Backdoor.SDBot: what it is and how to remove it
Backdoor.SDBot is the malware that belongs to a backdoor trojan family because of the particular virus functions. This virus connects to an internet server and receives commands from the developer, so malware actions on the system may vary from downloading and running files, monitoring activity, collecting information to manipulating processes and services directly on the machine or capturing Webcam shoots.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Backdoor.SDBot: summary
| Distribution | Spam email attachments, software cracks, fake applications |
|---|---|
| Name | Backdoor.SDBot |
| Type | Trojan |
| Category | Malware |
| Mostly affects | Windows OS supporting devices |
| Symptoms | The system displays errors, OS shuts down unsuspectedly, the computer runs slow due to high usage of resources caused by suspicious processes and files |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 8 more facts
| Purpose | Gain admin access to the machine and make system changes, infect malware or steal data |
|---|---|
| Possible functions | Monitoring activity, tracking data, capturing screens or webcam shots, uploading files or programs, disabling functions, downloading malware |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| File names | Aim95.exe |
| First seen | 9 October 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What Backdoor.SDBot does on an infected PC
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Backdoor.SDBot is the trojan that allows attackers to control the targeted computer by opening the backdoor
Backdoor.SDBot is the malware that belongs to a backdoor trojan family because of the particular virus functions.
This virus connects to an internet server and receives commands from the developer, so malware actions on the system may vary from downloading and running files, monitoring activity, collecting information to manipulating processes and services directly on the machine or capturing Webcam shoots.
This is a trojan that mostly targets Windows operating systems and attempts to gain access to the computer with administrative rights to make necessary changes. Backdoor.SDBot malware can delete the initial source program, so the detection and removal become even more difficult besides the silent infiltration.
The damage can already be done in the system when you notice the questionable activity regarding the existence of the malware, so the thorough system cleaning is needed.
Backdoor.SDBot virus belongs to one of the most dangerous strains of malware - trojans. This threat disguised as a process in Task Manager and this way runs uninterrupted for a long time. Also, such malware can pose as a legitimate application and damage the computer without any permission or users' knowledge.
The most unique and dangerous feature of such infection is that Backdoor.SDBot trojan runs in the background long before you get to discover that a rogue program affects your machine. There are not many noticeable symptoms this threat cause on the infected PC, but a few indicators that virus runs on the machine can include:
Other Backdoor.SDBot related issues may include the remote access on your device. Since this is a backdoor malware, it is more likely to focus on such processes. Many huge data breaches or leaks of information from databases and systems of companies and people include the remote access tools or the usage of security flaws.
Backdoor.SDBot exploits system vulnerabilities of the Windows devices and networks and spreads around by remotely accessing the targeted PC. Then, the malware uses commands to copy and run itself on the device. Once infiltrated, malware can terminate security functions, software, system features to keep being undetected.
Backdoor.SDBot can use the same vulnerabilities and open backdoors for other malware creators to spread infections further. This is why removing the trojan completely from the machine is difficult - the virus can run its processes freely when associated files remain on the computer. You need to delete all of those applications and files to terminate this trojan properly.
You can remove Backdoor.SDBot and associated files by scanning the system with anti-malware tools fully. Programs like this can detect and remove cyber threats found on the computer. A thorough check on the device allows seeing results and eliminating all indicated programs.
Choose tools for automatic Backdoor.SDBot removal wisely and from the official sources and providers. This way you can be sure that software cracks or rogue applications are not installing additional programs or even more severe malware. We offer for additional system check and cleaning that involves fixing the virus damage.
Besides all those noticeable changes, Backdoor.SDBot trojan adds files in the system folders and executes commands to change boot preferences and startup keys, registry entries. Associated files may include:
Trojans and similar malware like Backdoor.SDBot often is designed to infect the machine with the initial payload and then spread other threats on the affected device. Such threats may be ransomware or cryptojacking malware. These are the two most dangerous cyber threats. Experts note how important it is to scan the affected machine thoroughly and remove all programs to avoid additional malware installation.
Since Backdoor.SDBot disables many security functions and even programs, you could benefit from rebooting the machine in Safe Mode before scanning with the AV tool. Also, Windows devices have a System Restore feature that helps when fighting malware.
- computer displays errors;
- OS shuts down after displaying the dialog box with System Shutdown alert;
- computer restarts without any interaction;
- the system runs slow;
- Task Manager displays questionable processes running in the background;
- you find duplicates of essential files like executables;
- other programs appear running on the machine that you haven't installed yourself.
- Aim95.exe
- Explorer.exe
- Cmd32.exe
- Sys3f2.exe
- service.exe
- xmconfig.exe
- sock32.exe.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Trojans and other malware get installed automatically when macros get triggered
Spam email campaigns involve various social engineering tactics and other deceptive techniques that spread infected files and hyperlinks, documents, automatic downloads.
Once the suspicious email is received, you should delete it immediately and avoid any clicking on the contents.
When the document is downloaded and opened on the computer, malicious macros get triggered and launches malware script or even installs malware directly. This is the process that does not require your permission and you cannot see the initial downloading of the program.
However, these installations can be avoided if you pay close attention to such emails and other processes involving content form the internet. Delete suspicious emails you were not expecting to receive. Also, keeping antivirus tool and running a full system scan occasionally can improve the performance of your machine significantly and such tools can block malware before it enters the PC.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Backdoor.SDBot
- Get a reputable anti-malware and remove Backdoor.SDBot fro the machine completely
How to check the PC for Backdoor.SDBot
- File:
Aim95.exe
How to remove Backdoor.SDBot
How to remove Backdoor.SDBot and lock the attacker out
Someone may have had remote control of the PC.
Cut the connection first, then remove the trojan and secure your accounts.
Step 1: Remove remote access tools and lock the attacker out
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi first, so any remote session drops.
In Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10), uninstall remote access programs you did not set up yourself, such as AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, TeamViewer or an unknown "support" tool.
Check Settings > Accounts > Other users (Family & other users in Windows 10) for accounts you did not create. Turn off Remote Desktop under Settings > System unless you use it.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 2: Check where Aim95.exe runs from and stop it
Aim95.exeis the part you can see, and its location tells you whether it belongs there. Right-click it on the Processes page of Task Manager and choose Open file location, then right-click the file > Properties > Digital Signatures to see who signed it.An unsigned file, or one in a user folder such as
%AppData%, is the one to remove: end the task, then delete the file.Note the folder name, because the same folder usually holds its other files. This is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Close a frozen app (Task Manager, Force Quit) On uGetFix
Step 3: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu and click Task Scheduler Library. Select each task you do not recognise and read the Actions tab:
- a task that starts a file in
%AppData%or%Temp% - runs
powershellwith a long encoded line - opens a web address belongs to Backdoor.SDBot or a similar program
Right-click such a task and choose Delete, and check the subfolders too. Leave tasks from Microsoft, your PC's maker and programs you use. Task Scheduler is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
- a task that starts a file in
Step 4: Remove it from startup
Whatever Backdoor.SDBot installed usually starts with Windows. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to Startup apps in Windows 11 or the Startup tab in Windows 10, and disable what you do not know, starting with entries that have an empty Publisher column.
Open file location on the right-click menu shows the file, which helps you decide and tells you what to delete later. Disabling is safe: if something you need stops working, switch it back on.
Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 6: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
Assume that the passwords saved in this PC's browsers, and the accounts that were open in them, are known to the attacker. From a phone or a clean computer, change the e-mail password first, then banking, shopping, social and gaming accounts.
Use each service's option to sign out of all other sessions, because stolen cookies keep a session open even after a password change. Turn on two-step verification on each account. Wait with the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC until the scans are clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Oct 2020 · not reviewed since
Backdoor.SDBot virus elimination should include anti-malware program and a full system scan
For the proper Backdoor.SDBot removal, you should get a reliable anti-malware tool or a program that can check the machine for cyber intruders and fix additional issues with the computer.
We can recommend , , or as reliable programs designed to detect such threats.
Remember that Backdoor.SDBot virus can be associated with other malware and perform various processes besides affecting the performance and speed of your PC. The full system scan checks all the places on your machine that malware can hide its files.
When you remove Backdoor.SDBot and other dangerous trojans or malware, ransomware cryptocurrency miners, reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking. This way anti-malware tool can work properly and delete all indicated threats.
[GI=method-1]Enter the Safe Mode with Networking and scan the system with an AV tool for Backdoor.SDBot removal
[GI=method-2]Try System Restore as virus termination method
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Accounts come next
Because the PC showed an unfamiliar process called Aim95.exe in Task Manager, a sign of a program that could read browser data, the clean-up is only half of the work.
The other half happens in your online accounts.
Change passwords from a clean device, beginning with e-mail; sign out of all sessions; check forwarding rules and recovery phone numbers; and turn on two-step verification with an authenticator app or a passkey. Ask your bank to replace cards saved in the browser.
Why the order matters and what to check in each account: secure your accounts after malware.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Backdoor.SDBot
Is Aim95.exe a virus?
The name Aim95.exe is not enough to say. Malware often uses technical-sounding names, and harmless updaters often use odd ones. Check three things:
- the folder the file runs from
- the Digital Signatures tab in its properties
- the program that starts it (Startup apps, Task Scheduler or services)
A signed file from a company whose product you use is almost certainly fine. An unsigned file in a user folder that no installed program explains should be removed, and the PC scanned with Microsoft Defender in offline mode.
Can I delete the Aim95.exe file?
Only after you know what it belongs to. If Aim95.exe is part of a program, uninstall that program through Settings instead, so its services and tasks go too. If it belongs to nothing and is unsigned, end the process, disable whatever starts it and then delete its folder.
Do not delete files from the Windows folder or files signed by Microsoft: those are part of the system, and removing them can stop Windows from starting. When in doubt, run a Microsoft Defender scan first and let it decide.
Can I just delete Aim95.exe?
Deleting Aim95.exe by hand rarely removes Backdoor.SDBot. While the trojan runs, Windows may refuse to delete the file, and if you succeed, a scheduled task, a service or a second copy may bring it back at the next restart.
The file can also be only one part of the infection: loaders and remote access tools often install other programs. Use the Microsoft Defender offline scan, which removes the file together with its startup entries before Windows loads, and then check startup items and scheduled tasks as described in the plan.
Can a normal remote support program be a backdoor?
Yes. Tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer and ScreenConnect are legitimate, but whoever controls the account behind them controls the PC. Scammers install them during fake support calls, and some trojan campaigns install them silently because antivirus programs do not flag a genuine, signed product.
If you find one you did not set up, uninstall it, check Startup apps for related entries and change passwords from another device. If money or accounts were involved, call your bank and report the incident.
Should I reset my PC because of Backdoor.SDBot?
Only if the signs point to deeper access. Reset when you see an unfamiliar process called Aim95.exe in Task Manager again after removal, when Windows Security cannot start or update, when remote access tools you did not install keep appearing, or when you simply cannot trust the PC any more.
Otherwise, the plan in this guide plus an offline scan is enough. If you do reset, choose Remove everything and Cloud download for a fresh copy of Windows, restore only documents and photos, and reinstall programs from their official sites. Change important passwords from the clean system afterwards.
What are the signs of a trojan infection?
Most trojans try to leave no visible signs, so look for side effects. Common ones:
- Windows Security turned off or unable to update
- new entries in Startup apps or Task Scheduler
- programs in Installed apps you did not install
- browser settings that changed by themselves
- unusual network activity while the PC is idle
- password-reset or login-alert e-mails you did not trigger
None of these proves an infection on its own. Together with an antivirus alert naming Backdoor.SDBot, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Can Backdoor.SDBot spread to other devices on my network?
Most trojans aimed at home users stay on the PC they infected, but an attacker with remote access can look at the network, open shared folders and try passwords on other devices. Loaders sometimes deliver worms or ransomware that do spread.
Disconnect the PC while cleaning, run a full scan on other Windows PCs, change the router's admin password and the Wi-Fi password if they were saved on the infected PC, and update the router's firmware. If other PCs show the same detection, treat them as infected too.
Why can't I find Backdoor.SDBot in antivirus databases?
Because it is new or because it is listed under a different name. Antivirus companies name threats after the family they belong to, and a program that appears as Backdoor.SDBot on your PC may carry a generic or unrelated label in their databases.
Many new samples are first detected only by behaviour, without a family name. What you saw, an unfamiliar process called Aim95.exe in Task Manager, is enough to act on:
- end the program
- remove its startup entry
- run a Microsoft Defender offline scan
- secure your accounts
A detection name from a scan is worth noting for later.
Why didn't my antivirus stop Backdoor.SDBot?
New trojan builds are packed and changed often so that signatures do not match, and some are signed with stolen or bought certificates. Many arrive inside password-protected archives, which scanners cannot open until you extract them.
Some downloads also tell the user to turn off the antivirus "because it gives false alarms", a common line in cracked software instructions. Keep real-time protection on, never disable it for an installer, and run the offline scan whenever you suspect something slipped through.
Will Fortect remove Backdoor.SDBot?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Backdoor.SDBot, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- ZDNet: Time to cover your webcam? This stealthy spyware records video and audio (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Trojan horse malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusa (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)