How to remove GhostSocks

What is GhostSocks

GhostSocks is a sophisticated piece of malware that functions as a SOCKS5 backconnect proxy, allowing cybercriminals to misuse infected devices for routing network traffic. Emerging in Russian hacker forums around Autumn 2023, this malware is written in the Go programming language and targets both Windows and Linux operating systems. Its primary function is to create a proxy tunnel through compromised devices, enabling attackers to mask their true location and bypass various online security measures. GhostSocks is often used in tandem with the LummaC2 stealer, facilitating the theft of sensitive data such as login credentials and 2FA/MFA codes. This combination allows criminals to execute fraudulent activities undetected by appearing to operate from a legitimate user’s location. With its anti-analysis and anti-detection features, GhostSocks is difficult to identify and remove, making it a potent tool in the arsenal of cybercriminals. Its presence on a device can lead to severe privacy breaches, financial losses, and the potential for further malware infections, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

How GhostSocks infected your system

GhostSocks, a notorious backconnect proxy malware, infiltrates computers primarily through various deceptive methods employed by cybercriminals. This malicious software often masquerades as legitimate programs or is bundled with regular applications, making downloads from unofficial or unverified sources particularly risky. Phishing and social engineering play significant roles, with attackers using malicious email attachments, links, and online scams to trick users into initiating the malware download. Drive-by downloads, which occur when users visit compromised or malicious websites, also contribute to the spread of GhostSocks. Once a system is infected, the malware can further propagate across local networks and removable storage devices, increasing the risk of widespread infection. To prevent such infiltration, users should exercise caution with downloads, updates, and email interactions, while maintaining robust antivirus protection and keeping their systems updated.

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

Remove GhostSocks manually

Manual removal of GhostSocks 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 GhostSocks 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 GhostSocks using Autoruns

GhostSocks 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 GhostSocks

GhostSocks files and folders


{randomname}.exe


GhostSocks registry keys


no information


Aliases of GhostSocks

How to protect from threats, like GhostSocks, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove GhostSocks. However, if you got infected with GhostSocks with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from GhostSocks 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:

Download BitDefender