What Necurs Rootkit is, and How it Operates
Necurs Rootkit (aka Rootkit.Necurs.Ib) is basically a trojan, designated as a rootkit, and is bad news for your system. This is because after infection it spreads roots across a whole operating system, making it very difficult to deal with. You need to remove Necurs Rootkit as soon as it is detected – it is the first step in a complete, remote takeover of your system. Technically known as a kernel-mode driver, it is inserted to allow unauthorized actions to control an operating system without alerting the security mechanisms of the computer. A rootkit is malicious program that activates each time the computer boots up; they are difficult to detect because they start to run before your system has completely started. Like many hacks, this program was probably written by tech student or enthusiast to try his or herself against anti-virus programs and procedures, and to a certain extent in on-going advances – it worked. Perhaps first introduced as a prank, like all technology it has advanced and been exploited for gain. Technology advances in the daylight towards progress, though rootkits thrive hidden in the dark. And combined with other malicious software, the Necurs Rootkit is even more dangerous…
This rootkit was first detected in 2011 as stand-alone malware (operating on its own), though the following year it became combined with a trojan-downloader (also called Necurs). These two combined malwares are a more effective way to breach and evade your computer’s defences. The aim is to first take control of your system, then allow cyber criminals to introduce further malware in order to take whatever information they are seeking – while evading routine security. The ‘downloader infiltrates the system to provide a back door and then signals the required malware to enter. The rootkit enters to secure the castle for the main invaders to enter… defeat Necurs Rootkit before it secures your system.
This partnership is a technical development in the world of cyber crime to make malware more effective. Currently, there is a collaboration between the hackers of Gameover Zeus (using their Upatre downloader) and the operators of the Necurs rootkit. Together these two pieces of malware present a formidable challenge to system security. Delete Necurs Rootkit at the earliest chance. In 2014, the technical arm of the F.B.I estimated that this combined malware infected hundreds of thousands of systems. Its main aim is online banking theft. The extent of financial losses incurred by this malware alliance are not known…
How Necurs Rootkit Infect Computers
The current method of infection is through spam e-mails. These used by Necurs Rootkit are currently reported as being from disguised as queries from banks and financial institutions that demand attention. These e-mails contain the downloader that pave the way for the rootkit and all that follows. All spam or suspect/unsolicited/unfamiliar e-mails should be blocked/deleted unopened to avoid this method of infection. The downloader/rootkit parcel is also known to be bundled with some rogue anti-virus programs – use only licensed, reputable security products. If you find that it in your system, deal with Necurs Rootkit immediately.
Necurs Rootkit Threats:
- Ability to intercept data from terminals, network connections and keyboard;
- Provide possible real-time monitoring by third parties;
- Provide possible back doors for remote access/takeover of systems;
- Ability to disable some anti-virus detection software.
Once established, a rootkit will access and control of ALL data on a system, and the capability to deny user access to files and some programs. Necurs Rootkit is very efficient at hiding and has surprising self-defence mechanisms. It can also create hidden accounts to monitor the user in real time. This means that it is possible that someone can be following every action you make while you’re online as if they were sitting at the desk with you. And if you disconnect from the web to use your p.c, then there could be a record of all files/programs and keystrokes recorded for the hacker to analyze when you connect again. Pretty worrying, yes? When this infection has put down roots, there is no privacy.
Summary
If a system acquires this malware, it is recommended that it be disconnected from the ‘net until the problem is solved and you have managed to eliminate Necurs Rootkit. It is possible to remove manually (see following instructions), though it is advisable for inexperienced users to employ a trusted anti-malware program to get rid of Necurs Rootkit – pull it up by the roots, and ensure it doesn’t grow back!
