Summary
The Poweliks trojan installs its malicious code in a registry key in the Windows registry. Depending on the variant, the trojan may download additional malware onto the affected machine, perform clickfraud or carry out additional instructions from a remote attacker.
Removal
Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.
Caution: Manual removal is a risky process; it is recommended only for advanced users. Otherwise, please seek professional technical assistance.
To manually remove the registry keys created by earlier Poweliks variants, we recommend using the removal tool provided by our trusted partner, BitDefender:
Before starting, we recommend backing up all important files.
A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:
Check for the latest database updates
First, check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.
Technical Details
The executable file containing the installer for the Poweliks trojan is typically distributed through spam email campaigns or by exploit kits . When delivered via an exploit kit, F-Secure products may identify the exploit attempting to gain access to a targeted device with the detection name, "Exploit.Poweliks.Gen".
When the installer is launched on the device, the trojan's malicious code is not saved in a file (as is typical of most other malware), but in a registry key in the Windows Registry. This behavior makes it much harder for the user to recognize the presence of a malicious program on their system.
Once the code is installed, the Poweliks installer deletes itself to leave even less evidence on the device.
Based on the specific variant of the Poweliks trojan installed, the malware may:
- Harvest system information and forward it to a remote server
- Perform clickfraud (also known as clickjacking)
- Download additional malware onto the device
- Contact a remote server to obtain additional instructions from the attacker
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