How to remove SharpRhino RAT

What is SharpRhino RAT

SharpRhino RAT is a remote access trojan meticulously crafted in the C# programming language, providing cybercriminals with unauthorized control over an infected device. Upon execution, it establishes persistence by altering system settings and creating deceptive registry entries, such as “Run\UpdateWindowsKey,” which points to a disguised malware file named “Microsoft.AnyKey.exe.” This sophisticated trojan allows attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data, capture screenshots, log keystrokes, and even deploy additional malware, including ransomware. SharpRhino is distributed through deceptive means, often masquerading as legitimate software like AngryIP and spread via fake download sites, malicious email attachments, or compromised websites. Its stealthy nature makes it difficult to detect, often remaining hidden and operating without noticeable symptoms on the infected system. To combat SharpRhino and similar threats, users are advised to employ reputable antivirus solutions, keep their systems and software up to date, and exercise caution when downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources.

How SharpRhino RAT infected your system

SharpRhino RAT (Remote Access Trojan) primarily infiltrates computers by masquerading as a legitimate tool, often mimicking the popular AngryIP scanner to deceive users into downloading and executing it. Cybercriminals create fake websites that closely resemble the legitimate download site of AngryIP, tricking victims into believing they are installing a trusted application. Additionally, SharpRhino can be distributed through malicious email attachments, compromised or deceptive websites, and infected advertisements. Once executed, the malware establishes persistence by modifying system settings, specifically the “Run\UpdateWindowsKey” registry entry, ensuring it runs every time the system starts. This persistence method places a disguised version of the malware, “Microsoft.AnyKey.exe,” making it harder to detect and remove. Thus, SharpRhino uses a combination of social engineering and technical manipulation to effectively compromise and maintain control over targeted systems.

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

Remove SharpRhino RAT manually

Manual removal of SharpRhino 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 SharpRhino 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 SharpRhino RAT using Autoruns

SharpRhino 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 SharpRhino RAT

SharpRhino RAT files and folders


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SharpRhino RAT registry keys


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Aliases of SharpRhino RAT

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

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