Trojan win32:sirefef-sm

Trojan win32:sirefef-sm is a dangerous malware infection that opens a backdoor into the infected computer system. A 'backdoor' is simply a term that malware researchers use to refer to an unauthorized opening in the infected computer system's security. Much like an unguarded back door can allow a robber to enter a building without being detected, Trojan win32:sirefef-sm creates an opening in the infected computer's security that a criminal can exploit to gain access to that computer system while bypassing that computer's security measures. Trojan win32:sirefef-sm belongs to the Sirefef or ZeroAccess family, known mainly for using advanced rootkit techniques and corrupting vital system files in order to establish a malware presence that is quite difficult to remove.

One of the reasons why malware like Trojan win32:sirefef-sm is so difficult to remove is because Trojan win32:sirefef-sm uses techniques that allow Trojan win32:sirefef-sm to avoid detection, often also disabling security software on the victim's computer system. Most of the time, Trojan win32:sirefef-sm is not a standalone infection but is actually part of a large-scale malware attack involving several attackers. Trojan win32:sirefef-sm will often be used to hide other malware on the victim's computer system or to establish a backdoor into the victim's computer that can then be used to install other malware threats.

Detection of a Trojan win32:sirefef-sm Infection

There are many ways in which a computer system can become infected with Trojan win32:sirefef-sm. ESG security researchers have noted that one of the most ordinary ways of becoming infected with this threat involves downloading fake video or game files from peer to peer file sharing networks. What poses as a cracking utility (a program that allows a computer user to remove a game's DRM) will often be a Trojan downloader or dropper that may be associated with Trojan win32:sirefef-sm. If you suspect that your computer system has been infected with Trojan win32:sirefef-sm, it is highly recommended that you run a full scan of your machine with a reliable security program that is up-to-date. Some symptoms of a Trojan win32:sirefef-sm infection include the following:

• ESG security researchers have observed that malware in Trojan win32:sirefef-sm's family has been used in many recent attacks involving browser hijackers associated with fake search engines. Because of this, a common symptom of a Trojan win32:sirefef-sm infection will be the presence of browser redirects leading to these kinds of websites.
• Abnormal network activity may also indicate that your computer system is being contacted by a remote entity. This could mean that a criminal is gaining access to your computer system through the backdoor established by Trojan win32:sirefef-sm. It could also mean that attempts are being made to integrate the infected machine into a botnet in order to carry out other attacks.
• Among the most common symptoms of a Trojan win32:sirefef-sm infection is the sudden disabling of your normal security software, including your firewall and Windows Security Server. Often, trying to open these programs, while your computer is infected with Trojan win32:sirefef-sm, will results in a system crash or an error message.