Multi-Stage Rietspoof Malware Combines Different File-Formats
Since 2018, cybersecurity experts are monitoring a new family of malware known as Rietspoof. It is a multistage malware with striking features and capabilities of combining file formats in victims computer to communicate C&C servers and encrypt files and folders.
As it uses a multistage delivery system, it drops multiple payloads in the system to infect it dangerously.
What is Rietspoof malware delivery system?
The malware combines different file-formats and makes itself more versatile. In the first stage, Rietspoof malware spreads via Facebook Messenger and Skype via instant messaging. Most of the times these messages are from cyberattackers who spam your inbox.
From these spam messages, a highly coded and encrypted Visual Basic Script gets delivered into your computer. The VBS downloads a CAB file which in further stage install a downloader.
In the third stage, the malware uses simple TCP protocol and communicate via servers where the IP address is coded binarily. The TCP protocol tries to leverage HTTP and HTTPS requests and modifies the server communication to a great extent.
The malware mainly infects victims computer system by gaining persistence on infected hosts and downloading different malware strains as per protocols from communication server.
After the successful infiltration, Rietspoof connects to the remote server, downloads several files and run the number of commands from that file. Cyber criminals or malware attackers basically gain remote access to the system and perform various actions inside it without user permission.
Symptoms of Compromised System
In order to remain safe from the malware attacks, one must know all the possible cases where it damages your computer. Below listed symbols are the early symptoms that tell you the dangers of virus infection.
- Slow and sluggish computer performance
- Irrelevant pop-ups keep coming back to back to your browser
- Few programs run on their own even if you close them
- File multiplies and duplicates itself on its own
- Files or programs are new and unknown
- Deny access to files and folders
- Hard drive corrupts
- Infect and delete backup files
- If attacks are more severe then mail system shutdowns
- Modifies Windows registry editors files
- Disable firewall settings and drops other malicious threats into the system.
These annoyances put your computer at great risk. Even more, such virus attacks are getting larger day by day in terms of complexity and have easily established itself as a tool to victimize cybersecurity.
The malware samples for Windows and Linux creates binary files to make the system vulnerable. Security researchers also found it to be the first malware family bundled with trojans, coinminer and virus.
It quickly spreads through spam emails, websites, peer to peer file sharing, freeware (fake software updates), cracked or pirated software and social hijacking. It degrades the computer performance and locks your files.
Once victimized, the attacks get severe and malware changes web browsers settings, corrupts hard drive of the computer due to which applications stop responding. Therefore it is important to delete Rietspoof malware from your computer.
Malware Removal Tools
To remove Rietspoof malware, it is important to stop the entry of dropper and downloader that changes the server communication protocol, bypass the security checks and infect the operating system in the computer.
Rietspoof Malware attackers are very advanced and had learned to gain illegal access to the computer. More than that, they make their malware more adaptable, resilient and damaging. It is impossible to stop cyberwarfare and cyberterrorism by common antivirus software.
Thus, the best preventive step is to upgrade our cyber defense systems at home and office computers with Rietspoof malware removal Tool that provide real-time protection feature, quarantine feature, web protection and anti-exploit technology.
If your computer doesn’t have such security software, then download ITL Total Security and Malware Crusher to prevent malware attacks on your system. Both are reputable, vigilant and robust in creating a shield 24X7 against any cyberthreat.
These tools are highly recommended if you are willing to give advanced security to your PC. Their 5-minute function could be a savior for your computer!
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool