How to remove DarkGate virus

DarkGate – sophisticated malware campaign that mines crypto and locks up data 

DarkGate virus is an elaborate cyberthreat that was spotted by enSilo's^[1] Adi Zeligson making rounds in Spain and France. The malware targets Windows operating systems and is downloaded by users via torrent websites. The range of capabilities this malware posses is truly impressive – it can evade AV detection by using advanced obfuscation techniques, mine digital currency, steal crypto wallets, and allow the bad actors to take over the infected PC using remote control access. Finally, DarkGate is also able to lock personal files on the targeted machine by using ransomware capabilities. According to research, the virus is closely related to a password-stealer Golroted.^[2]

According to researchers, DarkGate malware spreads with the help of .torrent files, which are often associated with pirated software and media downloads. However, the technology itself is not illegal and can be used by businesses to share large amounts of data. DarkGate virus is known to be hidden on file-sharing torrent sites that offer free downloads of popular TV shows like Walking Dead or Game of Thrones. After execution, it runs VBScript^[3] to infect the system.

Additionally, DarkGate can also be propagated in malicious spam campaigns that urge users to download and install fake executables or open PDF files. Regardless of the infiltration method, those who got infected should not wait and remove DarkGate virus from the machine which the help of reputable security software.

DarkGate then establishes reactive communication via the Command and Control server, which is carefully obfuscated by legitimate DNS records from AWS, Akamai CDN or Amazon, which prevents reputation-based detection.

DarkGate also performs a few checks in order to avoid detection. It first analyzes whether or not it landed in a sandbox environment (it is used by security experts to unpack and examine malware samples) and then scans for the most commonly used AV engines, such as Comodo, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, Avast, etc. 

DarkGate virus also uses two different techniques to bypass User Account Control (UAC) to gain administrator privileges on the targeted PC. Next, malware downloads additional malicious components, which execute the following:

• Allows hackers to gain a remote access;
• Steals crypto wallet credentials;
• Mines digital currency;
• Uploads ransomware payloads.

To conclude, DarkGate malware utilizes advanced technique to execute complex operations on the machine to bring the maximum benefit for its creators. As of now, the motive is believed to be monetary gain, although researchers do not deny other possibilities.

Because the virus uses sophisticated techniques to avoid detection, we recommend scanning your machine with multiple security tools for full DarkGate virus removal. After the elimination, use FortectIntego to recover from the damage malware caused on the system.

Beware of torrent sites and phishing emails

While the malware is exceptionally complex and advanced in its operation, the infection method used is relatively common for most virus families. As mentioned above, it mostly users .torrent file to run malicious VBScript to infect the machine, all while not being detectable by the user.

We highly advise users to stay away from file-sharing and torrent sites, as malware can be disguised as your favorite TV show or anything else for that matter. Additionally, pirated software and media is illegal, so might get you into real trouble. Nevertheless, many users are still undertaking such activity which makes malware's infection rate go up. Because the virus is still not detected by many AV vendors, infection is guaranteed once the malicious .torrent file is downloaded.

Another way to get infected with malware is by opening infected email attachments. Phishing emails have become one of the most prevalent virus distribution methods. Therefore, do not casually open attachments or click on links in an email from an unknown source, even if it looks legitimate. 

Remove DarkGate from your computer

Experts believe that the malware will evolve and become even more sophisticated. As of now, DarkGate virus removal might be a little bit complicated, however. Only a few AV engines recognize the threat, as it uses advanced obfuscation techniques. Therefore, if you suspect that your computer is infected, you might have to try different AV engines. Researchers from enSilo claim that the software they offer detects the virus.^[1]

Additionally, users might have to load their machines into Safe Mode with Networking in order to temporarily stop malware from functioning and then finally remove DarkGate virus. We provide instructions below, so check them out. Another way that might help you to eliminate the infection is System Restore function, which we also present below. Although this method is highly unlikely to help.