Kovter.C virus (Removal Guide) - May 2019 update

What is Kovter.C virus?

Kovter.C virus is the trojan that performs click-fraud while running on victims computer and using resources

Kovter.C virus is the trojan that stores its files in the memory os the affected machine.

Kovter.C is the malware that gets installed on the machine without users permission and malicious files get stored in the Windows registry directly. This fact makes the trojan even more dangerous and difficult to remove. This is a trojan that is known for cybersecurity specialists at least since 2013.^[1] Back then it was acting like a file-encrypting virus that pretended to be a notice from police. However, in 2014, cybercriminals decided to use a new tactic and utilized trojan for click frauds.

During the time trojan’s operation become more sophisticated. In the middle of 2015,^[2] researchers spotted a brand new version of Kovter that has adopted similar techniques as Poweliks virus, meaning that malware became fileless.^[3]

Typically, Kovter spreads via exploit kits. Malware has been noticed spreading via popular trojan downloader Nemucod. Once installed on the system, malware places itself in Windows registry. This feature makes malware hard to detect. However, antivirus utilities might discover these malicious programs under the names of Trojan:Win32/Kovter.C, Troj/Kovter-C, or similar. Kovter.C virus itself can be designed to spread malware on the targeted machines. Other malware like trojans is one of the more common vectors that are known to deliver crypto malware.

After the attack, Kovter virus can give its owner remote access to the affected PC system. After doing so, the attacker gets the ability to control everything that is installed on a PC. This activity is usually initiated from a command and control server (C&C).

During a few years of activity, Kovter.C virus has been noticed spreading ransomware or more dangerous malware like Locky, click fraud adware and other malicious programs. Nevertheless, these cyber infections function differently on the targeted system; users can suspect about trojans existence from these symptoms:

• Several mshta.exe or powershell.exe processes running in the Task Manager;
• Sluggish computer’s performance;
• Program startup takes more time;
• Inability to access particular websites;
• An increased amount of suspicious online ads;
• Windows PowerShell errors pop up informing about the stopped program;
• Unusual disk activity.

If you recognized a few of these problems, you should obtain FortectIntego or another antivirus and run a full system scan. The updated malware elimination tool will remove Kovter malware from the computer quickly and safely.

Kovter malware is a dangerous Trojan horse that is used for spreading ransomware and click-fraud adware.

We do not recommend locating and stopping malicious processes on the computer yourself. Manual Kovter.C removal might lead to irreparable damage to the system. Thus, you should not risk and rely on professional security tool.

Kovter Trojan is closely related to file-encrypting viruses

In 2013 and 2014, Kovter virus acted as a police ransomware virus. According to the security experts, it might be related to Kovter ransomware. After the infiltration, malware delivered a pop-up message telling that the user has violated a law. For this reason, files on the computer were locked, and users have to pay a ransom.

In 2016 malware has been noticed spreading crypto-viruses again. Nevertheless, this version of Kovter ransomware had an efficient infiltration mechanism; its ability to encrypt files was not as good. Encrypted data can be easily recovered without following hackers instructions provided in the ransom note.

Finally, at the beginning of 2017, Kovter has been noticed spreading the infamous Locky ransomware virus.^[4] Malware has been spreading via malicious spam emails that included a ZIP archive with JScript file. Once victims executed the file, both Locky and Kovter ad-fraud trojan was installed on the computer.

Kovter 2017: click fraud adware attacked millions of Pornhub visitors

In 2014, authors of the Trojan used it for click-fraud activities. Nevertheless, they changed the specifics of their cybercrimes; this year they came back to illegal money-making strategy. In October 2017, malware researchers reported about massive malvertising campaign that targeted millions of Pornhub users.^[5] This pornographic website is known as one of the most popular sites in the world. Therefore, there’s no doubt that hackers decided to launch the attack there.

Criminals arranged advanced attack towards the US, Canada, UK and Australian people who accessed this adult-themed website with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge. While Microsoft’s web browser users were asked to install Adobe Flash Player update, Chrome and Firefox users were notified about the necessity to install a critical update.

When users installed one of these fake updates, the malware was installed on the computer and started illegally making incomes from online advertising. No matter that this activity does not seem as dangerous as a ransomware attack, users are advised to act quickly. If you visited porn website and installed one of the mentioned updated, obtain antivirus and remove Kovter ASAP.

Kovter.C virus is the trojan that installs itself on the targeted computer via exploit kits or infected email attachments.

Distribution methods of the trojan horse and how to avoid it

If you have read the article attentively, you should have already realized that different versions of Kovter.C virus are distributed using specific methods. However, we want to stress out the most popular distribution channels:

• exploit kits;
• malicious spam emails;
• malvertising.

In order to avoid Kovter hijack, you should stay away from illegal programs and malicious websites, including adult-themed sites. Security experts from Les Virus^[6] also warn that you should also never open unknown email attachments or click on suspicious ads that offer to download critical updates. Keep in mind that legit updates NEVER pop up in your browser.

Kovter.C virus elimination requires your attention and professional anti-malware

If you think that your PC was infected by Kovter.C virus, you should not waste your time and scan it with FortectIntego, Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. It doesn't matter which malware's version affected your device; professional security tools can easily detect and eliminate the infection immediately. However, you should not forget to update your chosen tool first.

Also, remember that choosing the professional and reliable anti-malware tool for Kovter malware termination is crucial. Don't risk getting more threats installed on the PC and get the program from the official source.

If your computer is locked and you cannot remove Kovter.C virus automatically, you have to follow manual elimination guidelines. Please, be careful in order not to damage the system and uninstall all trojan-related files.

Manual Kovter.C virus removal instructions:

1. Reboot you infected PC to “Safe mode with command prompt” to disable virus (this should be working with all versions of this threat).
2. Run Regedit.
3. Search for WinLogon Entries and write down all the files that are not explorer.exe or blank. Replace them with explorer.exe.
4. Search the registry for these files you have written down and delete the registry keys referencing the files.
   Reboot and run a full system scan with updated FortectIntego to remove leftovers of this virus.