Zbot

Zbot (also known as Minbot, Renocide, Yimfoca, and Kelihos) is a family of malicious software (malware) that is spread via email and malicious websites. Zbot is designed to gain access to a computer, steal private information, and spread itself further through networks. It is one of the most widespread and destructive malicious programs in existence.

Zbot, also known as a “password stealing Trojan”, generally attempts to infect a Windows-based computer and steal banking and credit card numbers, as well as other sensitive information such as user names and passwords. Zbot can also affect web browsers by redirecting the user’s search requests or tampering with the browser settings in order to propagate itself further.

Zbot is spread primarily through email attachments or malicious websites that exploit security vulnerabilities in the user’s system. The email messages usually contain a link to a malicious website, or a file that is disguised as a legitimate document, such as a PDF file, Microsoft Office file, or music file. When the user opens the infected file, Zbot can install itself on the user’s system without their knowledge.

Once installed, Zbot attempts to steal sensitive data, as well as propagate itself further by sending malicious emails via SMTP or IRC chat-bots. It can also attempt to connect to a remote server to download and execute other malicious code, or to modify security settings on the user’s system.

Zbot is extremely difficult to remove due to its wide range of capabilities. It is important to scan your computer with updated anti-virus software, keep your system patched, and avoid visiting suspicious websites or downloading attachments from unknown sources.