How to remove SPICA Backdoor

What is SPICA Backdoor

SPICA Backdoor is a type of malware that has been linked to a Russian threat actor known as COLDRIVER. It is a custom malware written in the Rust programming language and is designed to infiltrate computer systems stealthily. Once inside a system, it establishes a connection to a Command and Control (C&C) server and waits for commands from its operators. These commands can include executing shell commands, managing files, and stealing information. The malware was first observed by Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) in September 2023, but evidence suggests that it has been in use since at least November 2022. SPICA is notable for its use of websockets for communication with its C&C server and its ability to execute a variety of commands on infected devices. To remove SPICA from an infected computer, it is recommended to use legitimate antivirus or anti-malware software that can detect and eliminate the threat. Users should perform a full system scan to ensure that all components of the malware are identified and removed. It is also important to update all software to the latest versions to patch any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware like SPICA.

How SPICA Backdoor infected your system

SPICA typically infects computers through spear-phishing campaigns. The attackers send seemingly encrypted PDF documents via phishing emails, impersonating individuals affiliated with their targets. When recipients respond that they cannot open the documents, they are sent a link to a “decryption” utility. However, this utility is actually the SPICA backdoor. The malware establishes persistence on the infected machine using an obfuscated PowerShell command that creates a scheduled task. This ensures that the backdoor remains active even after the computer is restarted. SPICA has been used in highly targeted campaigns against high-profile individuals and organizations, including NGOs, former intelligence and military officials, defense, and NATO governments.

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

Remove SPICA Backdoor manually

Manual removal of SPICA Backdoor 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 SPICA Backdoor 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 SPICA Backdoor using Autoruns

SPICA Backdoor 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 SPICA Backdoor

SPICA Backdoor files and folders


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SPICA Backdoor registry keys


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Aliases of SPICA Backdoor

How to protect from threats, like SPICA Backdoor, in future

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