Introduction
Adware.Graftor is a type of adware that is considered a persistent threat due to its rootkit capabilities which give it deep system access. This adware is particularly dangerous as it can inject cryptojacking scripts into a user’s system, leading to unauthorized mining malware and CPU hijack attacks.
Adware.Graftor poses a significant threat to users who are most affected by its intrusive tactics. Those who are unaware of its presence on their system are at risk of having their CPU hijacked for mining cryptocurrencies without their consent, leading to a decrease in system performance and potential security vulnerabilities.
History and Evolution
Adware.Graftor is a type of adware that has been around for several years and has gone through various iterations and changes since its discovery.
Discovery
Adware.Graftor was first discovered by security researchers in the early 2000s. It was initially designed to display unwanted advertisements on infected computers and generate revenue for the creators through pay-per-click schemes.
Evolution
Over time, Adware.Graftor has evolved to become more sophisticated and harder to detect. It has been known to use advanced techniques to avoid detection by antivirus software and security measures.
Notable Incidents
- One notable incident involving Adware.Graftor occurred in 2015 when a large-scale adware campaign was discovered targeting users of popular websites. The adware was spread through malicious ads and infected thousands of computers worldwide.
- In 2018, a new variant of Adware.Graftor was discovered that was capable of stealing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers from infected computers.
- More recently, in 2020, Adware.Graftor was linked to a ransomware attack that targeted a major corporation, causing significant financial losses and data breaches.
Despite efforts to combat Adware.Graftor, it continues to be a persistent threat to computer users around the world. It is important for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect against this and other types of malware.
Infection Vectors and Spread Mechanisms
Adware.Graftor is a type of adware that spreads through various infection vectors and delivery methods. Understanding how this adware spreads is important in order to protect your devices from being infected.
Infection Vectors:
- Email Attachments: Adware.Graftor can spread through malicious email attachments. Users may unknowingly download and execute the attachment, leading to adware installation.
- Drive-by Downloads: Visiting compromised websites can result in drive-by downloads of Adware.Graftor. This occurs when the adware is automatically downloaded and installed without the user’s knowledge.
- Software Bundling: Adware.Graftor may be bundled with freeware or shareware applications. Users who download and install these programs may also unintentionally install the adware.
Delivery Methods:
- Phishing Emails: Adware.Graftor may be delivered through phishing emails that trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments.
- Exploit Kits: Cybercriminals may use exploit kits to deliver Adware.Graftor by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or web browsers.
- Social Engineering: Adware.Graftor can also be delivered through social engineering tactics, such as fake pop-up ads or alerts that deceive users into clicking on them.
It is important to be cautious when browsing online, downloading software, and opening email attachments to prevent the spread of Adware.Graftor. Keeping your devices updated with the latest security patches and using reputable antivirus software can also help protect against adware infections.
Infection Symptoms and Detection
Adware.Graftor infection can cause a variety of symptoms on your computer. Some common signs of this type of adware include:
- Pop-up ads: One of the most visible signs of Adware.Graftor infection is an increase in pop-up ads while browsing the internet. These ads may appear even when you are not actively using your web browser.
- Browser redirects: You may notice that your web browser is being redirected to unfamiliar websites without your consent. This can happen when you click on a link or type in a URL.
- Slow performance: Adware.Graftor can consume system resources and slow down your computer’s performance. You may experience lagging or freezing while using applications or browsing the internet.
- Unwanted toolbars or extensions: Adware.Graftor may install unwanted toolbars or browser extensions without your permission. These additions can change your browser settings and behavior.
System issues related to Adware.Graftor infection:
- Increased CPU usage: Adware.Graftor may run processes in the background that consume a significant amount of CPU resources, leading to overall system slowdown.
- Changes to system settings: The adware may modify system settings or registry entries to maintain persistence and make it challenging to remove.
- Data security risks: Adware.Graftor can track your online activities and collect personal information, putting your data privacy at risk.
Impact Analysis
Adware.Graftor is a type of malicious software that infiltrates computers and disrupts normal functioning. The impact of can be severe, causing various types of damage and effects on the system.
Damage Types:
- Privacy Invasion: can track user activity and collect sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data.
- Slow Performance: The presence of can slow down the computer’s processing speed and performance, making it difficult to carry out tasks efficiently.
- Browser Hijacking: can take control of web browsers, redirecting users to malicious websites and displaying unwanted advertisements.
Effects:
- Pop-up Ads: bombards users with pop-up advertisements, disrupting their browsing experience and making it difficult to navigate websites.
- System Crashes: The presence of can lead to frequent system crashes and freezes, causing data loss and instability.
- Identity Theft: can expose users to identity theft by stealing personal information and compromising online accounts.
Removal Instructions
To remove from your computer, you can follow either automatic or manual removal steps.
Automatic Removal:
- Download and install a reputable antivirus software that is capable of detecting and removing
- Run a full system scan with the antivirus software to detect and remove the
- Follow any on-screen prompts to quarantine or delete the detected threats.
- Restart your computer to complete the removal process.
Manual Removal:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click on “Programs and Features” or “Add/Remove Programs” to view a list of installed programs.
- Look for any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to
- Click on the program and select “Uninstall” to remove it from your computer.
- Check your web browsers for any suspicious extensions or plugins related to the and remove them.
- Reset your browser settings to default to remove any unwanted changes made by the
- Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to ensure that the has been completely removed.
It is important to regularly scan your computer for and other potentially unwanted programs to prevent them from causing harm to your system.
Prevention Guidelines
Security Measures:
- Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated regularly.
- Enable your firewall to block suspicious incoming connections.
- Be cautious when downloading files or programs from the internet and only download from trusted sources.
- Keep your operating system and all software up to date with the latest security patches.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads, especially those that seem too good to be true.
Best Practices:
- Regularly scan your computer for malware and using your antivirus software.
- Use a pop-up blocker in your web browser to prevent unwanted ads from appearing.
- Avoid downloading free software from unknown sources, as they may contain or other malicious software.
- Be cautious when installing new programs and always read the terms and conditions before proceeding.
- Backup your important files and data regularly to prevent data loss in case of an infection.
By following these security measures and best practices, you can reduce the risk of an infection and keep your computer safe from malicious software.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is is a type of malicious software that is designed to display unwanted advertisements on a user’s computer or device. It can often be installed without the user’s knowledge or consent.
How does infect a computer?
can infect a computer through various means, such as downloading infected files or software, clicking on malicious links, or visiting compromised websites. It can also be bundled with legitimate software downloads.
What are the signs of an infection?
Signs of an infection may include an increase in pop-up ads, browser redirects to unfamiliar websites, slow computer performance, and changes to browser settings without your permission.
How can I remove from my computer?
To remove from your computer, you can use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan and remove the infected files. You can also manually delete any suspicious programs or extensions from your computer.
How can I prevent infections in the future?
To prevent infections in the future, it is important to be cautious when downloading files or software from the internet, avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads, and keep your antivirus software up to date.
Technical Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Malware Name | |
| Type of Malware | |
| Aliases | Graftor, Graftor |
| Threat Level | Low to Medium |
| Date of Discovery | First reported in 2013 |
| Affected Systems | Windows operating systems |
| File Names | Graftor.exe, Graftor.dll |
| File Paths | C:Program FilesGraftor |
| Registry Changes | Creates keys and values in the Registry to ensure persistence |
| Processes Created | Graftor.exe |
| File Size | Varies |
| Encryption Method | Uses obfuscation techniques to hide its code |
| Exploit Techniques | Typically bundled with legitimate software downloads |
| Symptoms | Displays unwanted advertisements, slows down system performance |
| Spread Method | Bundled with freeware or shareware downloads |
| Impact | Decreased system performance, potential exposure to other malware |
| Geographic Spread | Global |
| Financial Damage | Limited financial impact, but can lead to additional malware infections |
| Data Breach Details | Can collect browsing habits and personal information |
| Prevention Steps | Be cautious when downloading software, use reputable antivirus software |
| Recommended Tools | Malwarebytes, Spybot Search & Destroy |
| Removal Steps | Use antivirus software to scan and remove the |
| Historical Incidents | Known to be distributed through fake Java updates |
| Related Malware | Graftor is sometimes associated with other and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) |
| Future Threats | |
| Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) | Unusual network activity, presence of Graftor files on the system |
| Command and Control Details | Communicates with remote servers to download updates and new payloads |
| Variants and Evolution | Graftor may have different versions with varying capabilities |
| Stages of Infection | Installation, persistence, communication with C&C server |
| Social Engineering Tactics | Uses deceptive practices to trick users into installing the |
| Industry-Specific Risks | Can impact any industry, particularly those relying heavily on computers |
| Post-Infection Actions | Remove scan for other malware infections |
| Incident Response Plan | Implement security measures, educate users on safe browsing practices |
| External References | Symantec Security Response, https://www.symantec.com/security-center/writeup/2013-091015-4018-99 |
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