Remove The AdWind Virus Infections and Restore Your Computer

The Adwind Virus is a Java based malware that can cause serious damage, learn how to recover from infections by reading our removal guide.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover Adwind Virus Files
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How Does Adwind Virus Infiltrate the System?

Adwind Virus can be distributed using different methods. The main method is the upload of the samples to hacker-controlled sites. They usually pose as counterfeit download sites or P2P networks like BitTorrent.

The Adwind Virus can also be bundled in browser hijackers during their initial installation. They are malicious add-ons that are usually made for the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Opera. Their aim is to change the the application settings and redirect the users to a hacker-controlled site, as well as stealing sensitive user data.

The AdWind virus can also be placed on hacker-controlled web scripts, redirects and ad networks.

Related: Javascript Evil Ransomware Virus , Prefs.js File – Virus

Infection Flow of Adwind Virus

The AdWind virus is a newly discovered computer malware that is rated as severe by the researchers. It is written in the Java programming language and distributed as a single binary file. Upon infection it follows dangerous behavior patterns.

One of the first actions is to gather as many sensitive hardware and system information as possible. This includes both the computer’s name, individual components, cryptographic machine ID and the installed software and their configuration. The hackers have bundled code that allows them to search for user-identifiable information.

Like other advanced threats the AdWind virus is able to evade detection. Such techniques act against sandboxes, debugging environments and virtual machines. If such a presence the AdWind virus is shut down, depending on the configuration implemented by the operators it may also delete the contaminated samples.

It seems the identity theft is one of the main goals of the AdWind virus. The security analysis reveals that the malware engine is able to scan for files, strings and stored data that can be used to identify the users and their computer interaction. The mawlare attempts to steal sensitive passwords including the following: network shares, Microsoft Windows account, FTP software, form data and credentials from the browsers.

The patterns associated with the AdWind virus include malicious registry and configuration changes. When it comes to the system it disables the system restore function.

Network connections are initiated with malicious servers. The hackers may redirect all traffic from the infected servers to their own servers and gateways thereby actively spying on them. The analysis shows the engine is capable of writing data to external processes which can be controlled over the network streams.

During the infection phase the computer victims are not presented with any signs that might warn them except an increased resources usage.

We recommend that all victims use a quality anti-spyware utility to remove the AdWind virus infections. Modified or deleted data can be recovered using a data recovery application. Refer to our guide below for in-depth instructions.

Remove Adwind Virus and Restore Data

WARNING! Manual removal of Adwind Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.

 
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

Adwind Virus – Manual Removal Steps

Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network

This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.

1. Hit the WIN Key + R

2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter

3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot

4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too

5. Apply -> OK

Show Hidden Files

Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.

1. Open My Computer/This PC

2. Windows 7

– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option

3. Windows 8/ 10

– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option

4. Click Apply and then OK button

Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC

2. Get over to Processes

3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location

4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process

5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

Repair Windows Registry

1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination

2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter

3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable

4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help

Adwind Virus Files

WARNING! All files and objects associated with Adwind Virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

1. Use present backups

2. Use professional data recovery software

Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.

3. Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

4. Restore your personal files using File History

– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button

Preventive Security Measures