How to remove GopherRAT from infected devices

What kind of malware is GopherRAT?

GopherRAT is a custom remote access Trojan (RAT) written in Go that connects to an attacker's server using an encrypted channel. Usually, cybercriminals use RATs to steal information, deploy additional malicious tools, deliver malware to other users, and for other malicious purposes. If a system is infected with GopherRAT, the malware should be removed as soon as possible.

More about GopherRAT

Once the system is infected, GopherRAT constantly checks in with its command-and-control server to confirm it is still active and waits for instructions. The RAT can run shell commands, upload files or entire folders from the victim's system, and write files to disk.

GopherRAT can list all storage drives, including their drive letters and main folders, browse files and directories, and send details like file attributes and subfolders back to the attacker. The RAT can change how often it sleeps between actions, allowing attackers to control its activity level.

It also supports SOCKS tunneling, which lets attackers route network traffic through the infected system. Finally, it can manage files and folders, such as creating directories, deleting files and folders, and performing other similar actions.

Cybercriminals can use GopherRAT to steal sensitive data, download or launch additional malware (e.g., ransomware), change system settings, create or delete files, move laterally inside a network, monitor activity, use the device to launch further attacks, and more.

It is important to note that the RAT can convert its data into the Korean text format. This is likely done so it works correctly on systems set to the Korean language, ensuring command output and other data display properly for the attackers.

Conclusion

Overall, this malware is a remote access tool that gives attackers control over infected systems. Its wide range of capabilities allows it to steal data, deploy additional threats, and remain persistent while avoiding detection. As a result, it poses a serious security risk to affected devices.

More examples of RATs are ModeloRAT, Covert, and Pulsar.

How did GopherRAT infiltrate my computer?

Attackers often succeed by tricking users into unsafe actions that allow malware to enter a system. It can spread through infected USB drives, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, and unpatched software flaws. Malware is also frequently distributed via deceptive emails, malicious ads, tech support scams, pirated software, and compromised websites.

In most cases, threat actors distribute malware using malicious files such as executables, scripts, or documents (Word, Excel, PDF) to trick users into running them.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Avoid interacting with unexpected emails or messages, especially those from unknown senders, and never open suspicious links or attachments. Download software only from official websites or trusted app stores, and never use pirated programs, cracks, and key generators.

Keep your operating system and applications up to date, and perform regular scans with reputable security tools. Additionally, do not click on pop-ups, ads, or buttons on untrusted websites, and block notification requests from such sites.

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is GopherRAT?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of GopherRAT 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 GopherRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

While formatting the storage device will eliminate GopherRAT, it also results in total data loss. Trusted security tools such as Combo Cleaner can remove the malware without impacting stored files.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malicious software can perform a wide range of harmful actions, including harvesting passwords or financial information, providing remote control, injecting further threats, locking or encrypting files, and abusing system resources to mine cryptocurrency.

What is the purpose of GopherRAT?

GopherRAT is used to give attackers remote control over an infected system, allowing them to steal data, manage files, execute commands, tunnel network traffic, and carry out further attacks.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware commonly spreads via software weaknesses, infected USB drives, malicious advertisements, phishing emails, pirated software, compromised websites, and similar channels. It is usually disguised as harmful files like executables, scripts, or documents, and infiltrates computers after users execute it.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Most known malware can be removed using Combo Cleaner, but advanced infections may evade quick scans, so running a full system scan is strongly recommended.