How to remove Gh0st RAT

What is Gh0st RAT

Gh0st RAT is a sophisticated piece of malware that has been extensively used in cyber espionage campaigns, primarily attributed to the Chinese hacker group APT27. Originating in 2008 and written in C++, this remote access trojan (RAT) provides attackers with comprehensive control over infected systems. It employs a variety of techniques such as keylogging, screen capturing, and remote command execution to harvest sensitive information. Additionally, Gh0st RAT features an embedded rootkit, enabling it to conceal its presence by hiding directories and registry entries. It can also deploy Mimikatz to extract credentials, enable Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for further access, and manipulate system logs to erase traces of its activity. The malware is often distributed through phishing campaigns and drive-by downloads, typically disguised as legitimate software or updates. Its persistent and stealthy nature makes it a formidable threat to both individual users and organizations.

How Gh0st RAT infected your system

Gh0st RAT, a sophisticated piece of malware, typically infects computers through deceptive phishing campaigns. Attackers create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, such as a Google Chrome download page, to trick users into downloading malicious files. Once the user downloads and runs the compromised installer, Gh0st RAT is deployed via a malware dropper known as Gh0stGambit. This dropper first checks the system for any anti-malware software and adds its files to the exclusion lists to evade detection. It then connects to a command and control server to download the main Gh0st RAT payload, which can perform various malicious activities such as keylogging, screen capturing, and installing a rootkit to hide its presence. This multi-staged attack is highly effective due to its ability to blend in with legitimate software and its sophisticated evasion techniques.

1. Download Gh0st RAT Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove Gh0st RAT
3. Use Autoruns to remove Gh0st RAT
4. Files, folders and registry keys of Gh0st RAT
5. Other aliases of Gh0st RAT
6. How to protect from threats, like Gh0st RAT

Remove Gh0st RAT manually

Manual removal of Gh0st RAT by inexperienced users may become a difficult task because it does not create entries in Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel, does not install browser extensions, and uses random file names. However, there are pre-installed instruments in the Windows system, that allow you to detect and remove malware without using third-party applications. One of them is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It comes with Windows Update in Windows 11, 10, 8. 8.1. For older operating system you can download it here: 64-bit version | 32-bit version.

Remove Gh0st RAT using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Type mrt in the search box near Start Menu.
2. Run mrt clicking on found item.
3. Click Next button.
4. Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
5. Click Next button.
6. Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
7. Click Finish button.

Remove Gh0st RAT using Autoruns

Gh0st RAT often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.

1. Download Autoruns using this link.
2. Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
3. In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
4. Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like: C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
5. Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
6. Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
7. To remove files themselves, click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry…. Remove files or registry keys found.

Remove files, folder and registry keys of Gh0st RAT

Gh0st RAT files and folders


{randomname}.exe


Gh0st RAT registry keys


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Aliases of Gh0st RAT

How to protect from threats, like Gh0st RAT, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove Gh0st RAT. However, if you got infected with Gh0st RAT with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from Gh0st RAT on all levels (browser, e-mail attachments, Word or Excel scripts, file system) we recommend a leading provider of internet security solutions – BitDefender. Its solutions both for home and business users proved to be one of the most advanced and effective. Choose and get your BitDefender protection via the button below:

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