Removal instructions for the Farfli trojan-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Farfli?
Farfli is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), a program that allows criminals to control an infected computer remotely. It is installed together with a 'keystroke logger', which records keys pressed on the keyboard.
Typically, people install this trojan-type program unintentionally, since they are tricked by cyber criminals. Note that having Farfli installed on your system can lead to serious problems.
Farfli malware overview
Cyber criminals proliferate this trojan-type program to steal personal details. Remote Access Trojans are used to download and install various malicious or other unwanted programs, monitor computing activities, steal logins, passwords and other sensitive information. As mentioned, Farfli is installed with a keystroke logger (keylogger).
These programs record each keystroke (key press) made on an infected system. They can record typed information from emails, messaging applications, usernames, passwords, and other personally identifiable details.
Having these programs installed can cause computer infections (installation of ransomware and other viruses), high CPU use, data loss, financial loss, privacy issues and other serious problems. Furthermore, Farfli installs itself as a system service that runs in the background.
If installed, it can be identified as an unnamed process (service) running in Task Manager. Keyloggers and Trojans should be removed immediately.
| Name | Farfli remote access tool |
| Threat Type | Trojan, Remote Access Trojan/Tool (RAT), password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware [Trj]), DrWeb (BackDoor.Farfli.115), Fortinet (W32/Farfli.AIL!tr), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Agentb.jlzk), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Casdet!rfn), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
RAT-type malware examples
There are many trojan-type Remote Access Tools that are similar to Farfli including, for example, njRat, ExileRat, Nymeria, Remcos, NanoCore, and a number of others. If distributed by cyber criminals, they are used to steal information in order to generate revenue, or install other programs that could be used for the same purpose.
How did Farfli infiltrate my computer?
Farfli is distributed using a spam campaign. Cyber criminals send many emails disguised as invitations to the China International Cloud Service Technology and Application Conference. These emails include an attachment, an RAR file called "Invitation.rar". If this archive file is extracted and its contents opened, Farfli receives permission to be downloaded and installed.
If you receive this email, ignore it. We strongly recommend that you leave files attached to it unopened, however, criminals might also proliferate Farfli using other trojans (chain infections), third party software download sources, and fake software updaters/cracks.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Do not open files that are attached to emails that are irrelevant and sent from unknown, suspicious addresses. The same applies to website links. Typically, cyber criminals attempt to trick people into opening them by presenting emails as official, important, legitimate, and so on. Furthermore, all software should be downloaded from official websites (and using direct links).
Third party downloaders, unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks and various other sources should not be trusted. The same applies to software 'cracking' tools and unofficial, fake software updaters - these tools often download and install malicious programs rather than activating or updating programs/operating systems.
Furthermore, tools that supposedly activate software free of charge are illegal. Have a reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware tool installed - they can detect and remove various threats before damage is done. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Spam campaign (email) presented as an invitation, which contains a malicious archive (.rar) file:
Screenshot of a malicious Farfli process running in Task Manager as a service without a name:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.
Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".
Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with Farfli malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Such drastic measures are rarely necessary for malware removal.
What are the biggest issues that Farfli malware can cause?
The dangers depend on the malware's capabilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Farfli is a RAT – it enables remote access/control over machines. These trojans tend to be highly versatile, and Farfli has data-stealing functionalities. The primary threats include multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Farfli malware?
Malware is primarily used for profit. However, cyber criminals may also utilize it to amuse themselves, carry out personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Farfli malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is mainly spread via drive-by downloads, online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam mail, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing almost all known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a complete system scan is essential – since sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion