WeChat virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Cybercriminals target WeChat users seeking for their money and valuable personal information
WeChat virus is a generic term used to describe various malware variants distributed via a legitimate instant messaging software. Criminals often attempt to send malicious links to potential victims via various instant messaging applications and lure them into compromised or phishing websites with an intention to swindle money or personal information.
WeChat by Tencent, Ltd. is one of the most popular instant messaging applications. It scores more than 889 million monthly active users (based on ChinaChannel report) and it dominates in China[1]. It is also known as Weixin, and it was first launched in 2011.
Viruses and scams spread through this communication platform cannot be associated with the official developer of it. WeChat/Weixin, just like Facebook, Whatsapp, Viber, Gmail or eBay are just popular communication tools that allow scammers to hunt for potential victims, deceive them and hack their accounts or convince them to install dangerous viruses.
There is one particular “virus” that we would like to point out. Back in January 2016, Tencent published a web page called “The Story of Me and WeChat,” which allowed users see an overview of their activities using the app, some statistics, and similar information.
However, shortly enough rumors started spreading[2], saying that the website is compromised and visiting it makes all victim’s money from Alipay’s account disappear. Tencent has confirmed that these messages were a scam and that the website was entirely safe to visit.
The messaging app was also compromised by a severe attack against App Store in September 2015. The attackers created a fake copy of Xcode, a program used to build iOS apps. The counterfeit copy was dubbed XcodeGhost[3]. It allowed attackers use created apps to steal private information about victims and transmit it to criminals’ servers. One of the infected applications was WeChat. Tencent revealed that only 6.2.5 version was compromised.
The App Store has removed counterfeit software and made sure that app developers are using the right version of Xcode.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Tips on how to keep your account secure:
- To keep scammers away and continue using this popular messaging app without worries, do not add strangers;
- Connect your account to a trustworthy email or mobile to be able to recover your account in case you lose your phone or if it gets stolen;
- If someone asks you for money via this instant messaging app, do not trust them. Even if it is someone you know, call them and ask them whether the money-asking message came from them;
- Never provide personal details via the social messaging platform, especially to strangers;
- Keep your Weixin password private;
- Never click on links sent by strangers, even if they promise you enormous discounts on popular web stores, freebies, coupons or free services. You can be lured into malicious or fraudulent websites. If you use WeChat for the web, you can even infect your computer with ransomware or trojans!
Distribution of WeChat viruses
WeChat applications are available for Windows PC, Mac, iPhone and Android phone users. We recommend downloading the software only from its official developer's site, www.wechat.com. Do not trust any other sites and never agree to download the software from them because they can attempt to bundle additional software with your chosen program and force you to install it.
Having a legitimate app won’t protect you from scammers that attempt to deceive victims by sending convincing messages to them. However, if you follow the tips we provided, you should be fine. Use secure passwords, never disclose them to anyone, don’t add strangers and never open suspicious URLs sent by strangers or even your relatives.
Remove WeChat virus
If you suspect that your computer or mobile device was compromised, it is a must to remove WeChat malware immediately. For that, we recommend using anti-spyware or anti-malware apps like Reimage. If you are using Mac, consider trying Malwarebytes Anti Malware software.
The guidelines provided below the article are designed for Windows users who accidentally infected their computers with malware while using the web version of the instant messaging app. In case your Android device was compromised, we recommend checking these Android virus removal guidelines.
Manual WeChat virus Removal Guide:
Remove WeChat using Safe Mode with Networking
Choose a trustworthy malware removal software to delete Weixin virus. Eliminate the threat after booting the system in Safe Mode with Networking.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking 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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove WeChat
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete WeChat removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove WeChat 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.
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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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of WeChat. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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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 WeChat and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
About the author
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References
- ^ Wubingdu. Wubingdu. Malware Removal Guides, Security News.
- ^ Dan Entwistle. News: Is a WeChat Virus Stealing Your Money?. City Weekend. Shanghai News & Events.
- ^ Apple's App Store infected with XcodeGhost malware in China. BBC Technology News. Breaking News and Analysis on Computing, the Web, Blogs, Games, Gadgets, Social Media and more.