What is zEus and how it infects devices

zEus is a notorious malware program that has been plaguing computer systems for over a decade. Also known as Zbot, zEus is a Trojan horse that is designed to steal sensitive information from infected computers, such as banking credentials, login details, and personal data. This makes it a highly dangerous threat to both individuals and organizations, as it can lead to financial loss and identity theft.

zEus infects computers through various means, including malicious email attachments, fake software downloads, and compromised websites. Once a computer is infected, zEus can silently run in the background, collecting data and sending it to remote servers controlled by cybercriminals. It can also download additional malware onto the infected system, further compromising its security. To protect against zEus and other malware threats, it is essential to have up-to-date antivirus software, strong passwords, and practice safe browsing habits.

Removing zEus using Virus & Threat Protection

Virus & threat protection in Windows Security, particularly through Microsoft Defender Antivirus, offers real-time protection against malware, viruses, trojans, and other threats. It provides various scan options, including quick, full, custom, and offline scans, to detect and remove malicious software effectively. Try to remove zEus by following the instructions below:

1. Open Windows Security:
   1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
   2. Go to Update & Security and then click on Windows Security.
2. Access Virus & Threat Protection:
   1. In Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection from the left-hand menu.
3. Initiate a Scan:
   1. Under Virus & threat protection, click on Quick scan to perform a fast scan for malware.
   2. For a more thorough check, choose Advanced scan and select the type of scan you want (Full scan, Custom scan, or Windows Defender Offline scan).
4. Review Scan Results:
   1. After the scan is complete, review the results to see if any malware or threats have been detected.
   2. Follow the prompts to take action on any identified threats, such as quarantining or removing them.
5. Additional Actions:
   1. Consider running periodic scans to ensure your system remains free of malware.
   2. Keep your operating system and security software up to date to prevent future infections.

Removing zEus using Autoruns

Autoruns is a robust tool for Windows users to oversee and regulate automatic program launches on their systems. With its detailed breakdown of autostart locations and entries, Autoruns aids in detecting and disabling malicious software like viruses and trojans. Try to remove zEus by following the instructions below:

1. Download Autoruns:
   1. Download Autoruns and run Autoruns.exe after extracting the archive.
2. Configure Autoruns:
   1. In the Autoruns application, go to Options and ensure checkboxes are selected near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
   2. This step helps in focusing on third-party entries that may be malicious.
3. Identify Suspicious Entries:
   1. Search for suspicious entries with unusual names or running from locations like C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
   2. Right-click on any suspicious entry and choose Delete to prevent the threat from running at startup.
4. Check Scheduled Tasks:
   1. Switch to the Scheduled Tasks tab in Autoruns and repeat the process of identifying and deleting any suspicious entries.
5. Remove Files and Registry Keys:
   1. Click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry to locate and remove any associated files, folders, or registry keys.
6. Prevent Startup:
   1. To prevent the threat from running at startup, ensure all identified malicious entries are deleted both in the Autoruns and Scheduled Tasks tabs.
7. Reboot the System:
   1. Restart your computer to ensure that the changes made using Autoruns take effect.

Removing zEus using Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a valuable utility that aids in combating prevalent malware, viruses, and trojans by providing targeted removal of specific malicious software. It operates effectively as a post-infection removal tool, complementing regular antivirus software by offering a focused scan for known threats, ensuring a more secure computing environment. Try to remove zEus by following the instructions below:

1. Download MSRT:
   1. Visit the official Microsoft page for the Malicious Software Removal Tool and click on the Download button to get the tool.
2. Run MSRT:
   1. Once downloaded, open the tool by running the downloaded file.
   2. Ensure you have local administrator privileges to execute the tool effectively.
3. Scan for Malware:
   1. Follow the on-screen instructions to start scanning your system for prevalent malware, including zEus.
   2. Choose the scan mode that suits your needs (Quick scan, Full scan, or Customize scan).
4. Review and Remove Threats:
   1. After the scan is complete, review the detailed results provided by MSRT.
   2. If zEus or any other threats are detected, follow the prompts to remove them from your system.
5. Check Log File:
   1. Locate and review the log file generated by MSRT at %windir%\debug\mrt.log.
   2. This log file contains information about detected infections and actions taken by the tool.

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool cannot replace a real antivirus product. While the tool is effective for post-infection removal of specific prevalent malware, it does not offer real-time protection like antivirus software, which actively prevents malicious software from running on a computer. It is crucial to install and use an up-to-date antivirus product alongside the Malicious Software Removal Tool for comprehensive protection against malware.

Removing zEus using Antimalware Tool

Recommended Anti-malware tool:

• For Windows:
• For Mac

Try SpyHunter

SpyHunter is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Windows clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to malware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate malware but also the safest and most assuring one. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.

Download SpyHunter

Try SpyHunter for Mac

SpyHunter for Mac fully removes all instances of newest viruses from Mac/MacBook and Safari. Besides, leaner can help to optimize MacOS and free up disk space. Compatible with all versions of MacOS. The free version of SpyHunter for Mac allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.

Download SpyHunter for Mac

Removing the zEus involves a series of steps that require advanced IT skills. However, automated tools like SpyHunter can help simplify the process. If you suspect your system is infected, it’s recommended to run a scan with SpyHunter for Windows to automatically eliminate the infiltrated malware.