CPU-Z Virus Removal

CPU-Z virus Removal guide
Written by Brendan Smith

“CPU-Z virus,” malicious material camouflaged that spreads through malvertising, SEO poisoning, and dubious download channels like freeware sites. Employing deceptive tactics, it often disguises itself as a legitimate CPU-Z application.

“CPU-Z virus” executes a trojanized installer with a valid certificate, minimizing detection. The malware’s key actions include deploying a malicious PowerShell script to install the FakeBat loader, introducing the RedLine stealer into systems. This versatile information-stealing malware targets browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, and various software, posing a significant threat to users.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Review
It is better to prevent, than repair and repent!
When we talk about the intrusion of unfamiliar programs into your computer’s work, the proverb “Forewarned is forearmed” describes the situation as accurately as possible. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is exactly the tool that is always useful to have in your armory: fast, efficient, up-to-date. It is appropriate to use it as an emergency help at the slightest suspicion of infection.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware 6-day trial available.
EULA | Privacy Policy | 10% Off Coupon
Subscribe to our Telegram channel to be the first to know about news and our exclusive materials on information security.

CPU-Z Virus Overview

The term “CPU-Z virus” denotes malicious material camouflaged as CPU-Z, a valid freeware tool for system profiling and monitoring. Perpetrators adopt genuine product names and graphics or include them with destructive software—a tactic frequently employed. A notable instance of the “CPU-Z virus” is a trojanized CPU-Z variant designed to implant data-stealing malware into systems. This malevolent campaign gains traction through deceptive Google Ads utilizing a search engine poisoning method.

CPU-Z Overview

“CPU-Z Virus” on Virus Total site

Name“CPU-Z”
Threat TypeTrojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware.
Distribution methodsMalicious online advertisements, social engineering, software ‘cracks’.
DetectionMicrosoft (Trojan:PowerShell/Malgent!MSR)
Domainsargenferia[.]com; realvnc[.]pro; corporatecomf[.]online; cilrix-corp[.]pro; thecoopmodel[.]com; winscp-apps[.]online; wireshark-app[.]online; cilrix-corporate[.]online; workspace-app[.]online.
DamageStolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim’s computer added to a botnet.
Fix ToolSee If Your System Has Been Affected by CPU-Z Virus

Technical Analysis

“CPU-Z virus” refers to deceptive or harmful content masquerading as the authentic CPU-Z application, as outlined in the introduction. One specific campaign featured a tainted CPU-Z installer, promoted through malvertising. The strategy initiated when a user searched for “CPU-Z” on Google. The top result, an illegitimate Google Ads display, redirected users to a fraudulent website mimicking Windows Report—an authentic source for Windows news. The deceptive similarity to a legitimate tech news site and the common practice of promoting software on such platforms served as an effective lure.

Analysis of CPU-Z virus

Ads promoting “CPU-Z virus”

Upon clicking the “Download now” button on the counterfeit Windows Report site, users downloaded an MSI file—the trojanized CPU-Z installation setup. Equipped with a valid certificate, this installer minimizes the likelihood of detection by Windows security measures and other antivirus tools. It targets browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, file-transferring clients, messengers, VPNs, video game platforms, and other software. However, it is crucial to note that the CPU-Z disguise may also be employed to propagate other perilous programs or malware.

Spreading methods

As previously discussed, malicious software distribution frequently involves malvertising and SEO poisoning. Users may unwittingly acquire bundled and harmful programs from questionable download channels, including freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources.
The spreading methods of malicious software encompass various strategies:

  • Malicious actors exploit online advertising and search engine optimization techniques to disseminate harmful content.
  • Users may inadvertently download bundled and harmful programs from questionable sources like freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and third-party platforms.
  • Unsolicited communication methods, such as emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and social media posts, are utilized to promote malicious content.
  • Malware or unwanted programs are often concealed in pirated software or media, enticing users with free versions of paid applications or media content.
  • Cybercriminals exploit users’ trust in software updates by distributing fake updates containing malware or unwanted programs.

Understanding these spreading methods is crucial for users to adopt vigilant practices and employ security measures to protect against potential threats.

How to remove the CPU-Z Virus from my PC?

The most effective approach to malware removal from your device involves utilizing anti-malware software. I recommend GridinSoft Anti-Malware as it offers a rapid, lightweight, and highly efficient security solution capable of effectively thwarting a wide range of threats, including CPU-Z Virus. Also, you can explore its capabilities during a 6-day free trial period.

While manual removal of the threat is technically possible, I strongly discourage this method. In its pursuit of establishing persistence, Malware generates numerous instances of itself, making it exceedingly difficult to trace all its components manually. Consequently, manual removal can be time-consuming and often yield minimal to no results. Below, I have assembled a guide outlining the most effective removal practices for CPU-Z Virus.

Remove CPU-Z with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware

We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Trojan as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove CPU-Z as well as other malware hiding on your computer.

Gridinsoft Anti-Malware - Main Screen

To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:

1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.

2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.

setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe

3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.

Gridinsoft Setup Wizard

4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.

Scan for CPU-Z Trojan

Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.

5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.

The CPU-Z was Found

6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.

The CPU-Z has been removed

8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.

Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.

Trojan Killer for “CPU-Z” removal on locked PC

In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.

Trojan Killer - Main View

There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.

Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.

Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:

1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.

Download Trojan Killer

2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.

3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.

Install Trojan Killer to Removable Drive

4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.

Step 2: Update Signature Databases:

5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.

6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.

Click Update Button

Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:

7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.

8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.

9. Insert the USB flash drive.

10. Run tk.exe

11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.

Searching CPU-Z Virus

Step 4: Remove Found Threats:

12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.

Searching CPU-Z Finished

13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.

14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.

Restart needed

Step 5: Restart Your Computer:

15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.

16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.

Congratulations on effectively removing CPU-Z and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with CPU-Z malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing CPU-Z malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.

What is the purpose of CPU-Z?

The purpose of CPU-Z is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.

Will Gridinsoft Anti-Malware protect me from malware?

Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
How to Remove CPU-Z Virus

Name: CPU-Z Virus

Description: The "CPU-Z virus" employs insidious tactics, spreading through malvertising and dubious download channels, presenting a facade of legitimacy. Disguised as the genuine CPU-Z application, it deploys a trojanized installer with a valid certificate, evading detection. Upon infiltration, a malicious PowerShell script triggers the installation of the FakeBat loader, introducing the RedLine stealer. This versatile malware infiltrates browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and various software, posing a severe threat to user data. Vigilance is crucial, as the malware capitalizes on user trust, making it imperative to adopt robust security measures against its deceptive and damaging actions.

Operating System: Windows

Application Category: Malware

Sending
User Review
4.29 (17 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

About the author

Brendan Smith

I'm Brendan Smith, a passionate journalist, researcher, and web content developer. With a keen interest in computer technology and security, I specialize in delivering high-quality content that educates and empowers readers in navigating the digital landscape.

With a focus on computer technology and security, I am committed to sharing my knowledge and insights to help individuals and organizations protect themselves in the digital age. My expertise in cybersecurity principles, data privacy, and best practices allows me to provide practical tips and advice that readers can implement to enhance their online security.

Leave a Reply

Sending