How to remove PLAYFULGHOST malware

What is PLAYFULGHOST

PLAYFULGHOST is a sophisticated backdoor-type malware that has emerged as a significant threat due to its advanced capabilities and stealthy operations. Originating from the codebase of the Gh0st RAT, this malware has been crafted to evade detection and persist within infected systems. It employs the DLL side-loading technique to exploit legitimate applications, allowing it to execute its payload without raising alarms. Once embedded, PLAYFULGHOST can escalate privileges, ensuring it can survive system reboots and maintain a foothold through scheduled tasks. Its extensive functionality includes data theft, such as keylogging and capturing screenshots, as well as system manipulation capabilities like altering display settings and blocking input devices. Moreover, it can introduce additional malicious components, potentially leading to further infections with trojans, ransomware, or cryptominers. The presence of PLAYFULGHOST not only compromises system integrity but also poses severe risks to user privacy and financial security, making its detection and removal a top priority.

How PLAYFULGHOST infected your system

PLAYFULGHOST is a sophisticated backdoor malware that employs clever techniques to infiltrate computers. One of its primary methods of infection is through DLL side-loading, a process that exploits the Windows DLL search order mechanism to execute the malware payload using a legitimate application. Additionally, PLAYFULGHOST spreads through SEO poisoning, where it is bundled with legitimate software installers, such as the LetsVPN installer, allowing it to stealthily install itself alongside genuine programs. The malware also utilizes phishing email campaigns, masquerading malicious RAR archives as benign JPG image files, which upon extraction, trigger the infection chain. These emails often contain deceptive messages about topics like “code of conduct” to entice users to open the attachment. Beyond these methods, PLAYFULGHOST can propagate through other traditional malware distribution channels like malvertising, drive-by downloads, and fake updates, making it a versatile and persistent threat.

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

Remove PLAYFULGHOST manually

Manual removal of PLAYFULGHOST 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 PLAYFULGHOST 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 PLAYFULGHOST using Autoruns

PLAYFULGHOST 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 PLAYFULGHOST

PLAYFULGHOST files and folders


{randomname}.exe


PLAYFULGHOST registry keys


no information


Aliases of PLAYFULGHOST

How to protect from threats, like PLAYFULGHOST, in future

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