Also known as: Ardamax RAT, Ardamax Keylogger
Category: Remote Access Trojan (RAT)
Type: Commercial spyware
Platform: Windows
Variants: TrojanSpy:Win32/Ardamax.BF, Keylog-Ardamax.dr.gen, Backdoor.Graybird, Trojan-Spy.Win32.Ardamax.e, Backdoor.Hupigon.EMK, Trojan.Win32.Generic.pak!cobra, Monitor.Win32.Ardamax.te, TROJ_ARDMAX.NY.
Damage potential: Credential theft, espionage, system control, unauthorized access, and data exfiltration.
Overview
Ardamax started as commercial spyware and a keylogger for parental control and employee monitoring. Simply put, its intent was to remotely monitor computer activity, but it was not originally created to be malicious. However, when used without user consent and awareness, it became a tool for malicious behavior. Over time, hackers repurposed Ardamax for cyber espionage, credential theft, and targeted attacks.
Ardamax is now classified as a remote access trojan (RAT) or spyware and treated as straight malware rather than a legitimate tool. It can disguise itself to bypass antivirus detection, which is why it’s so dangerous. Once inside a system, it can record audio, take screenshots, log clipboard activity, capture keystrokes, and track web browser activity. Some variants can even self-propagate, making the malware even more dangerous and harder to remove.
Possible symptoms
While unexpected system slowdowns can be the first sign that your computer has been infected by Ardamax or similar malware, other possible symptoms include:
- Unusual system behavior, including high CPU or disk usage.
- Unfamiliar processes running in Task Manager.
- Keystroke lag.
- Text copied to the clipboard is changed or replaced with different content.
- Unusual files in system directories.
- Unauthorized outbound connections to unfamiliar IP addresses.
- Random pop-ups.
- Disabled security software.
Sources of the infection
Like other trojans, Ardamax sneaks onto a user's device through phishing emails containing malicious attachments. An unsuspecting user downloads this attachment disguised as an invoice, HR document, or financial report and installs Ardamax onto their device. This trojan also gets into systems through bundled software from unofficial websites. Additionally, a user can download Ardamax by accidentally clicking on a malicious ad on compromised websites.
Protection
To protect your network from Ardamax and similar threats, combine as many of the following tips as possible:
- Monitor network traffic. Set up firewalls and network monitoring tools to detect suspicious outbound connections.
- Never open suspicious files in emails. Be wary of malicious attachments in emails from unfamiliar senders.
- Only trust official sources. Never download software from pirated websites.
- Set up strong passwords. Create complex and unique passwords that contain upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Use Threat Protection Pro™. This NordVPN's advanced antivirus tool is designed to make browsing safer by blocking malicious ads and compromised websites and scanning your downloads for malware.
- Keep your systems updated. Regularly install updates for your Windows operating system and other software to patch against known vulnerabilities.
Removal
If you suspect your device has been infected with Ardamax, act immediately. First, disconnect it from the internet and reboot in safe mode. Open Task Manager, look for suspicious processes, and terminate them. Then, locate and delete unknown files and registry entries related to Ardamax.
Next, run a thorough system scan with reputable antivirus software and remove any detected threats. Delete unfamiliar browser extensions and reset browser settings if anything was altered. After removal, monitor your system to make sure the malware doesn't return. Also, consider changing all your passwords in case hackers have stolen your credentials.
