How to remove GorillaBot

What is GorillaBot

GorillaBot is a formidable new malware variant that builds upon the notorious Mirai botnet, renowned for its large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. This botnet targets internet-connected devices, particularly vulnerable IoT devices like cameras and routers, by exploiting weak or default passwords. Emerging as a significant threat in 2024, GorillaBot launched over 300,000 attacks in a span of merely three weeks, affecting critical infrastructure across telecommunications, financial sectors, and educational institutions worldwide. While it retains the core functionality of Mirai, GorillaBot distinguishes itself with enhancements such as custom encryption methods and anti-debugging features, making it more difficult to detect and analyze. Its ability to connect with command and control servers using raw TCP sockets adds to its stealth, deviating from traditional communication methods. Moreover, GorillaBot’s sophisticated evasion techniques, including checks for honeypot or container environments, further complicate efforts to mitigate its impact. To combat such advanced threats, a multi-layered security approach is crucial, involving regular updates, strong passwords, and reliable anti-malware solutions.

How GorillaBot infected your system

GorillaBot, a sophisticated variant of the infamous Mirai botnet, primarily infects computers by exploiting vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other network-connected systems. It targets devices with weak or default passwords, similar to its predecessor, allowing it to infiltrate systems with minimal resistance. Once access is gained, GorillaBot establishes a connection with its command and control (C2) server using encrypted communication channels, which include custom encryption techniques to evade detection. The malware then downloads additional payloads and executes commands that allow it to propagate further, often leveraging unsecured networks to expand its reach. Beyond simple infiltration, GorillaBot employs advanced evasion tactics such as anti-debugging checks to avoid detection by security tools, making it a formidable threat in the cybersecurity landscape. To mitigate the risk of infection, maintaining updated systems and employing strong, unique passwords are crucial defenses against this evolving botnet threat.

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

Remove GorillaBot manually

Manual removal of GorillaBot 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 GorillaBot 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 GorillaBot using Autoruns

GorillaBot 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 GorillaBot

GorillaBot files and folders


{randomname}.exe


GorillaBot registry keys


no information


Aliases of GorillaBot

How to protect from threats, like GorillaBot, in future

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