How to remove Neptune RAT (Remote Access Trojan)

What kind of malware is Neptune?

Neptune is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) written in the Visual Basic (.NET) programming language. Trojans of this kind enable remote access and control over compromised machines. Neptune is a highly multi-functional piece of malicious software. There have been several variants of this RAT.

At the time of writing, its developers are heavily promoting Neptune and offering a free version with a hinted advanced one for sale. This trojan has some customizability.

Neptune malware overview

Neptune is an advanced threat with a wide variety of capabilities. It is a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) that allows attackers to establish remote access and control over infected devices.

This malware uses anti-analysis and anti-detection techniques, including highly obfuscated code, detection when executed on a VM (Virtual Machine), anti-virus software disablement, and deletion of infection/activity artifacts. Neptune employs persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as setting itself as a scheduled task and modifying the Windows Registry to auto-start upon each reboot. The trojan aims to ensure its longevity on systems.

This malicious program begins its operations by collecting extensive device/system data, e.g., device name, operating system info, hardware details (CPU, GPU, RAM, etc.), battery status, drivers, network data, MAC address, last system reboot, system language, connected external storage devices (USB flash drives, etc.), installed applications, default browser, anti-virus and firewall statuses, running processes, and so on.

Neptune can bypass the UAC (User Account Control) to alter system settings and grant itself admin privileges. It is noteworthy that this malware can carry out multiple malicious activities simultaneously.

The RAT can execute various PowerShell commands, including ones for downloading content from a specified URL and executing it as a script. This means that Neptune can cause chain infections. Theoretically, this type of malware can cause just about any kind of infection, but in practice – these programs tend to operate within certain specifications or limitations.

This trojan can search directories and files, and it can exfiltrate those of interest. It has stealer capabilities and can extract information – passwords specifically – from over 270 applications, including browsers, email clients, and password managers.

Neptune seeks to obtain Internet cookies and saved log-in credentials (usernames/passwords) from Chromium-based browsers, e.g., Google Chrome, 360 Secure Browser, Brave, Comodo Dragon, CoolNovo, Opera, Torch, Yandex, etc. It also has keylogging abilities (i.e., it can record keystrokes – keyboard input).

The RAT has spyware functionalities, such as recording audio and video via microphones and cameras, as well as live-streaming desktops. Neptune can function as a clipper – i.e., detect when a cryptowallet address is copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer) and replace it with one belonging to a wallet in the attackers' possession, thus rerouting any outgoing cryptocurrency transactions.

Operating as ransomware is among the RAT's functionalities. Ransomware encrypts victims' data in order to demand payment for its decryption. Names of the files encrypted by Neptune are appended with a ".ENC" extension (e.g., "1.jpg" – "1.jpg.ENC", "2.png" – "2.png.ENC", etc.).

After encryption, the program changes the desktop wallpaper and drops ransom notes in HTML files titled "How to Decrypt My Files.html". Attackers can customize the information within these messages, i.e., the ransom amount in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, Bitcoin wallet address, and contact email(s).

Additionally, Neptune can destroy the operating systems of infected machines. It creates an infinite loop of seizure-inducing flashing colors by changing the desktop screen to random RGB values and switching them rapidly. Meanwhile, the malware corrupts the MBR (Master Boot Record) – thus eventually rendering the system inoperable.

To summarize, the presence of software like Neptune on devices can lead to multiple system infections, data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Remote access trojan examples

Lilith, Triton, Bee, I2PRAT, StilachiRAT, NonEuclid, and SwaetRAT are merely some of our latest articles on remote access trojans. RATs tend to be incredibly multi-functional – however, even if a piece of malicious software has a limited range of capabilities, it poses serious dangers to device/user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did Neptune infiltrate my computer?

At the time of research, Neptune RAT developers were heavily promoting it through GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube. The developers are offering this trojan for free, but they appear to be implying that there is a more sophisticated version that can be purchased. Hence, how this malware is distributed may depend on the cyber criminals using it at the time (i.e., methods can vary between attacks).

Malware is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. This software is typically disguised as or bundled with regular content. Virulent files come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

The most prevalent proliferation techniques include: backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malvertising, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), online scams, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with care. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove 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.

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)

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

Malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that Neptune malware can cause?

The dangers associated with an infection depend on the program's abilities and cyber criminals' modus operandi. Neptune is a remote access trojans with various capabilities – enabling remote control over devices, stealing passwords and other sensitive data, operating as ransomware, spying, destroying systems, etc. This malware can cause multiple system infections, data loss, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of Neptune malware?

Malware is mainly used for profit. Cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did Neptune malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is primarily distributed via drive-by downloads, trojans, online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Remember that performing a full system scan is essential since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.