like this:

Hello,
Please find attached your invoice for recent services.
GET YOUR INVOICE
Thank you for your business!

The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential to the intended recipient. They may not be disclosed to or used by or copied in any way by anyone other than the intended recipient. If this email is received in error, please delete the email.

Those who click on the link, open the PDF file that contains a hyperlink where the payload of malware is hidden. Messages and links might look legitimate as cybercrooks are using – at first – reliable Microsoft files. However, they might not know that these files might be infected with malicious macros^[2] that hide TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A malware inside.

You need to remove TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A immediately because this is a dangerous malware. You should get rid of this virus entirely with your antivirus program. If the trojan is blocking it, the best solution is to reboot your device in Safe Mode and then perform a system scan.

After TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A removal, do not forget about certain changes that might have been done to your machine – those need to be reverted. Researchers^[3] advise using a PC fixing tool like FortectIntego as soon as the virus is eliminated or fixing Windows Registry manually (the latter should only be performed if you are highly trained in the IT field).

Beware of fake invoices, bank statements and similar attachments – they might be injected with malware

Malware developers send hundreds of thousands of spam emails that contain infected files or deceptive links. Hackers use the most popular document formats, such as PDF, .doc, .html, .txt, and similar. Do not forget that almost any file can be modified and inject the malicious code into your computer. Alternatively, hyperlinks can lead to websites that host malicious JavaScript. Regardless of which one it is, both result in malware infiltration. That is why spam emails should not be opened casually.

Trojans are not the only type of viruses that are spread using phishing emails. Cyber threats like ransomware, crypto-mining malware and similar dangerous infections can be distributed that way. That is another reason to be extremely careful when handling emails from unknown sources. To prevent infiltration of the virus, follow these simple safety tips:

• Do now allow the file attachment to run Macro function;
• If you need to open the attachment and you are not sure if it is safe, scan in it with anti-malware software;
• Look out for spelling and grammar errors;
• Check the “From” address – it can often look authentic, but differ in a mere one character;
• Use anti-malware software with real-time protection feature;
• Patch your software as soon as updates come out;
• Backup your files.

TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A elimination should be done using reputable tools

To properly remove TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A and you should use a reputable antivirus program. Trojans should always be eliminated by using professional tools instead of trying to remove malware manually. Sophisticated cyber threats are created in a way that only qualified cybersecurity specialists can perform a full elimination manually.

Malicious processes can prevent TrojanDownloader:PDF/Domepidief.A removal using automatic tools. In such case, you should enter Safe Mode with Networking and launch the security application from there. We explain how to do that in the instructions below.