DarkGate Malware Removal

This article can help you to remove DarkGate Virus. The step by step removal works for every version of Microsoft Windows.

DarkGate malware is a nasty virus. It falls under the Trojan Horse category, but it’s not an average one. DarkGate is more devastating than the others. It is a complex virus that combines features of a Trojan and a rootkit. It is an advanced spyware that can steal sensitive information, as well as install other viruses. This virus is a versatile parasite that affects its individual victims differently. Following a successful infiltration, DarkGate establishes a connection to a remote command and control (C&C) server. It gives its owners a way to control your device remotely. Thus, it’s up to the hackers to decide what will happen to your device. DarkGate malware gives them unrestricted control. This virus roots deeply into your system and wrecks everything. It is a complete and utter menace that threatens to steal your passwords, financial information, and personal files. If you are aware of its presence, consider yourself lucky. This malware uses advanced stealth scripts to bypass anti-virus and firewall protection mechanisms. It is very stealthy and almost undetectable. Without triggering any alarms, the virus executes various processes. It can even temporally delete itself to avoid detection. Do not toss your “luck” to the wind, take action against the virus! Act against the invader before it causes irreparable damage!

How did I get infected with?

DarkGate malware uses two attack strategies to target specific regions and types of users. The virus relies on corrupted media spread through torrent networks, as well as on phishing emails. Security researchers detected corrupted multimedia files that spread the virus on BitTorrent file-sharing networks. When you open such a corrupted file, an embedded script executes and downloads the virus. The parasite wastes no time and corrupts your entire system. It modifies the Registry, corrupts essential system files, and starts malicious processes. This, of course, happens without any noticeable symptoms. You cannot catch the virus in time to prevent its infiltration. There is nothing you can do to stop this process. You can only prevent it from starting. DarkGate relies on your naivety. It needs you to download the corrupted files or to click on the malicious link. You can prevent this scenario from unfolding. Your vigilance can keep your device secure and virus-free. Download files from reputable sources only, and be very careful with your inbox. Treat all unexpected messages as potential threats. If you receive an unexpected email, from your bank, for example, go to their official website. Compare the email addresses listed there to the questionable one. If they don’t match, delete the pretender immediately!

Why is this dangerous?

DarkGate malware can be devastating on multiple levels. It may steal financial and personally identifiable information and use it against you, or it may lock your files and blackmail you. This parasite is a versatile virus that adapts to its owners’ needs. What will happen your device depends on the hackers and their current needs. They can spy on you, steal your usernames and passwords; turn your machine into coin-miner, or use your computer to spread spam. They can also lock your personal files and blackmail you. No one can tell you what the future holds. DarkGate malware jeopardizes both your security and privacy. This menace wreaks utter havoc. The more time it has, the worse your situation becomes. Do not waste time in debates. Your best and only cause of action is the immediate removal of the virus. Act now! You have no time to waste. Delete the malware before it’s too late! The sooner you clean your computer, the better!

Manual DarkGate Removal Instructions

The DarkGate infection is specifically designed to make money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus.

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the DarkGate infection. Please, follow the procedures in the exact order. Please, consider to print this guide or have another computer at your disposal. You will NOT need any USB sticks or CDs.

STEP 1: Track down DarkGate related processes in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate DarkGate startup location

STEP 3: Delete DarkGate traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down DarkGate related processes in the computer memory

• Open your Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Carefully review all processes and stop the suspicious ones.

• Write down the file location for later reference.

Step 2: Locate DarkGate startup location

Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

Clean DarkGate virus from the windows registry

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to: %appdata% folder and delete the malicious executable.

Clean your HOSTS file to avoid unwanted browser redirection

Navigate to %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/host

If you are hacked, there will be foreign IPs addresses connected to you at the bottom. Take a look below:

Step 4: Undo the possible damage done by DarkGate

This particular Virus may alter your DNS settings.

Attention! this can break your internet connection. Before you change your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS for DarkGate, be sure to write down the current server addresses on a piece of paper.

To fix the damage done by the virus you need to do the following.

• Click the Windows Start button to open the Start Menu, type control panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results displayed above.
• go to Network and Internet
• then Network and Sharing Center
• then Change Adapter Settings
• Right-click on your active internet connection and click properties. Under the Networking tab, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Left click on it and then click on properties. Both options should be automatic! By default it should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and the second one to “Obtain DNS server address automatically!” If they are not just change them, however if you are part of a domain network you should contact your Domain Administrator to set these settings, otherwise the internet connection will break!!!

 

• Check your scheduled tasks to make sure the virus will not download itself again.

How to Permanently Remove DarkGate Virus (automatic) Removal Guide

Please, have in mind that once you are infected with a single virus, it compromises your whole system or network and let all doors wide open for many other infections. To make sure manual removal is successful, we recommend to use a free scanner of any professional antimalware program to identify possible virus leftovers or temporary files.