How to remove PowerRAT

What is PowerRAT

PowerRAT is a sophisticated piece of malicious software categorized as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), primarily designed to allow cybercriminals remote access and control over compromised machines. These trojans are highly versatile, capable of executing various commands and PowerShell scripts, thus enabling attackers to manipulate infected devices nearly at a user-level control. Typically distributed through email spam campaigns, PowerRAT has been observed targeting Russian-speaking users with malicious attachments that trick recipients into enabling harmful macro commands. Once the system is compromised, it begins collecting sensitive data, such as computer names, usernames, and operating system details, which can lead to severe privacy breaches and financial losses. Moreover, PowerRAT is notorious for facilitating chain infections, downloading additional malicious software like ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other trojans. The presence of this malware poses significant risks, including data theft, identity fraud, and the potential addition of the victim’s machine to a botnet. Given its stealthy nature, PowerRAT can remain undetected, making it critical for users to employ robust security measures to prevent and eliminate such threats.

How PowerRAT infected your system

PowerRAT, a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), infiltrates computers primarily through sophisticated email spam campaigns that target unsuspecting users. These campaigns often use phishing techniques, where emails contain seemingly legitimate attachments or hyperlinks that lead to malicious downloads. Once a user interacts with these attachments or links, typically by enabling macros in a seemingly corrupted Microsoft Word document, the infection chain is initiated, often leveraging a PowerShell loader. The malware can also be spread through various file formats such as PDFs, executables, and archives, exploiting user interaction or system vulnerabilities to gain entry. Additionally, PowerRAT may propagate via other distribution methods like drive-by downloads, malicious advertisements, or through compromised software from untrusted sources. Once installed, the RAT provides attackers with remote access to the system, potentially leading to severe data breaches and further malware proliferation.

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

Remove PowerRAT manually

Manual removal of PowerRAT 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 PowerRAT 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 PowerRAT using Autoruns

PowerRAT 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 PowerRAT

PowerRAT files and folders


{randomname}.exe


PowerRAT registry keys


no information


Aliases of PowerRAT

How to protect from threats, like PowerRAT, in future

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