How to remove ValleyRAT

What is ValleyRAT

ValleyRAT is a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan (RAT) recently identified by cybersecurity researchers, posing a significant threat to computer systems. Written in C++ and predominantly originating from sources with Chinese compilation, this malware enables cybercriminals to gain unauthorized remote control over an infected system. It can execute a wide range of commands, including dropping and executing additional malicious payloads such as ransomware or cryptocurrency miners. ValleyRAT is specifically engineered to ensure persistence by setting itself to launch automatically at system startup, thus remaining active even after system reboots. Its ability to retrieve system information and control its operations makes it highly adaptable, allowing it to halt or restart itself to evade detection. The malware is typically distributed through deceptive email campaigns, malicious advertisements, and compromised software downloads, exploiting these vectors to infiltrate systems. With its enhanced anti-detection capabilities, ValleyRAT poses a severe risk, capable of executing various malicious activities including data theft, system manipulation, and financial fraud. As such, it is a critical concern for individuals and organizations aiming to protect their digital environments from sophisticated cyber threats.

How ValleyRAT infected your system

ValleyRAT, a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan (RAT), infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive methods. Initially, cybercriminals used email campaigns, embedding hyperlinks within messages that directed recipients to download compressed executable files carrying the malware. These emails often masqueraded as legitimate communications, such as invoices, to lure unsuspecting users into clicking the links. Over time, the distribution tactics evolved; one notable campaign involved using a Rust-based loader that exploited DLL search order hijacking to deploy ValleyRAT alongside a seemingly legitimate tool, EasyConnect. Another campaign in May 2023 took a different approach by employing resume-themed PDFs that contained links to remote payloads, which, when accessed, installed ValleyRAT on the victim’s system. By leveraging these diverse and cunning distribution strategies, ValleyRAT effectively bypasses traditional security measures, making it a formidable threat in the cybersecurity landscape.

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

Remove ValleyRAT manually

Manual removal of ValleyRAT 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 ValleyRAT 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 ValleyRAT using Autoruns

ValleyRAT 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 ValleyRAT

ValleyRAT files and folders


{randomname}.exe


ValleyRAT registry keys


no information


Aliases of ValleyRAT

How to protect from threats, like ValleyRAT, in future

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