How to remove Anubis backdoor-type malware

What kind of malware is Anubis?

Anubis is a malicious program written in the Python programming language. It is classed as a backdoor – a type of malware that opens a "backdoor" into systems and infiltrates additional malicious software.

Anubis malware has been around since at least 2025. It has been linked to a threat actor dubbed "FIN7". This is a longstanding cyber criminal group that has existed since 2015 and has caused damages in the billions range worldwide.

Anubis malware overview

Anubis is a backdoor – it is designed to prep systems for further infection and carry it out. Like most malicious programs within this classification, Anubis was created with an emphasis on stealth. It has multiple anti-detection and anti-analysis capabilities. This malware has multi-layered obfuscation.

Anubis infiltrates devices through a process that has several stages. It uses persistence-ensuring mechanisms, which include manipulating the Windows Registry. The backdoor collects relevant device data, as well as continuously monitors and manipulates the system.

Anubis can execute various commands on compromised machines, such as tracking local IP addresses, terminating itself, managing files (i.e., browse, search, upload, download, etc.), executing shell commands, and so forth.

As Anubis can infiltrate files into systems, it can cause chain infections. In other words, it can download/install additional malicious components or programs. Theoretically, backdoors can cause just about any type of infection (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, etc.). However, in practice, these programs tend to function with certain specifications or limitations.

It has to be mentioned that malware developers commonly update their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future versions of Anubis might boast additional/different capabilities and features.

In summary, the presence of software like Anubis on devices can lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Backdoor-type malware examples

We have written about numerous backdoor-type programs; Betruger, Squidoor, EagerBee, and TorNet are merely a few of our latest articles.

This software downloads/installs additional malware and malicious components. While the threats associated with an infection depend on the software's abilities and the attackers' goals, the presence of it on a system endangers device integrity and user safety regardless. Hence, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did Anubis infiltrate my computer?

Anubis backdoor has been spread through phishing campaigns. It arrived onto systems in the form of a ZIP archive enclosing multiple Python files. Other distribution methods are not unlikely.

Malware is usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files. They 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. Merely opening an infectious file can be enough to initiate malware download/installation.

The most prevalent distribution methods include: malicious attachments or links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, pirated content, and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend approaching incoming mail with caution. Attachments or links found in suspect emails and messages must not be opened, as they can be malicious. The Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content – therefore, vigilance is key to online safety.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy channels. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

It is paramount for device integrity and user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. 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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is Anubis?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Anubis malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

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 Anubis malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Most likely, no, as malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that Anubis malware can cause?

The dangers associated with an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Anubis is a backdoor – it preps systems for further infection and can realize it. Hence, this malware can cause multiple system infections that could result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of Anubis malware?

Malware is mainly used for profit, and Anubis is linked to an incredibly financially motivated cyber criminal group. However, malicious software can also be used for other purposes, including amusement, personal grudges, process disruption (e.g., sites, services, organizations, etc.), hacktivism, and politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did Anubis malware infiltrate my computer?

Anubis has been proliferated via phishing campaigns. Different distribution techniques are possible. Generally, malware is spread through spam emails/messages, drive-by downloads, online scams, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, fake updaters, and illegal software activation tools ("cracks"). Some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that running a full system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious software tends to hide deep within systems.