How to remove Venom RAT

What is Venom RAT

Venom RAT or Remote Access Trojan, is a type of malware that has been increasingly prevalent in the cyber threat landscape. It is a sophisticated piece of software that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to a victim’s computer, often without their knowledge. This article delves into the nature of Venom RAT, its infection methods, removal techniques, and prevention strategies. Venom RAT emerged as a significant threat in the cybercrime industry, which has been rapidly evolving with new Malware as a Service (MaaS) products. Initially advertised as a tool for “hackers and pen-testers,” Venom RAT was offered by an allegedly legitimate software company named Venom Control Software. However, the features and payment methods suggested that its primary clientele were hackers. Removing Venom RAT from an infected system requires a multi-step approach. First, it is crucial to disconnect the infected device from the internet to prevent further data exfiltration and stop the RAT from communicating with its command and control (C&C) server. Next, users should boot their system in Safe Mode to prevent the RAT from loading. This step is followed by a thorough scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software capable of detecting and removing Venom RAT. It is essential to update the security software to the latest definitions before scanning.

How Venom RAT infected your system

Venom RAT can infect computers through various methods, often leveraging social engineering tactics to deceive users. One common method is through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, execute the RAT on the user’s system. Another method involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software, such as the fake proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for a WinRAR vulnerability that was used to spread VenomRAT malware. The malware is also known to be distributed via malvertising campaigns, where attackers inject malicious code into legitimate advertising networks. Once a user clicks on the infected advertisement, the RAT is downloaded and installed on their system. Additionally, Venom RAT can be spread through infected websites or by bundling with other software.

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

Remove Venom RAT manually

Manual removal of Venom RAT 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 Venom RAT 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 Venom RAT using Autoruns

Venom RAT 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 Venom RAT

Venom RAT files and folders


{randomname}.exe


Venom RAT registry keys


no information


Aliases of Venom RAT

How to protect from threats, like Venom RAT, in future

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