Backdoor.Phase
Aliases of Backdoor.Phase (AKA):
| [Kaspersky] | Backdoor.Phase.10 |
| [Eset] | Win32/Phase trojan |
| [McAfee] | BackDoor-DW |
| [F-Prot] | security risk or a "backdoor" program |
| [Panda] | Bck/Phase |
How to Remove Backdoor.Phase from Your Computer^
You can effectively remove Backdoor.Phase from your computer with Exterminate It!.
After installing the program, run a scan to display a list of the files associated with Backdoor.Phase in the Scan Result screen and remove these files. For information about running scans and removing malware files, see the Exterminate It! Help.
Backdoor.Phase Categorized as:^
Trojan
A trojan is a program that is disguised as legitimate software but is designed to carry out some harmful actions on the infected computer.
Unlike viruses and worms, trojans don’t replicate but they can be just as destructive.
These days trojans are very common. Trojans are divided into a number different categories based on their function or type of damage.
Be Aware of the Following Trojan Threats:
Kohn, SillyDl.CKO, Disable.Task.Manager.Reg.Entry, Vxidl.AUG, Backdoor.Asylum.
BHO
Browser Helper Object, or BHO, is a dynamic link library (DLL) that runs whenever Internet Explorer is started. Generally, BHOs are included in installation of third-party programs where they are offered as enhancements of the browser functionality. For example, many Internet Explorer plug-ins are in essence BHOs.
BHOs can be installed silently or “legitimately” when a user fails to read the fine print included in the freeware program’s EULA (End User License Agreement).
Because BHOs are small programs, they can do anything that other programs can do. It’s not easy to detect the BHOs installed on the computer. This enables hackers and other malevolent users to employ the BHO functionality in their interests, for example, secretly install adware programs or gather various statistics on the user’s browsing trends.
Be Aware of the Following BHO Threats:
Mshtmpre, Winpage.Blocker, Dyfuca, CoolWebSearch, MyWebSearch (MySearch).
Backdoor
Of all trojans, backdoor trojans pose the greatest danger to users’ PCs because they give their authors remote control over infected computers. They are downloaded, installed, and run silently, without the user’s consent or knowledge. Upon installation, backdoor trojans can be instructed to send, receive, execute and delete files, gather and transfer confidential data from the computer, log all activity on the computer, and perform other harmful activities.
How Did My PC Get Infected with Backdoor.Phase?^
The following are the most likely reasons why your computer got infected with Backdoor.Phase:
- Your operating system and Web browser's security settings are too lax.
- You are not following safe Internet surfing and PC practices.
Downloading and Installing Freeware or Shareware
Small-charge or free software applications may come bundled with spyware, adware, or programs like Backdoor.Phase. Sometimes adware is attached to free software to enable the developers to cover the overhead involved in created the software. Spyware frequently piggybacks on free software into your computer to damage it and steal valuable private information.
Using Peer-to-Peer Software
The use of peer-to-peer (P2P) programs or other applications using a shared network exposes your system to the risk of unwittingly downloading infected files, including malicious programs like Backdoor.Phase.
Visiting Questionable Web Sites
When you visit sites with dubious or objectionable content, trojans-including Backdoor.Phase, spyware and adware, may well be automatically downloaded and installed onto your computer.
Detecting Backdoor.Phase^
The following symptoms signal that your computer is very likely to be infected with Backdoor.Phase:
PC is working very slowly
Backdoor.Phase can seriously slow down your computer. If your PC takes a lot longer than normal to restart or your Internet connection is extremely slow, your computer may well be infected with Backdoor.Phase.
New desktop shortcuts have appeared or the home page has changed
Backdoor.Phase can tamper with your Internet settings or redirect your default home page to unwanted web sites. Backdoor.Phase may even add new shortcuts to your PC desktop.
Annoying popups keep appearing on your PC
Backdoor.Phase may swamp your computer with pestering popup ads, even when you're not connected to the Internet, while secretly tracking your browsing habits and gathering your personal information.
E-mails that you didn't write are being sent from your mailbox
Backdoor.Phase may gain complete control of your mailbox to generate and send e-mail with virus attachments, e-mail hoaxes, spam and other types of unsolicited e-mail to other people.
Dear Jean,
Thank you for your follow-up. I did indeed use the Submit State feature last night and this morning, your team sent me instructions to run an 'update' and then re-run Exterminate It! on the PC. I just finished that process and the new update wiped it out. I ran my regular anti-spy/anti-virus to double-check and it wasn't able to detect it either. I appreciate the support from both you and your team.