How remove AsyncRAT

What kind of malware is AsyncRAT?

AsyncRAT is the name of a remote access or administration tool (RAT). RATs are used to control computers remotely, typically for educational, technical support purposes. In many cases, however, cyber criminals try to trick people into installing these tools to perform various actions on their computers, thereby enabling them to generate revenue.

Typically, cyber criminals attempt to steal personal, sensitive details or infect computers with other malware. Programs such as AsyncRAT can cause serious problems and should be uninstalled immediately.

More about AsyncRAT

One feature available in AsyncRAT enables it to open various websites, including malicious sites. Cyber criminals also use it to send various files including, for example, executables. If opened, these can install malicious software. AsyncRAT can be used to proliferate malware such as ransomware, trojans, and other malicious programs.

Furthermore, it allows users to monitor computing activities, access and manage various files (including personal documents), and start/end processes. This RAT can also be used as a keylogger. The keylogging feature can record keystrokes - i.e., log/record keys pressed on the keyboard.

Cyber criminals use this feature steal logins and passwords of emails, banking, and other personal accounts. They use stolen accounts to generate revenue in various ways.

Stolen bank account information can be used to make fraudulent transactions, whilst stolen email accounts can be used to proliferate malware by sending emails containing malicious attachments, also to send scam emails, and so on. Stolen accounts can also be used to extort money from other people (family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc.).

In any case, logged keystrokes can be used to generate revenue and cause users of infected computers (or other people) financial loss. Furthermore, AsyncRAT can be used to place malicious programs onto USB drives and proliferate them on other computers.

In summary, AsyncRAT is powerful enough to cause computer infections, financial loss, steal sensitive details (causing problems with privacy), unwanted downloads/installations, and so on. If this RAT was not installed intentionally, remove it from your computer immediately.

RATs in general

There are many legitimate and illegal RATs on the Internet. They can be used by cyber criminals for malicious purposes. People are generally unaware that their computers are infected with these programs. The longer they are installed, the more damage cyber criminals can cause through them. Examples of other programs of this type are Poison Ivy, NetWire, and Quasar.

How did AsyncRAT infiltrate my computer?

Typically, people download and install malicious programs when cyber criminals trick them into it. Criminals use spam campaigns (emails), untrustworthy file and/or software download channels, unofficial software updating or activation tools and trojans.

Using "malspam" (spam campaigns), they send emails that contain malicious attachments. If opened, these cause download and installation of malicious programs. Examples of files that can be used to proliferate malware are Microsoft Office documents, executable files (.exe), JavaScript files, archives such as ZIP, RAR and PDF documents.

Another way to proliferate malicious software is through dubious file and/or software download sources. For example, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), unofficial pages, free file hosting or freeware websites, third party downloaders and other similar sources.

To trick people into installing malicious software, cyber criminals disguise malicious files as normal and legitimate. Computers become infected when people download and open them. Fake software updaters download and install malicious programs rather than updates or fixes.

In other cases, they infect computers by exploiting bugs/flaws of outdated software already installed on the system. Unofficial activation ('cracking') tools supposedly activate software free of charge and bypass paid activation, however, they often download and install malware.

Trojans are malicious programs that proliferate other programs of this type - if installed, they cause chain infections.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Ignore irrelevant emails that contain attachments or web links, especially those sent from unknown, suspicious addresses. Do not download or install programs using third party downloaders/installers, or the other sources mentioned above. All files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and using direct download links.

Installed programs should be updated using tools or implemented functions that are created by official software developers. The same applies to software activation: 'cracking' tools are illegal and often cause installation of malicious programs. Installed programs should be activated properly.

Keep your computer safe by scanning for viruses with reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware software. Remove any detected threats immediately. 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.

AsyncRAT administration panel:

Example of a spam email distributing AsyncRAT (the attachment is "Case No 201605644-45 A2.img"):

Text presented within:

Subject: Case No: 201605644-45 A2

Hello,

Following the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1873, by powers Investiture, we hereby call to your notice of a new filing (Case No: 201605644-45 A2) needing your fir m's attention. Further information to this regard is contained in the attached PDF.

You are required to provide the information therein requested no later than Friday, 15th May 2017.

Please let me know if you have any questions

Regards,

Richard Heaton (Permanent Secretary)
ON BEHALF OF
Sir Terence Etherton (Master of the Rolls)
Supreme Court

1 202-479-3000
Email: efilingsupport@supremecourt.gov

Additional examples of spam emails used to spread AsyncRAT virus;

Example 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: Contract Standby // Cargo Charter request

 

Dear on duty,
We are searching for the cargo aircraft to fulfill below contract:

1. Flight shall be operated everyday for 5-8 months of continuous operation commencing from 15th May, 2021
2. Cargo details:
Total weight: 2500-4550 kg
Amount of boxes: +- 1000 boxes
Size of boxes: 20x20x20 sm. cube and 40x40x40 sm. cube.
Commodities: Medical Kits (Non DG)
Port of Loading: Shanghai or any preferable option in China

Please provide us with your availability and your best price quotation for the charter flight as per the attached ports of discharging details.

Also include all taxes and fees. If any questions please feel free to ask us.
NOTE: client has received all permits and authorizations in order to proceed with this flight without any further delay.

Many thanks in advance and we look forward in setting up this cargo flight with you.

Best Regards

********

Example 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: [REMINDER] Invitation to Airbus Family Worldwide Symposium

 

Dear Customer,

Airbus is pleased to invite you to the Airbus Family Symposium which will take place from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th of May 2021.

The event will be an opportunity for us to provide you with an operational overview of what has been done to support all Airbus fleet in January 2021 to April 2021 through various virtual sessions & conferences. We will also focus on what are going to be the next steps in the support & development of the Airbus Family.

The agenda thematics are focusing around the "Customer Support * Fleet efficiency" aspects and are not technically orientated.

Please find attached the global agenda of the event which is based on Toulouse (France) time (GMT+2).

We kindly invite you to confirm your participation and not later than Monday 10th of May by signing on the attached global agenda of the event and revert back immediately.

You will be provided with the connection details, once you have confirmed your participation.

Screenshot of a malicious OneNote file used to spread AsyncRAT:

Update 20 February 2023: The latest iteration of AsyncRAT can bypass security measures by utilizing a custom .bat loader, similar to other trojans like URSA. Once the victim falls for the phishing email and runs the undetectable .bat file, the malware then downloads the next stages from an AWS S3 bucket.

These stages include a PowerShell script that generates multiple files to complete the chain, ultimately executing the AsyncRAT.

Update 5 Febryary 2025: A new AsyncRAT malware campaign has been discovered, using Python scripts and TryCloudflare’s service for delivery. The attack starts with a deceptive email containing a Dropbox link, which leads to a ZIP file. This ZIP file contains a shortcut file. After opening this file, other files are downloaded, leading to a malicious Python script.

This script injects AsyncRAT, VenomRAT, or XWorm malware into legitimate processes like notepad.exe, allowing attackers to gain remote access and steal data.

Update September 11, 2025 – new campaign spreading AsyncRAT has been discovered. It revealed vast improvements to the malware's infiltration process and anti-detection techniques. This RAT arrived onto systems after a multi-stage infection chain.

The infection began with a trojanized version of the ConnectWise ScreenConnect remote access program (more on activities that rely on abusing ScreenConnect can be found in our dedicated article). The chain involved several payloads and utilized in-memory processing, thus making the latest AsyncRAT attacks – fileless malware infections.

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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)

My computer is infected with AsyncRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

It is not necessary to format the infected storage device to eliminate AsyncRAT. It can be done by following the instructions provided in our removal guide.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

It can cause monetary loss, data encryption, identity theft, additional computer infections, decreased computer performance, and other issues. It depends on the type of malware.

What is the purpose of AsyncRAT?

This RAT can open websites, download files to a computer (and execute them), manage files, start and end processes, and log keystrokes. Threat actors can use it to distribute malware, steal sensitive information, and other purposes.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

It is known that AsyncRAT is distributed via emails containing malicious attachments. Examples of such emails are provided above. Cybercriminals also use cracked software distribution pages, torrent sites, P2P networks, fake installers, and similar methods to distribute malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will detect and remove malware. It can detect almost all known malware. When a computer is infected with high-end malware, it must be scanned using a full system scan. Malware of this kind usually hides deep in the system. Thus, it is not enough to run a quick scan to detect it.