How to remove SHARPIL malware from infected computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is SHARPIL?
SHARPIL is a type of remote access Trojan (RAT) that allows unauthorized users to gain remote control over a victim's computer. Once infiltrated, RATs enable attackers to execute various malicious actions on infected systems, such as stealing sensitive data, installing additional malware, taking screenshots, etc.
More about SHARPIL
RATs like SHARPIL are typically deployed by malicious actors to gain remote control over compromised devices. This type of malware provides cybercriminals with unrestricted access to the victim's files, programs, and system settings.
With this level of access, attackers can carry out a variety of malicious actions, including stealing sensitive data, monitoring user activity, and executing arbitrary commands on the compromised system. The covert nature of SHARPIL's operations allows attackers to maintain a persistent presence on infected devices, posing a significant threat to the victim's privacy and security.
In addition to facilitating unauthorized access, SHARPIL can also serve as a platform for launching further cyber attacks. Once installed on a victim's computer, SHARPIL can be used to deploy additional malware payloads, such as ransomware, keyloggers, or banking Trojans.
Victims of SHARPIL may face various issues. Attackers exploit access gained through SHARPIL to steal sensitive financial information, leading to fraudulent transactions and drained bank (or other) accounts. Additionally, victims may find themselves locked out of their accounts as attackers hijack online credentials, perpetrating further identity theft and spreading malware.
Moreover, the invasion of privacy caused by SHARPIL's access to personal data and documents can leave victims feeling violated and vulnerable. To mitigate such consequences, users must adopt robust cybersecurity practices and seek immediate assistance in case of suspected RAT infections.
| Name | SHARPIL remote access trojan |
| Threat Type | Remote Access Trojan |
| Detection Names | BkavPro (W32.AIDetectMalware.CS), Fortinet (PossibleThreat), Ikarus (Win32.Outbreak), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.a), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Remote Administration 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 (or links), pirated software, infected USB drives, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, additional infections, hijacked accounts, and more. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, SHARPIL represents a significant cybersecurity threat due to its ability to grant attackers remote access to victims' systems, leading to severe consequences such as financial losses, compromised accounts, and invasion of privacy.
Users must remain vigilant, adopt best practices for online security, and seek immediate assistance from cybersecurity professionals if they suspect their systems have been compromised.
More examples of RATs are Narnia RAT, VCURMS RAT, and WingsOfGod RAT.
How did SHARPIL infiltrate my computer?
Computer infections often occur when users fall victim to deceptive tactics, such as phishing emails that contain malicious links or attachments. Also, users may inadvertently download malware-infected software from untrustworthy sources like peer-to-peer networks or unofficial websites.
Interacting with deceptive ads or pop-ups can also result in malware being automatically downloaded (and executed) on the user's computer. Moreover, infections can occur when users neglect to update their software or connect infected USB drives to their computers.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Refrain from opening any links or attachments in suspicious emails from unknown addresses. Stick to downloading software from reputable sources, such as official websites or app stores. Be wary of pop-ups, including warnings and advertisements, that appear on suspicious websites. Regularly scan your computer for threats using reliable antivirus software.
Additionally, keep your computer's operating system, software applications, and antivirus software up to date. 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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Quick menu:
- What is SHARPIL?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of SHARPIL 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 SHARPIL RAT, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your storage device will effectively eliminate SHARPIL, but it is a drastic step that requires careful consideration. Formatting will erase all data stored on the device. Before proceeding with formatting, it is advisable to first attempt to remove the malware using reputable antivirus software like Combo Cleaner.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Depending on its type, malware has the capability to pilfer sensitive information, encrypt files, breach privacy, enable fraudulent actions like unauthorized transactions, introduce further malware, and create various other problems.
What is the purpose of SHARPIL RAT?
The primary purpose of the SHARPIL RAT (Remote Access Trojan) is to grant unauthorized remote access to a victim's computer system. This allows malicious actors to execute a range of nefarious activities without the victim's knowledge and consent.
How did a malware infiltrate my computer?
Your computer may have been infected with malware through malicious links or attachments in emails, infected files obtained from untrustworthy sources, pirated software, drive-by downloads, vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems, infected USB drives, and similar channels.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
While Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware infections, sophisticated malware may hide deeply within the system. Therefore, performing a thorough system scan is crucial to ensure complete detection and elimination of any concealed threats.
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