FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Avoid installation of InnfiRAT

Also Known As: InnfiRAT remote access tool
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What is InnfiRAT?

InnfiRAT is the name of a remote access or administration tool (RAT). Typically, software of this type is used to control connected computers remotely, however, in many cases, cyber criminals seek to trick users into installing RATs so they can use them to perform malicious actions.

To avoid serious problems that can be caused with this software, we strongly recommend that you uninstall this RAT from your system immediately.

InnfiRAT malware

Typically, cyber criminals use RATs to steal personal information, which can then be used to generate revenue. Research shows that cyber criminals who proliferate InnfiRAT seek to steal cryptocurrency wallet information - they target Bitcoin, Litecoin, and possibly other wallets.

Stolen wallets can be used to make fraudulent transactions: cyber criminals can empty cryptocurrency wallets by transferring funds to other wallets that are owned by them or other parties.

Furthermore, InnfiRAT is capable of stealing cookies from browsers such as Chrome, Mozilla, Opera (and others), usernames and passwords stored on browsers, session data, and so on. These credentials can be used to steal email, banking, social networking, and other accounts.

Stolen accounts might be used to make fraudulent purchases, transactions, send spam to other people, extort money from people who are in the victim's contact lists, and so on. Another feature available through InnfiRAT is screenshot grabbing. Cyber criminals use this feature to take screenshots of opened windows (system, browser, or others) any time they wish.

The screenshots might contain personal details, which could be misused for malicious purposes. InnfiRAT sends all stolen data to its C&C (Command and Control) server, which cyber criminals use to perform malicious actions on the infected computer. For example, they could install additional malware such as ransomware.

Ransomware is high-risk malware that usually encrypt files. In summary, the software locks files using strong encryption algorithms that cannot be decrypted without specific software. Typically, only cyber criminals have this software and they force victims to purchase it through ransom payments.

Furthermore, InnfiRAT can be used to steal information such as victim's IP address, city, region, country, etc., and running processes. It can kill processes with names that contain strings such as "chrome", "firefox", "opera", "browser", and others. InnfiRAT is a powerful tool enabling cyber criminals to generate revenue by misusing data in various ways.

To avoid data, financial loss, identity theft, having accounts stolen and/or computer infection with malware, and other problems, uninstall this RAT immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name InnfiRAT remote access tool
Threat Type Remote Access Trojan.
Detection Names Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Razy.230300), ESET-NOD32 (MSIL/PSW.Agent.QOA), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.Generic), Full List (VirusTotal)
Payload InnfiRAT can be used to install various types of malware.
Symptoms RATs infiltrate computers in a stealthy way 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 banking information, cryptocurrency wallets, passwords of various accounts, identity theft, installation of additional malware.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

There are many remote access tools (RATs) online, however, even legitimate ones can be used by cyber criminals who seek to generate revenue in malicious ways. Examples of other RATs include Gh0st, Poison Ivy, and NetWire. RATs can be used for various purposes and include differing features.

In most cases, victims experience problems relating to privacy, browsing safety, finances, identity theft, and so on. If a RAT is installed on your system without your knowledge, remove it immediately.

How did InnfiRAT infiltrate my computer?

In most cases, cyber criminals proliferate malware (or legitimate software that could be used for malicious purposes) through spam campaigns, unofficial file or software download channels/tools, fake software updating and software 'cracking' (activation) tools.

To proliferate malware through spam campaigns, they send emails to many users. These emails contain malicious attachments such as Microsoft Office documents, PDF documents, archive files (ZIP, RAR), executable files such as .exe or JavaScript files. When opened, the file causes installation of another malicious program.

Examples of untrustworthy, dubious software download sources/channels are freeware download websites, free file hosting pages, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, and so on) and other such tools. Cyber criminals use them to disguise malicious files as legitimate.

People who download files using these channels risk installation of malicious software if opened. Fake software updating tools (updaters) cause damage when they download malware rather than updating installed programs, or they exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software installed on the computer.

People who use unofficial activation tools ('cracks') to activate software free of charge often end up infecting their computers with malware. Many of these tools install malware and do not activate any legitimate programs.

How to avoid installation of malware

Download, install, update software, and browse the internet carefully. Do not download files or programs using dubious sources. They should be downloaded from official and trustworthy websites. Update installed programs only through implemented functions or tools designed by official software developers.

Note that unofficial activation tools often lead to installation of malware. Furthermore, it is illegal to use tools of this type. Attachments that are included in irrelevant emails should not be opened, especially if they are sent from unknown addresses. Cyber criminals disguise these emails as important, official, and so on.

Avoid damage caused by malicious programs by regularly scanning the operating system with reputable anti-spyware or anti-virus software and remove 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.

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 - it is usually 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:

malicious process running on user's computer sample

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:

manual malware removal step 1 Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

screenshot of autoruns application

manual malware removal step 2Restart 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.

Safe Mode with Networking

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.

Windows 8 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.

windows 10 safe mode with networking

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

 

manual malware removal step 3Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

extract autoruns.zip and run autoruns.exe

manual malware removal step 4In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck the "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Click 'Options' at the top and uncheck 'Hide Empty Locations' and 'Hide Windows Entries' options

manual malware removal step 5Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware filename 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".

locate the malware file you want to remove

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.

searching for malware file on your computer

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.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
InnfiRAT remote access tool QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of InnfiRAT remote access tool on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.