How to remove Mirai malware

What is Mirai malware

Mirai malware is a type of malicious software that specifically targets Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including home routers, IP cameras, and digital video recorders. Originating from the Japanese word “mirai,” meaning “future,” this malware was first identified in September 2016. It gained notoriety for its role in launching massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against high-profile targets like KrebsOnSecurity.com, OVH hosting service, and the DNS provider Dyn. The malware exploits devices with weak security measures, such as default usernames and passwords, to form a botnet capable of overwhelming internet infrastructure. Mirai is particularly insidious because it resides in the device’s memory, making it volatile and removable upon rebooting, yet it can easily re-infect devices if they remain vulnerable. Attackers infiltrate these devices primarily through their Telnet services (TCP port 23), emphasizing the need for robust security practices, firmware updates, and strong authentication methods. The infection not only compromises the functionality of these devices but also poses significant risks to personal and organizational security, as it creates backdoors for further attacks.

How Mirai malware infected your system

Mirai malware primarily targets Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as home routers, IP cameras, and video recorders, exploiting their often weak security configurations. The malware spreads by scanning the internet for devices with open Telnet ports (TCP port 23) and attempting to log in using a list of well-known default usernames and passwords. Once it gains access, Mirai infects the device, turning it into a bot that can be used to launch large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The malware resides in the device’s memory, so a simple reboot can remove it temporarily. However, without proper security measures like changing default credentials and closing unnecessary ports, the device can quickly be re-infected. This cycle of infection highlights the importance of securing IoT devices to prevent them from being hijacked by Mirai and similar malware.

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

Remove Mirai malware manually

Manual removal of Mirai malware 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 Mirai malware 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 Mirai malware using Autoruns

Mirai malware 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 Mirai malware

Mirai malware files and folders


{randomname}.exe


Mirai malware registry keys


no information


Aliases of Mirai malware

How to protect from threats, like Mirai malware, in future

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