Threat Database Keyloggers Ghost Keylogger

Ghost Keylogger

By CagedTech in Keyloggers
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 80 % (High)
Infected Computers: 21
First Seen: July 24, 2009
Last Seen: March 24, 2024
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Ghost Keylogger on your system indicates a potential security threat that requires immediate attention. This Trojan-type threat is designed to secretly monitor and capture sensitive information from your computer, compromising your privacy and security. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take prompt action to remove it and protect your system.

What Is Ghost Keylogger?

Ghost Keylogger is a type of malicious software that falls under the category of Trojans. Trojans are programs that appear to be legitimate but actually contain malicious code designed to harm your system or steal your data. The primary function of a keylogger is to record keystrokes, which can include passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. This information can then be transmitted to the attacker, who can use it for malicious purposes such as identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access to your accounts.

How Ghost Keylogger Operates

Ghost Keylogger, like other keyloggers, operates by installing itself on your system, often through deceptive means such as disguising itself as a legitimate program or attaching itself to other software downloads. Once installed, it runs in the background, capturing every keystroke you make. This can include login credentials, emails, chat conversations, and any other text you type. The malware may also have the capability to capture screenshots, monitor your browsing history, and even activate your webcam or microphone without your knowledge.

The operation of Ghost Keylogger is typically stealthy, meaning it is designed to avoid detection by your system's security software. It may use various techniques to evade detection, including encrypting its communications, hiding in legitimate system processes, or even disabling your antivirus software. This makes it crucial to use a combination of security tools and best practices to detect and remove such threats.

Symptoms of Infection

Identifying a Ghost Keylogger infection can be challenging due to its stealthy nature. However, there are several symptoms that may indicate your system is infected. These include:

  • Unexplained slowdowns in your system's performance
  • Unusual network activity, such as increased data usage or unfamiliar connections
  • Pop-ups or unexpected advertisements
  • Changes in your system settings or browser homepage without your intervention
  • Difficulty in installing or updating security software

These symptoms alone do not definitively indicate a Ghost Keylogger infection but can suggest that your system is compromised.

How to Remove Ghost Keylogger

To remove Ghost Keylogger from your system, follow these steps:

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the malware from loading and to allow for internet access to download removal tools.
  2. Use a full scan with a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove the threat. Ensure your chosen tool is updated with the latest definitions to improve detection capabilities.
  3. Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were installed around the time you suspect the infection occurred.
  4. Reset your browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to their default settings to remove any malicious extensions or settings changes made by the malware.
  5. Reboot your computer and perform another full scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure all components of the malware have been removed.

It's crucial to be thorough in this process to ensure complete removal of the malware.

Conclusion

The detection and removal of Ghost Keylogger require a proactive and thorough approach. Understanding how this malware operates and the symptoms of infection can help in early detection. By following the removal steps outlined and maintaining good security practices, such as regularly updating your software, using strong, unique passwords, and being cautious with email attachments and downloads, you can protect your system from future threats. Remember, prevention and vigilance are key in the ongoing battle against malware and other cyber threats.

Aliases

15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Antivirus Vendor Detection
Panda Application/GhostKeylogger.F
AVG PSW.GhostKeyLogger.AA
Fortinet Malware_fam.gw
Ikarus Trojan-Spy.Win32.GhostKeyLogger
AntiVir SPR/PSW.Gen
Comodo TrojWare.Win32.Spy.GhostKeyLogger.B
Sophos Mal/Generic-L
Kaspersky Trojan-Spy.Win32.GhostKeyLogger.b
ClamAV Trojan.Spy.Keylogger-10
Avast Win32:Trojan-gen
F-Prot W32/Ghostkey.A
K7AntiVirus Riskware
McAfee Keylog-Ghost
Prevx1 Spyware
NOD32 Win32/GhostKeylogger

File System Details

Ghost Keylogger may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. VirusShare_1a808ef944bab7d1a5c09fa70bc6b57c 1a808ef944bab7d1a5c09fa70bc6b57c 4
2. syncagent.exe fb164d900f2dac413402f9473b43f14e 0
3. ctfmon.exe 60d14afa33b14c317b30c273481d30d3 0
More files

Registry Details

Ghost Keylogger may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
File name without path
logfile.cip
syncagent.cfg
Run keys
Synchronization Agent