Trojan.awF
Trojan.awF is a malware that has downloading functionality. Once it infects a system, this Trojan will attempt to communicate to a remote computer to download more threats. Trojan.awF installs additional malware on the compromised computer that may perform the following tasks:
- Redirect Internet browser to unwanted web sites
- Disables anti-virus application
- Block access to security web sites to prevent anti-virus program’s update
- Display excessive pop-up advertisements
- Downloads and executes other malware
On some instances, Trojan.awF is produced as a detected threat on a pop-up alert that pretends to be from Windows Security Center. It was identified to be a part of a fraudulent activity being conducted by rogue security program Security Master AV. Detection of Trojan.awF (actually misspelled as Troajan.awF) is a tactic commonly used by fake antivirus application to scare its victims and force them to remove the infection by purchasing the registered version of the promoted rogue program. The alert message will contain the following message:
Windows Security Center
Threat detected
Program C:\Program Files\Windows\explorer.exe – Trojan.awF
This application is infected and must be cured or deleted for best protection of your PC.
Please click “Protect” button to make your system safe.
Trojan.awF Screen Shot:
This fake pop-up should be ignored. Following the instructions will lead to more harmful consequences. Executing any links and prompts may result to downloading of additional threat on the computer.
Damage Level: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 9x, 2000, XP, Windows Vista
How to Remove Trojan.awF
1. Temporarily Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP). [how to]
2. Open your antivirus application and update the virus definition file. This method ensures that your antivirus program can detect even newer variants of Trojan.awF
3. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.
- From a power-off state, turn on the computer and press F8 on your keyboard repeatedly.
- Your computer will display Windows Advanced Boot Options menu. Please select Safe Mode with Networking.
- The system will now boot Windows and loads only necessary drivers and files.
4. Open your antivirus program and run a full system scan. After the scan, delete all infected items. If unable, better place them in quarantine. Once the scan is complete, please proceed with the next step.
Online Virus Scanner:
Another way to remove Trojan.awF without the need to install additional antivirus application is to perform a thorough scan with free online virus scanner that can be found here or on websites of legitimate anti-virus and security provider.
5. Go to Online Virus Scanner list and run a virus scan. This may require plug-ins, add-on or Activex object, please install if you want to proceed with scan.
6. After completing the necessary download, your system is now ready for online virus scanning.
7. Select an option in which you can thoroughly scan the computer to make sure that it will find and delete entirely all infections not detected on previous scan.
8. Remove or delete all detected items.
9. When scanning is finished, you may now restart the computer in normal mode.