How to remove Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader

What is Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader

Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader is a sophisticated piece of malware primarily known for its role as a downloader and backdoor that targets Windows operating systems. First detected in 2011, it has evolved to become a versatile tool for cybercriminals, used to deliver a variety of malicious payloads such as ransomware, cryptominers, and information stealers. Its distribution methods are diverse, often leveraging spam email campaigns with malicious attachments, or exploiting vulnerabilities on compromised websites to initiate infections. Once installed, SmokeLoader employs advanced evasion techniques, like code injection and API obfuscation, to avoid detection and maintain persistence on the victim’s system. It communicates with command and control (C&C) servers to receive instructions and download additional malware, complicating its detection by blending its traffic with legitimate web activities. Its ability to evolve and incorporate new tactics keeps it a persistent threat in the cybersecurity landscape, demanding robust anomaly-based detection measures for effective mitigation. With its capability to conduct system reconnaissance and deploy diverse payloads, SmokeLoader remains a significant threat, requiring users to exercise caution and maintain updated security defenses.

How Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader infected your system

Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader is a sophisticated piece of malware that infects computers through a variety of methods, making it a persistent threat in the cyber landscape. Typically, it is delivered via spam email campaigns that contain malicious attachments, such as Microsoft Office files or PDFs, which execute the malware when opened. In addition, it can spread through exploit kits on compromised websites, which take advantage of browser or plugin vulnerabilities to install SmokeLoader without user interaction. Another common distribution method involves bundling the malware with seemingly legitimate applications, tricking users into downloading it, especially from unverified sources. Once executed, SmokeLoader employs advanced techniques like code injection into legitimate processes and creating scheduled tasks or modifying registry entries to maintain persistence and evade detection. These methods, combined with its ability to disguise command and control communications and download additional malicious payloads, make it a formidable tool for cybercriminals.

1. Download Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader
3. Use Autoruns to remove Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader
4. Files, folders and registry keys of Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader
5. Other aliases of Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader
6. How to protect from threats, like Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader

Remove Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader manually

Manual removal of Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader 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 Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader 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 Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader using Autoruns

Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader 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 Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader

Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader files and folders


{randomname}.exe


Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader registry keys


no information


Aliases of Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader

How to protect from threats, like Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader. However, if you got infected with Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from Trojan:Win32/SmokeLoader 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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