Threat Database Trojans Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3

Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3

By Sumo3000 in Trojans

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 90 % (High)
Infected Computers: 3
First Seen: April 23, 2012
Last Seen: July 23, 2019
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 is the detection for a malicious program and Trojan bullying PC users of Windows-based computers. Cybercriminals have long enjoyed the instability of the Windows operating systems and PC users' lax approach to Internet security. It is a proven fact that most malware attacks or downloads come at the hands of victims who click too fast on poisonous links or attachments without verifying the source. If your computer is absent stealth anti-malware protection, there will be no safety net to catch your missteps or properly warn you of an invasion.

Trojans often present themselves as helpful and innocent tools or downloads. For example, a Trojan could be hidden behind a fake Adobe Flash update or video codec component needed to view a movie. Malware makers and designers love to shape their fake anti-virus tools off the interface or brand of legitimate vendors, and this can further mislead trusting PC users.

Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 may be using a mixture of distribution vectors to gain entry onto poorly protected PCs. In addition to impersonating a Windows Security Alert or Adobe Flash offering, Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 may be cloaked inside the download of freeware or shareware or hidden in a cleverly spoofed email spam letter.

Whatever the method of distribution, once the Trojan is on board your PC, Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 will quickly attempt to cover its tracks so that Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 can carry out the attack uninterrupted. To further block removal attempts, obfuscation tricks will be employed as followed:

  • Malicious file names and components will be remained so they appear the same as legitimate operating system files and components.
  • An infectious script will be hooked into legitimate running processes, help to ignite or execute the malicious code and yet circumventing activity.
  • Malicious executables and .dll components will be stored in the root of the system, i.e. the kernel, BIOS, etc.
  • Administrative controls will be disabled so they cannot be used to interrupt the malicious process or mission.
  • Browser may be hijacked to block visits to malware removing sites or forums.
  • A malicious executable is added to the white list so Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 can bypass the firewall.

Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 was programmed to execute at next Windows boot and every one thereafter. Victims may notice an alert in their tray or on a screen that screams bloody murder or insinuates a ghastly intrusion. The scary but fake alerts will be supported by the presentation and suggestion to buy a fake online scanner or anti-virus tool. Never entertain a software program, application or tool that you didn't invite or knowingly download yourself. Sometimes adware tools come as a courtesy use of freeware, and after annoying you, you may want to remove it. If a program resists removal using normal methods, i.e. Windows uninstall, this is also a telling sign your computer is under attack by aggressive malware.

Malware seldom travels alone, so there may be more malicious programs on board that offer additional threats. Hackers know data can be valuable and use Trojans to steal vital data off the infected. Trojan.fakealert.sfxgen3 will open a two-way port to:

  • Report successful infiltration and installation of malicious files and components, which helps earn a hacker or malware maker points and payment.
  • Transmit stolen data, i.e. vital data, system data and/or email addresses off the system.
  • Download more malicious programs, including a keylogger that captures data being entered into web-based forms or a backdoor that will be used to give remote access to a hacker.

Unauthorized remote access could allow a hacker to add the infected system secretly to a botnet and maliciously use system resources to wage a DNS attack against targeted URLs or IPs. At the first indication of an intrusion, you should use a trusted scanner to investigate. We suggest using a fresh copy of your anti-malware program, if applicable, just in case it was compromised and deactivated by the Trojan. Otherwise, you might be given false results and made to operate under a false sense of security. If you are blocked from visiting the primary website of your anti-malware vendor or other helpful malware removal site or forum, this also will be a red flag your system is currently under attack. A stealth anti-malware program should contain an anti-rootkit component to uncover hidden malware and should also be capable of reversing malicious Windows Registry entries or restore corrupted OS files or components.

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