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Malagent

Also known as: Trojan:Win32/Malagent, Trojan:Win32/Malagent!gmb, TROJ_MALAGENT.KV, Backdoor:Win32/Tofsee.I, Trojan.Win32.Inject.dhjh, Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT Backdoor.Tofsee.Gen

Category: Malware

Type: Trojan

Platform: Windows

Variants: The Malagent family includes downloader trojans, click fraud modules, and keylogger-enabled versions.

Damage potential: Facilitates the downloading and installation of other malware, engages in fraudulent activities such as click fraud, logs keystrokes for sensitive data theft, monitors and collects browsing activity, and enables remote access for attackers to execute malicious operations.

Overview

Malagent, a designation used by Microsoft Defender, refers to a family of versatile trojans that target individuals and organizations alike. The Malagent family includes downloader trojans, click fraud modules, and keylogger-enabled variants, capable of delivering additional malware, logging keystrokes for credential theft, collecting browsing data, and granting attackers remote access to compromised systems. This malicious behavior may result in data theft, financial fraud, and the propagation of further cyberattacks.

Once Malagent infects your system, it establishes a foothold by executing malicious code that can evade detection and persist across reboots. Malagent variants often exploit vulnerabilities in Windows systems to perform their tasks stealthily, which makes it difficult to detect and remove them.

Malagent’s downloader variants are particularly dangerous because they enable attackers to deploy additional malware, ranging from ransomware to spyware, onto infected machines. Its click fraud modules manipulate infected devices to generate fraudulent ad revenue, while its keylogger-enabled versions silently collect sensitive data, such as passwords and financial information, and send it to their command and control (C2) servers.

Possible symptoms

If Malagent malware has infected your device, you may notice system slowdowns, unusual browser behavior, or increased network activity. Other possible symptoms of a Malagent infection include:

  • Unexplained downloads or the presence of unknown files on your system.
  • Frequent redirects to suspicious websites during browsing.
  • Increased network activity without an apparent reason.
  • High CPU or memory usage due to unknown processes.
  • Disabled antivirus or other security programs.
  • The appearance of unfamiliar processes in the Task Manager.
  • Unusual browser behavior, such as new toolbars or changes to default settings.
  • System slowdowns, crashes, or unresponsiveness.

Sources of the infection

Cybercriminals may use various methods to infect systems with Malagent family trojans:

  • Phishing emails. Attackers design fake emails that look legitimate to trick you into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment, which installs Malagent onto your system.
  • Drive-by downloads. If you visit a compromised or malicious website and interact with its content by clicking links or ads, you might unknowingly download Malagent onto your system.
  • Embedding Malagent into compromised software. Attackers may embed Malagent within software updates, free downloads from untrusted sources, or pirated software. When you install these programs, Malagent gains access to your system, often undetected.
  • Exploiting network vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals may exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems, unpatched software, or weak network configurations to inject Malagent into target devices.
  • Infecting USB drives or removable media. Malagent may spread through infected USBs or other removable media. It automatically installs on your system once you access the drive.
  • Malicious advertisements (malvertising). Clicking on ads hosted on compromised or malicious websites may trigger a hidden script that downloads and installs Malagent on your system.
  • Social engineering attacks. Attackers may trick you into clicking deceptive links, such as fake security warnings or enticing free offers. By clicking the link, you unknowingly download Malagent onto your device.

Protection

The best way to protect against Malagent is to educate yourself about trojans and hackers’ techniques to infiltrate computer systems. The most effective measures to protect against Malagent variants include:

  • Using antivirus and anti-malware software. Install and regularly update reliable antivirus software capable of detecting and removing Malagent trojans.
  • Regularly updating systems and software. Keep your operating system, browsers, and all applications up to date to patch known vulnerabilities that Malagent could exploit.
  • Using Threat Protection Pro™. Purchase NordVPN with the advanced Threat Protection Pro™ feature, which blocks malicious sites and scans files for malware as you download them. 
  • Filtering email. Use advanced email filtering solutions to block phishing emails and malicious attachments that may carry Malagent.
  • Avoiding suspicious links and attachments. Never click on unfamiliar links or suspicious attachments, especially from unknown senders.
  • Improving network security. Set up firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection to prevent Malagent from establishing command-and-control connections.
  • Using a password manager. Never keep your passwords written in plain text on your computer. Use a trusted password manager like NordPass, which allows you to store all your credentials under one master password.
  • Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making unauthorized access more difficult.
  • Monitoring network traffic. Use network monitoring tools to detect unusual activity that may indicate the presence of Malagent.

Removal of Malagent

If you suspect Malagent has infected your system, immediately disconnect your device from the internet to cut communication with the malware’s C2 servers. Next, restart your computer in safe mode to limit Malagent’s ability to operate undetected.

Run a full system scan with reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and remove Malagent. Follow the steps recommended by the software to ensure thorough malware removal. Allow the antivirus program to quarantine or delete any detected threats.

Once you have removed Malagent from your system, change all your online account passwords to strong, unique ones to protect your data. This step is essential if Malagent had keylogging capabilities. If the malware persists or you can’t remove it completely, contact a cybersecurity professional for help.