Plasma RAT

What is Plasma RAT?

According to the hackers who created Plasma RAT description the software can be used as Crypto Currency Miner, Remote Desktop, Remote WebCam, Keylogger, Script Execution, and so on. As a consequence, the application falls under the classification of Trojans.  It means the malware can enter the system without the user’s permission and endanger the device, its user’s privacy, or cause other damage. Naturally, under such circumstances, it is advisable to erase the malicious program with no hesitation. The problem is it might appear to be difficult not just to remove it, but also to detect it. Apparently, the malware is good at hiding from its victims and some antimalware tools. Therefore, if you want to learn how to recognize Plasma RAT and get rid of it too, we urge you to read the rest of our article and use the deletions instructions located at the end of this page.

Where does Plasma RAT come from?

Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com say there might be a few slightly different versions of Plasma RAT and from them, there could be even more customized variants of this Trojan. This possibility arises from the fact the malware can be downloaded from the Internet, then customized, and used by different hackers. Needless to say, all of them can use various methods to spread the malicious program. However, the most popular distribution methods are malicious email attachments, fake cracks, keygens, or other untrustworthy installers, etc. Thus, to protect the system from threats alike, we would not recommend opening attachments from unknown senders or files downloaded from unreliable sources. Another thing we would advise is to keep your operating system and other software up to date because out-dated tools could have vulnerabilities and one of the ways for threats like Plasma RAT enter the system is exploit the targeted computer’s weak points.

How does Plasma RAT work?

There are two reasons why users might not notice Plasma RAT even though it could be working on the system for quite some time already. For starters, the malicious application may disable Show hidden files and folders feature. As a consequence, the user might sense the system could be infected, but he would simply be unable to see any files related to the possible threat. More than that, the malware appears to be even capable of hidings its data from some antimalware tools too, so if the victim performs a system scan, the tool may not necessarily show up any files related to this malicious program.

Why the user would get suspicious if the Trojan hides itself so well you may ask. Just as we said, at the beginning of the article, one of the ways to use Plasma RAT is to mine Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies with it. To do so, the infection would need to use a lot of the affected computer's resources and as a result, the device might become slow. This is probably of the less dangerous malware’s features since other than mining cryptocurrencies it could steal information, infect the system with more Trojans or other threats, ruin data on the computer, use the PC to perform DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks, and so on. Consequently, we advise getting rid of it as fast as possible.

How to erase Plasma RAT?

As you may realize, removing this malicious program might be not an easy task even for experienced users. Our researchers say at first users should carefully follow the deletion instructions located a bit below. Then, it is highly recommended to do a full system scan with a legitimate antimalware tool, because some of the Trojan’s files might not be listed in the instructions and to eliminate the infection once and for all it is essential to make sure all of its data gets erased.

Display hidden files and folders

Windows 8/10

1. Press Windows key+E.
2. Choose View and select Options.
3. Click Change folder and search options.
4. Select View tab again and mark Show hidden files, folders and drives.
5. Click OK.

Windows 7/Vista

1. Open Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Go to Appearance and Personalization.
3. Choose Folder Options and select the View tab.
4. Tap Show hidden files, folders and drives.
5. Press OK.

Windows XP

1. Open Start and launch Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Appearance and Themes.
3. Select Folder options and go to the View tab.
4. Choose Show hidden files and folders.
5. Click OK.

Get rid of Plasma RAT

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Search for the malware’s process.
4. Select this process and click End Task.
5. Leave Task Manager.
6. Press Windows key+E.
7. Check the listed folders:
   %APPDATA%\SYSWOW64
   %APPDATA%\SYSWOW32
8. Find malicious files related to the malware, e.g., appsvc.exe, right-click them and press Delete.
9. Leave File Explorer.
10. Press Windows key+R.
11. Insert regedit and press Enter.
12. Find these directories one by one:
    HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
    HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
13. Locate malicious value names created by the Trojan, right-click them and select Delete.
14. Search for this path: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
15. Find suspicious value names related to the malicious program, right-click them and choose Delete.
16. Exit your Registry Editor.
17. Empty Recycle bin.
18. Do a full system scan with a legitimate antimalware tool. Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
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