How to remove Neptune RAT

What is Neptune RAT

Neptune RAT is a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan (RAT) designed to give attackers full control over infected devices. Written in the Visual Basic (.NET) programming language, it is a multi-functional malware with capabilities ranging from data theft to ransomware operations. Upon infiltration, Neptune RAT gathers extensive system information, including hardware details, installed software, and network data, all while employing advanced anti-detection techniques to evade security measures. One of its alarming features is the ability to bypass User Account Control (UAC), granting itself administrative privileges to manipulate system settings. This malware is adept at conducting chain infections by executing various PowerShell commands, which can lead to additional malicious software being downloaded and executed. Beyond data exfiltration, Neptune RAT can engage in spyware activities, such as recording audio and video or capturing keystrokes, posing severe privacy risks. Its ransomware functionality encrypts files, appending them with a “.ENC” extension, and demands a Bitcoin ransom for decryption, further demonstrating its potential for causing financial and data loss.

How Neptune RAT infected your system

Neptune RAT, a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan, infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive means such as phishing emails and malicious advertisements. Cybercriminals often disguise Neptune RAT as legitimate software or bundle it with seemingly harmless files, exploiting social engineering tactics to trick users into installation. Once a victim opens an infected attachment or visits a compromised website, the malware can execute its payload, often without the user’s knowledge. Additionally, Neptune RAT can spread through network vulnerabilities, leveraging drive-by downloads or exploiting outdated software to gain access. The malware is also distributed via peer-to-peer networks and illegal software activation tools, further increasing the risk of infection. By maintaining persistent access through modifications in system settings and employing anti-detection techniques, Neptune RAT effectively evades traditional security measures, making it a formidable threat to unprotected systems.

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

Remove Neptune RAT manually

Manual removal of Neptune 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 Neptune 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 Neptune RAT using Autoruns

Neptune 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 Neptune RAT

Neptune RAT files and folders


{randomname}.exe


Neptune RAT registry keys


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Aliases of Neptune RAT

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

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