How to remove LokiBot from infected devices

What kind of malware is LokiBot?

LokiBot is trojan-type malware designed to infiltrate systems and collect a wide range of information. Note that this virus targets the Windows and Android operating systems. LokiBot typically infiltrates systems without users' consent - it is distributed via spam emails (Windows OS), various private messages (SMS, Skype, etc.), and malicious websites.

LokiBot on Windows OS:

A main feature of LokiBot is to record sensitive data. This behavior is very common to trojan-type viruses. LokiBot gathers saved logins/passwords (mostly in web browsers) and continually tracks users' activity (for instance, recording keystrokes). Recorded information is immediately saved on a remote server controlled by LokiBot's developers.

LokiBot on Android OS:

As with the Windows OS version, LokiBot collects sensitive information relating to user accounts. In this case, however, the entire process is much more advanced. This malware simulates the interface of applications that require logins/passwords.

For example, LokiBot might display false notifications informing victims that someone is supposedly transferring money into their account. After clicking the notification, users are asked to login to their accounts, however, since the login screen is fake, all information is immediately recorded and sent to a remote server.

This malware is capable of simulating a number of other apps, including Outlook, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. The scam model is identical - users are notified and then asked to log in. In addition, LokiBot can use the infected device to proliferate itself via spam (SMS messages, emails, and so on).

Once a user attempts to remove LokiBot from the device, the malware asks for administrator permissions. If the user does not grant them, LokiBot locks the device screen and encrypts stored data. It then displays a ransom-demand message. To restore compromised files and unlock the device, users are encouraged to pay a ransom of ~$100 in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Fortunately, the encryption process is not flawless - LokiBot leaves copies of compromised data under different names. Therefore, restoring files is not difficult. Furthermore, this malware can be removed using Android Safe Mode.

In summary, LokiBot's presence is very dangerous - collected data can lead to serious privacy issues and significant financial losses.

Cyber criminals can exploit received data to transfer money from victims' accounts. In addition, they can misuse victims' email addresses and other accounts (e.g., social networks) to proliferate malware by tricking contacts/friends into downloading various executables or clicking links.

Cyber criminals might also misuse victims' identities to contact other people and ask them to transfer money into certain accounts (for example, using these assumed identities, they claim to be in trouble and ask to borrow money). Note that the LokiBot's executable is sold on the 'Dark Web' for $2000.

Therefore, any aspiring cyber criminal can purchase it and start proliferating this malware. It is difficult to determine what the collected data is used for, since LokiBot is not particularly advanced malware. Nevertheless, it can cause serious problems for the user. Fortunately, most reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suites are capable of detecting and removing LokiBot.

Therefore, we strongly advise you to have this software installed and running at all times. You are also advised to periodically run full system scans to check for any infections that have found their way into your system.

Similarities with other malware

There are dozens of trojan-type viruses that share similarities with LokiBot. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Emotet, Pony, Adwind, and TrickBot. All gather information and store it remotely. In most cases, these viruses have just one purpose: to help developers steal unsuspecting users' money.

Some trojans, however, have additional features. For example, they often misuse system resources to mine cryptocurrencies. This is done without consent and all revenue goes to the developers. Therefore, overall performance is significantly diminished and users receive nothing in return.

How did LokiBot infect my computer?

As mentioned above, LokiBot is distributed using spam emails/messages. Note that the email messages do not follow any specific pattern - the only common factor is that all are presented as invoices/bills. In most cases, these trojan-proliferating spam emails are virtually identical - the entire structure (text, alignment, etc.) is very similar and the malicious attachment is identical.

LokiBot can be distributed in any form - compressed executable, MS Office document, and so on - however, the result is identical: after clicking deceptive links and opening malicious attachments, the system is infected with LokiBot. Remember that the main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior.

How to avoid installation of malware?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Think twice before opening email attachments. If the file seems irrelevant or has been received from a suspicious/unrecognizable email address, do not open it. These emails should be deleted immediately, without reading.

Furthermore, download your software from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps (that can cause chain infections), and thus should never be used.

Download Android applications from Google Play only. In addition, be very cautious - we strongly advise you to read the user reviews and see if there are any negative responses (although applications in Google Play are scanned before being posted, there still are some that are classed as rogue).

As mentioned above, having a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is paramount. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with LokiBot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Malicious website used to distribute LokiBot Android version (presenting it as Adobe Flash Player):

An example of deceptive email distributing LokiBot malware:

Text presented within this email:

Please find our urgent Inquiry and Purchase Order attached. We hope to get a reply today. I have sent this same document twice already without any reply. Our prices are based on your offer to our customer who is also your client We received your contact from your customer's recommendation for the parts we need_ Can you ship to our country? Please confirm
I have called you severally and written your email without reply_ Can you give me the right person to contact for our inquiries and our Purchase Order?
In the attached order, the items marked yellow can be skipped if not available_ I await your reply with order confirmation.
Thanks & Regards!! Priti Patel
M.R. Organisation (U.S.A) LLC. 800 West Cummings Park Suite 1650, Woburn MA 01801 U.S.A.
Cell: +1-857-389-1763 I Office # 1-339-999-2798, 1-339-999-2799 I Fax # 1-978-945-832 I Email : sales3(iemrocompparts.com www.mrocompparts.com

Example of LokiBot's process ("objectrecalcine.exe") in Windows Task Manager:

Example of a malicious Microsoft Word document (fake invoice) distributing LokiBot malware:

Example of a malicious Microsoft Excel document ("1092991 (JB#082).xlsx") used to spread LokiBot malware:

Example of another malicious Microsoft Excel document ("EDG9502020040401190041_362_950.xlsm") which spread LokiBot malware:

Examples of Coronavirus-themed spam emails used to spread LokiBot trojan via attached files:

Example 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: E-PAYMENT BANK TRANSACTIONS

Dear Customer,

Due to the COVID-19 virus lockdown affecting countries and businesses, Our Finance HQ will implement online payment banking to all our active vendors/suppliers.

No more cheques will be issued out.

Kindly provide all your bank related details in above attachment form for swift payment process.

Please your urgent feedback is needed for our Finance Team.

Thank you very much.

Sales Executive

Example 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: COVID-19 UPDATE // BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN ANNOUNCEMENT STARTING MAY 2020.

Dear Partners,

A MUST READ!!!

Find in the attached everything you need to know about the business continuity plan and management of the deadly Wuhan Coronavirus and as published by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Endeavour to read through so as to keep you safe from the COVID-19 virus.

A HEALTH YOU BREEDS A HEALTHY SOCIETY.

Regards,
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Example of a DHL-themed spam email used to spread LokiBot trojan via attached .dmg file:

Text presented within:

Subject: DHL Demand delivery

On Demand Delivery
     
YOUR SHIPMENT IS ON ITS WAY
You Missed Your Package Delivery.
Scheduled For :  2nd Jan 2021.

Attached is your parcel details.

Please arrange for re-delivery by reply to this email with your
Parcel details.

DHL Dispatch Processing.
© Deutsche Post DHL Group.

How to remove malware manually?

Most trojan infections can be removed by running a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. The full manual procedure below is for cases where automatic removal failed, where you want to verify a scan caught everything, or where the threat has multiple persistence points.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. The 7-day free trial is available.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Boots to a clean environment to catch rootkits.

Process Explorer Free

From Microsoft Sysinternals. Better than Task Manager - shows full paths and signatures.

Autoruns Free

From Microsoft Sysinternals. Lists every place malware can persist on your system.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Official Microsoft on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - expires every 10 days.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Contain - limit the damage

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1

Disconnect from the network

30 secNo tool needed

Unplug your Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi. If you're on a laptop, the airplane-mode key works fastest.

Why this matters

Many trojans exfiltrate data - saved browser passwords, banking sessions, screenshots - and accept remote commands. Cutting the network stops both immediately. Keep it disconnected until Phase 4.

2

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking

3 min

Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers and stops most malware from auto-running. "With Networking" lets you download tools - re-enable Wi-Fi only after you've booted in.

Windows 11

Open Settings → System → Recovery. Click Restart now next to Advanced startup.

Your computer will restart into the "Choose an option" menu. Click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. After the second reboot, press 5 or F5.

Windows 10

Click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. In the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. Press F5.

Windows 8

Go to the Start Screen, type Advanced, select Settings → Advanced startup options → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup settings → Restart → F5.

Note: Windows 8 reached end-of-life in January 2023 - running on it puts you at much higher risk of reinfection.

Windows 7

Click Start → Shut Down → Restart → OK. As the system boots, press F8 repeatedly until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, then choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Note: Windows 7 reached end-of-life in January 2020 - running on it puts you at much higher risk of reinfection.

Phase 2~ 15 min

Identify - find what's hiding

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3

Inspect running processes with Process Explorer

Tool: Process Explorer5 min

Download Process Explorer from Microsoft Sysinternals. Run it as Administrator. Click Options → Verify Image Signatures and View → Lower Pane View → DLLs.

Sort by "Verified Signer." Anything unsigned running from %AppData%, %LocalAppData%, %Temp%, or %ProgramData% is suspicious. Right-click → Properties to see the full image path. Right-click → "Search Online" to look up unfamiliar process names.

Why not just Task Manager

Task Manager hides full file paths, doesn't show digital signatures, and groups processes in ways that make malware easy to miss. Process Explorer is the same tool Microsoft engineers use.

4

Map every persistence point with Autoruns

Tool: Autoruns 14.x10 min

Download Autoruns. Right-click Autoruns.exe and choose Run as administrator - without elevation, Autoruns can't inspect protected registry hives.

In the menu, open Options → Hide Microsoft Entries and Options → Hide Empty Locations, then click Refresh.

Modern trojans don't just live in startup. Walk through these tabs and look for unsigned or unfamiliar entries:

• Logon - classic Run/RunOnce keys
• Scheduled Tasks - frequent hiding spot, especially tasks with PowerShell, MSHTA, or rundll32 actions
• Services - unsigned services in non-Microsoft folders
• WMI - Event Subscriptions are a stealthy persistence mechanism (MITRE T1546.003)
• Image Hijacks - Image File Execution Options "Debugger" abuse
• AppInit - DLLs loaded into every GUI process
• Browser plug-ins - unsigned add-ons across all installed browsers

Pro tip

Right-click any suspicious entry → "Jump to Image" to see the actual file. Right-click → "Search Online" opens VirusTotal for the file hash. Don't delete yet - just write down the file paths and entry names. We'll remove them after the scans.

5

Check the hosts file and DNS settings

3 minBuilt into Windows

Trojans often redirect bank, antivirus, and update domains to attacker-controlled servers by editing the hosts file or DNS settings.

Hosts file: Open Notepad as Administrator and open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Legitimate entries are commented with #. Any uncommented IP-to-domain mapping is suspicious - especially redirects for microsoft.com, windowsupdate, or your bank.

DNS settings: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /all. Confirm your DNS servers point to your ISP, your router, or a known public resolver (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8). Then open Settings → Network & internet → [your adapter] → DNS server assignment and verify both DNS and DNS over HTTPS (DoH) settings haven't been hijacked.

Why this matters

A clean PC with hijacked DNS is still a compromised PC. You'll think you're at chase.com and you'll be at the attacker's clone.

Phase 3~ 60-90 min

Remove - three scans, one cleanup

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No single antivirus catches everything. The order below is intentional: offline scan first (catches rootkits before Windows fully loads), then on-demand scanners on the running system, then manual cleanup of anything they missed.

6

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. Your computer will restart into a stripped-down environment and scan before the full operating system loads.

Why this comes first

Rootkits and bootkits hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can hide itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

7

Run Combo Cleaner full system scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review the detected threats, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and registry persistence.

8

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Tool: Microsoft Safety Scanner15 min

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe), Microsoft's free on-demand tool. The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the single most underused verification step in malware removal.

9

Manually remove anything still listed in Autoruns

Tool: Autoruns10 min

Reopen Autoruns. Anything you flagged in Step 4 that's still present hasn't been caught by the automated scans. For each remaining suspicious entry: right-click → Delete in Autoruns (this removes the persistence registration), then navigate to the file path and delete the actual file. Empty the Recycle Bin.

Important

Some malware files reappear after deletion because something else on the system recreates them. If you delete a file and it returns within minutes, you have a remaining persistence point that Autoruns didn't show - usually a service or scheduled task running under SYSTEM. Re-run the scans from Steps 6-8 or proceed to a clean install (see end of guide).

Phase 4~ 15 min

Recover - restore browsers and security

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10

Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

5 min

Trojans and adware frequently hijack browsers - change the default search engine, install rogue extensions, or grant themselves notification permissions to keep displaying scam pop-ups even after the malware is gone.

• Chrome: visit chrome://settings/reset and click "Restore settings to their original defaults." Then visit chrome://settings/content/notifications and remove any unfamiliar sites.
• Edge: visit edge://settings/reset. Then check edge://settings/content/notifications.
• Firefox: open about:support and click Refresh Firefox (Firefox uses "Refresh," not "Reset"). Then check Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Notifications.

Review installed extensions in each browser and remove anything you don't recognize, especially extensions you didn't install yourself.

11

Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

10 min

Many trojans disable security software. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all turned on. Tamper Protection prevents malware from disabling Defender silently.

Then run Windows Update (Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates) and update your browsers and applications. The infection vector that let the trojan in originally usually involves outdated software.

Phase 5~ 15 min + 7 days

Verify & secure

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12

Change passwords from a clean device

20 min⚠ Critical

If the trojan was an info-stealer (Lumma, RedLine, Vidar, and similar are extremely common), assume every password saved in your browser is compromised. Change them from a different, known-clean device - your phone is fine if it's not infected.

Recommended order:

1. Primary email first - it's the recovery hub for everything else
2. Banking and financial accounts
3. Password manager master password (if you use one)
4. Social media, shopping, and remaining accounts

Where available, enable phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (passkeys / FIDO2 hardware keys / authenticator apps) - SMS-based MFA is bypassable by sophisticated attackers.

13

Verify the clean and monitor for 7 days

5 min + 1 week monitoring

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to the Startup apps tab - confirm nothing suspicious has reappeared.

Over the next 7 days, watch for symptom recurrence: unexpected high CPU usage, unknown processes returning, browser redirects, or pop-ups. If anything returns, you missed a persistence point and the procedure needs to be repeated - or you may have a deeper compromise that requires a clean install.

When to clean install Windows instead

Manual removal isn't always the right answer. Reinstalling Windows from scratch is the only way to be 100% certain when:

• The malware reappears after every removal attempt
• A bootkit or UEFI rootkit was detected (this class of threat sits below the operating system and survives a normal Windows reinstall)
• A confirmed credential-theft trojan ran with administrator privileges (Lumma, RedLine, Vidar) - the system likely has multiple unknown payloads
• The PC is used for online banking, business email, or anything where partial doubt isn't acceptable

A clean install is a 30-60 minute process: Windows 11 reinstall via Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything → Cloud download. Back up documents to external storage first, scan the backup with Combo Cleaner before restoring it, and reinstall applications fresh - never restore them from a backup of the infected system.

Important: Manual removal requires advanced computer skills. If you're not confident identifying system files from malicious files, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that path catches the vast majority of consumer trojans without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

It can encrypt files, steal sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, login credentials), infect computers with additional malware, mine cryptocurrency, and more. It depends on the type of malware (its capabilities).

What is the purpose LokiBot malware?

LokiBot collects information. On Windows computers, it can steal saved logins/passwords (mostly from web browsers) and continually track activity. On Android devices, it attempts to steal login credentials by simulating the interface of various apps (e.g., Skype, Outlook, WhatsApp). Also, LokiBot can lock the device screen and encrypt stored data. More information about LokiBot is provided in our article above.

How did LokiBot infiltrated my computer?

LokiBot is distributed via email. Threat actors send emails containing malicious attachments (MS Office documents). LokiBot infects computers after opening a malicious MS Office document and enabling macros commands. Another popular way to distribute malware is to upload it to various cracked software distribution pages or use fake installers, torrent sites, P2P networks, and similar channels.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware. High-end malware usually hides deep in the system. A computer must be scanned using a full scan to remove malware of this kind from it.