VBS:Malware-gen (Removal Guide) - 2021 update
VBS:Malware-gen Removal Guide
What is VBS:Malware-gen?
VBS:Malware-gen is a virus that is capable of modifying targeted system settings for malicious purposes
VBS:Malware-gen is a generic name used for various trojan horses. The threat can range from harmless ads display to straight out data-stealing, remote computer access, and other malicious activities. Additionally, malware can serve as a backdoor[1] to other malware, such as self-propagating worms. VBS:Malware-gen trojan usually enters computers without users noticing, and hackers use such distribution techniques as exploit kits,[2] weak passwords, open RDP, spam emails, and other tricks, often including social engineering techniques. While most detections like idp.generic or idp.alexa.51 are legit, users have reported that certain anti-virus tools detected regular system files as false positive.[3]
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | VBS:Malware-gen |
| Type | Trojan |
| Infiltration | Unsafe websites, unprotected RDP, exploits, spam emails, etc. |
| Symptoms | Rarely any but users might experience increased CPU usage, crashing programs, error messages, and similar |
| Detection and elimination | Use reputable security software like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to get rid of threats. FortectIntego will be helpful in case you notice some virus leftovers, that are disturbing your work. |
Since VBS:Malware-gen represents a variety of different computer viruses, it is hard to speak about its traits. Nevertheless, we will try to describe the typical behavior of a trojan horse, which would help you detect and remove VBS:Malware-gen from your machine.
Once VBS:Malware-gen enters the targeted computer, it performs a series of changes, which can range from:
- Changes to browser settings
- Scheduling of new tasks
- Shutting down and spawning Windows processes
- Modifying Windows Registry
- Installing additional applications without consent, etc.
Malware performs these changes to accomplish the goal it is set to do: steal data, turn the computer into a spam machine, redirect to sponsored websites, and similar. Crooks behind malware always seek for personal gain, and they do not care what the user have to through. VBS:Malware-gen can result in permanent data loss if it lets in ransomware virus in.
Additionally, stolen personal information such as banking details and other credentials can be sold in the black market for profit. It goes without saying that the presence of VBS:Malware-gen can significantly compromise your online safety, as well as computer security.
Unfortunately, trojan horses rarely produce any symptoms. This complicates VBS:Malware-gen removal procedure, especially for those who do not use comprehensive security software. Thus, experts[4] highly recommend downloading and installing anti-malware software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, which would prevent most of the malicious applications from entering the PC.
As we already mentioned, security software forums are filled with reports of AV engines recognizing several legitimate processes as VBS:Malware-gen. In such a case, it is a false positive and should be ignored. If users proceed with certain file removal, they can damage the system or prevent it from functioning correctly.
Trojans should be avoided at all costs
While no method would protect your machine from infection completely, there are several things you can do to improve its security and reduce the chance of virus infiltration. If you think that you are immune to infections, you are wrong, and even those who never been affected by malware usually face their first time at some point.
Thus, we suggest you follow these security tips:
- Pay attention to spam emails. Phishing emails are a well-known technique used by cybercriminals to install malware. Therefore, do not open attachments or click on hyperlinks embedded inside the email from an unknown source. Scan the URL or the file with tools like Virus Total before opening;
- Use secure passwords. Predictable passwords are one of the main reasons for malware infiltration. For example, Remote Desktop Protocol should be not only protected by a strong password, but should only be used with a VPN on;
- Update installed programs on time. Software vulnerabilities are discovered frequently and patched very soon after that. It is essential patching software immediately, as JavaScript can inject malware without you noticing;
- Beware of unsafe websites. Hackers often host malware on compromised sites. Additionally, they can create their own ones, which usually share files like cracks, keygens, and other illegal software.
Eliminate VBS:Malware-gen virus using trustworthy security software
Trojan infection is a severe risk, and it should be taken care of as soon as possible. Of course, to remove VBS:Malware-gen virus, you will have to employ reputable security software. We suggest you download and install tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and run a full system scan. Beware that some malware might hinder the proper operation of security software. In such a case reboot your PC and enter Safe Mode with networking – it will temporarily disable the virus. Virus damage is easily removed with FortectIntego if needed.
Do not even try manual VBS:Malware-gen removal. Malicious software is embedded deep within the system, and restoring the machine to its previous state is a mission impossible for a regular user. Therefore, merely trust security software to do the job for you instead.
Getting rid of VBS:Malware-gen. Follow these steps
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.
Remove VBS:Malware-gen using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of VBS:Malware-gen. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from VBS:Malware-gen and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting trojans
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Backdoor. Technopedia. Site that explains technology.
- ^ Exploit kit. Trend Micro. Cybersecurity researchers.
- ^ [FIXED] [VBS: Malware Gen] False positives Vir. def: 170221-1 22.2.2017 0:08:41. Avast. Forum.
- ^ Uirusu. Uirusu. Cubersecurity insights.