Trojan.KillAV
If you are looking for ways to remove Trojan.KillAV, then you can find it on this page. Free tools and removal procedure is also included to get rid of the Trojan instantly.
Trojan.KillAV is a Trojan horse that can reduce security settings on infected computer by ending antivirus programs. The Trojan may also steal sensitive data from the compromised PC. It will also block victim’s access to antivirus company’s web site and avoid download of essential updates for installed security software. This threat not only affects the security. It can also raise the infection to a greater level when it downloads other malware from the Internet.
Alias: PWS:Win32/Stealth.D, Trojan.PSW.Stealth, PWS-AC, TROJ_PSW.STEAL, Troj/PWS-AC, TR/Stealth.D1.PSW
Damage Level: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 9x, 2000, XP, Windows Vista
Characteristics
When Trojan.KillAV is running on the infected computer, it monitors all running processes and ends those that it identifies as antivirus programs. The Trojan also alters system registry and creates an entry to run itself every time Windows starts. It may also locate and terminate other programs and utilities that are typically used for virus analysis.
The Trojan is also dubbed as a password stealer. When executed, it can drop a copy of itself under Windows directory and activates with an entry on Windows registry. The process of Trojan.KillAV is not visible on Task Manager because it is capable of hiding itself to avoid detection. It can gather locally stored user name and passwords and sends the collected data through victim’s email transfer.
It may also modify the HOSTS file on the affected system. Through this action, Trojan.KillAV can prevent user’s access to certain web sites that provide an update for installed antivirus product. Author knows that updated version of security program will be able to block the Trojan. See the image below and see how auto-protection has acted on Trojan.KillAV.
Distribution
Trojan.KillAV spreads through a number of methods. Typically, it is dropped on target computer via another threat. Email is another avenue to propagate this Trojan and usually arrives as an attached compressed file to a spam email messages.
How to Remove Trojan.KillAV
NOTE: We suggest that you PRINT or BOOKMARK this guide. There are steps that we may have to restart the computer in order to successfully remove the threat.
Step 1 : Run a scan with your antivirus program
1. Temporarily Disable System Restore if your system is running on Windows Me/XP. [how to]
2. 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. Select Safe Mode with Networking.
- Windows will boot loading only necessary drivers and system files. Expect that it will run with minimal features and low-resolution display.
3. Open your antivirus program and download the most recent update. This method ensures that your antivirus program can detect even newer variants of Trojan.KillAV.
Updating your antivirus software is a one-click process. Please refer to your software manual for complete instructions.
4. Once updating is finished, run a full system scan. After the scan, delete all infected items. If unable to clean or delete, better place the threat in quarantine.
Step 2: Run another test with online virus scanner
Another way to remove Trojan.KillAV without the need to install additional antivirus software is to perform a thorough scan with free online virus scanner. It can be found on websites of legitimate antivirus and security provider.
1. Click the button below to proceed to the list of suggested Online Virus Scanner. Choose your desired provider. You can run each scan individually, one at a time, to ensure that all threats will be removed from the computer. This may require plug-ins, add-on or Activex object, please install if you want to proceed with scan.
2. After completing the necessary download, your system is now ready to scan and remove Trojan.KillAV and other kinds of threats.
3. 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.
4. Remove or delete all detected items.
5. When scanning is finished, you may now restart the computer in normal mode.
Alternative Removal Procedures for Trojan.KillAV
Option 1 : Use Windows System Restore to return Windows to previous state
If Trojan.KillAV enters the computer, there is a big chance that Windows files, registry entries and other essential components are also infected. System Restore can reinstate clean system files by restoring the configuration to an earlier date. The method also replaces compromised files with a clean version. If you have a saved restore point before Trojan.KillAV infiltrates the PC, we highly encourage you to execute this procedure if none of the above works.
To verify if System Restore is active on your computer, you can type system restore into the Start menu search box. Typing rstrui on the same box and pressing Enter also opens this function.
If previous restore point is saved, you may proceed with Windows System Restore. Click here to see the full procedure.
Ways to Prevent Trojan.KillAV Infection
Take the following steps to protect the computer from threats. Suggested tools and security setup within installed software helps prevent the same attack on your PC.
Install an effective anti-malware program
Your first line of defense would be an effective security program that provides real-time protection. We have a list of anti-malware program that are tried and tested. It does not only scan files but also monitors your Internet traffic and is extremely active on blocking malicious communication. Click on the button below to download our recommended anti-malware program.