What is Aurora botnet
Aurora botnet, named after the operation “Operation Aurora” that was disclosed in 2010, initially targeted Google and other large companies. It has since evolved into a term that refers to networks of compromised computers used by cybercriminals to execute large-scale malicious activities. These activities include distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, spamming, phishing campaigns, and dissemination of malware. The botnet is controlled remotely and can involve thousands or even millions of computers worldwide. Removing the Aurora botnet from infected computers requires a comprehensive approach. Initially, disconnecting from the internet is crucial to prevent the malware from communicating with its command and control servers. Starting the computer in Safe Mode is recommended to stop the botnet from automatically loading, making it easier to identify and remove. Running a full system scan with updated antivirus and anti-malware software is essential for detecting and eliminating the malware. Updating all software with the latest security patches helps close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the botnet. After malware removal, it is advisable to change all passwords, especially for sensitive accounts, to mitigate the risk of stolen information. To remove Aurora, it is recommended to use a professional anti-malware tool. Manual removal can be complicated and may require advanced IT skills. Anti-malware programs like Spyhunter and Malwarebytes can scan the computer and eliminate detected ransomware infections.
How Aurora botnet infected your system
Aurora infects computers through various methods, depending on the cybercriminals using it. It is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering tactics, where malicious files are presented as legitimate software or updates. These files can be in the form of executables, PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, etc. Once executed, they can perform a range of actions from stealing data to encrypting files for ransom. The malware has been distributed via Google Ads as fake installers for software like Notepad++ and TeamViewer, and through phishing websites masquerading as legitimate download pages for cryptocurrency wallets and remote access tools. It has also been observed to be spread through YouTube videos and fake “free software catalogue” websites.
- Download Aurora botnet Removal Tool
- Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove Aurora botnet
- Use Autoruns to remove Aurora botnet
- Files, folders and registry keys of Aurora botnet
- Other aliases of Aurora botnet
- How to protect from threats, like Aurora botnet
Download Removal Tool
To remove Aurora botnet completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter. It can help you remove files, folders, and registry keys of Aurora botnet and provides active protection from viruses, trojans, backdoors. The trial version of SpyHunter offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Download Alternative Removal Tool
To remove Aurora botnet completely, we recommend you to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of Aurora botnet and several millions of other malware, like viruses, trojans, backdoors.
Remove Aurora botnet manually
Manual removal of Aurora botnet 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 Aurora botnet using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
- Type
mrtin the search box near Start Menu. - Run mrt clicking on found item.
- Click Next button.
- Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
- Click Next button.
- Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
- Click Finish button.
Remove Aurora botnet using Autoruns
Aurora botnet often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.
- Download Autoruns using this link.
- Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
- In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
- Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like:
C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming. - Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
- Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
- 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 Aurora botnet
Aurora botnet files and folders
{randomname}.exe
Aurora botnet registry keys
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Aliases of Aurora botnet
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How to protect from threats, like Aurora botnet, in future
Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove Aurora botnet. However, if you got infected with Aurora botnet with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from Aurora botnet 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:
