W32.Koobface.A
This page contains removal guide for W32.Koobface.A. You should follow the procedure to delete the virus as well as other harmful threats inside the computer.
W32.Koobface.A is a computer worm that propagates via social networking web sites. It utilizes an infected computer to create a botnet that spreads on peer-to-peer connection. An infected computer will communicate to other compromised machine and receive malicious commands. The main objective of W32.Koobface.A is to drop rogue software on victim’s computer and manipulate search queries to exhibit unexpected advertisements.
Alias: Net-Worm.Win32.Koobface.b, W32/Koobface.worm, Boface.A, WORM_KOOBFACE.V, W32/Koobface-AS, W32/Koobface-AL, Koobface.GQ, W32/Koobface-N, WORM_KOOBFACE.JG, WORM_KOOBFACE.EY, WORM_KOOBFACE.BX, W32/Koobface.CZ, Win32/Koobface.AC, Kbface, Troj/Mdrop-CMW
Damage Level: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 9x, 2000, XP, Windows Vista
Characteristics
When executed on the computer, W32.Koobface.A may perform malicious actions including the following:
- Steals sensitive information like user name and password
- Use victim’s social networking account to spread a copy of the worm
- Inject malicious codes on Internet browser that will cause it to display excessive advertisements
- Redirect Internet browser to unsolicited web sites.
- Block access to certain web address
- Utilize the infected computer as command and control server for other similar infections
- Download more threats and update itself
- Modify Windows hosts file to re-router other requested Internet traffic to a local host
Distribution
W32.Koobface.A primarily propagates via social networking sites as a shared video link. The link will point visitors to a web site that immediately prompts for a download of codec (player) in order to watch the requested video. Unknown to many, it is a copy of the worm that is being installed and the whole situation was created to attract users from being involve in this fraudulent act.
How to Remove W32.Koobface.A
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 W32.Koobface.A.
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 W32.Koobface.A 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 W32.Koobface.A 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 W32.Koobface.A
Option 1 : Use Windows System Restore to return Windows to previous state
If W32.Koobface.A 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 W32.Koobface.A 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 W32.Koobface.A 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.