Win32/Necurs (Updated Guide) - updated Oct 2016

What is Win32/Necurs?

What is known about Necurs rootkit?

Win32/Necurs, Trojan:Win32/Necurs or just simply Necurs virus is a dangerous trojan horse, which is used to distribute various computer infections, for example, rogue anti-spyware that belong to ‘WinWeSec’ family. What is more, this virus can be used to deliver destructive payloads of various malicious viruses. Once it infiltrates target computer system, it adds its own registry entries, connects to a remote Command & Control server, then disables antivirus protection programs and starts the malicious activity on the system. Recently, malware researchers have discovered that computers infected with Necurs are united into a dangerous botnet and that it is used to distribute most dangerous malware, including ransomware viruses. Locky, ODIN or Shit ransomware are only a few infamous virus names that are being delivered via Necurs botnet. It has also been used to spread Dridex banking Trojan and numerous other illegal programs that are meant to cause havoc on the target computer system.

Although Necurs botnet has been destroyed by law enforcement agencies in 2015, it has been resurrected and became fully operational again. Officially, it is the largest botnet in the world (featuring over 6.1 million bot devices). If the computer becomes infected with the rootkit and becomes a Necurs spambot, attackers can use this machine however they want – they can install additional malware on it, use the computer to send out massive spam email campaigns, or use it to distribute malicious programs to other computers, or perform DDoS attacks. It has been discovered that Locky virus is actively being distributed with the help of this botnet because during its shutdown malware researchers have noticed a drop in the spam emails that delivered Locky virus.

Win32/Necurs malware can remain silent in the system for weeks until it receives a command from the remote host. Unlike unprofessional computer viruses, this one stays quiet and does not display a single warning message, and discloses its presence only when it needs to. It is very hard to remove Necurs rootkit from the system, and we definitely do not recommend you to do that manually. FortectIntego is a reliable Necurs removal tool that can eliminate the malware for good.

How can Win32/Necurs infect my computer?

Win32/Necurs Trojan is delivered using different methods. It can be installed on its own or alongside rogue viruses that belong to ‘WinWebSec’ family of malware. When trying to avoid this virus, people should try to bypass suspicious emails that typically notify about missing payments, various purchases, and similar things. In addition to that, they should stay away from questionable pop-ups that offer software updates or promise to give them ability to scan their computers for free. What is more, malware can be installed only by visiting certain Internet websites. For example, if a site contains an exploit kit, it scans victim’s computer system for vulnerable programs and uses them to infect the computer system with malicious programs.

Once Win32/Necurs virus is installed on the system, it modifies the system and starts its malicious activities every time the PC is rebooted. Don’t wait for that! You should remove this virus as soon as it is possible.

Signs indicating that computer is a part of a botnet:

1. Suspicious pop-ups and error messages appear although there is no reason to;
2. Your Sent email section is filled with letters that haven’t been composed by you;
3. Computer functions slower than ever;
4. Computer or individual programs crash unexpectedly;
5. Unexpectedly decreased hard disk space;
6. Security-related Internet websites cannot be accessed for unknown reasons;
7. Your computer starts and shuts down slower than ever before.

How to remove Necurs malware?

The malicious Necurs spam should not be tolerated and if you suspect that your PC might be infected, do not hesitate and perform a system scan now. However, to remove Necurs virus, you need to use a powerful and trustworthy software. For a successful Win32/Necurs removal we recommend using these anti-spyware programs: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes.