How to remove the Spock stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Spock?
Spock is the name of an information-stealing malware. This malicious program can extract sensitive data from devices and exfiltrate files. If the Spock stealer has been detected on a system, immediate removal is crucial.
Spock malware overview
After infecting a machine, the Spock stealer begins collecting relevant device data. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to) device name, account username, IP address (geolocation), and running process list.
Spock is capable of taking screenshots; this ability could be used to obtain a variety of vulnerable data displayed on the victim's screen. The stealer can also exfiltrate (download) files from the desktop.
It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future versions of the Spock stealer could target more information or have additional/different capabilities and features.
To summarize, the presence of software like Spock on devices can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Spock malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, spyware. |
| Detection Names | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of WinGo/Spy.Agent.CM), Fortinet (W32/PossibleThreat), Ikarus (Trojan-Spy.WinGo.Agent), Malwarebytes (Generic.Malware/Suspicious), 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. |
Stealer-type malware examples
Xehook, VietCredCare, Srry, Elusive, Asuka, and Solan are merely some examples of stealers we have written about recently. This malware can target incredibly specific details or a broad range of data. Additionally, data-stealing abilities are common for other types of malicious software.
However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, we strongly advise eliminating all threats immediately upon detection.
How did Spock infiltrate my computer?
Malware is predominantly spread by relying on phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with regular software/media.
Infectious files come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. Once a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the malware download/installation chain is triggered.
The most widely used distribution techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), malvertising, online scams, pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
Fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise caution when browsing. Another recommendation is to treat incoming emails and other messages with care. Attachments or links found in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. We advise activating and updating software by using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties may contain malware.
It is essential for device/user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats. 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.
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:
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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 Spock malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, malware removal rarely necessitates formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Spock malware can cause?
The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. Spock is a malicious program designed to steal sensitive information. Typically, infections of this ilk can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Spock malware?
Malware is most commonly used to generate revenue. However, it can also be utilized to amuse the attackers or disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.). Malware infections can be motivated by personal grudges or political/geopolitical reasons.
How did Spock malware infiltrate my computer?
The most widely used distribution methods include: drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a full system scan is crucial since sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
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