Once it is launched on the infected computer, Trojan.Zekos places its copy into C:\Windows\System32\ as a file with a randomly generated name and extension, switches off Windows File Protection system, and attempts to gain higher privileges.

Then the Trojan injects the malicious code into rpcss.dll. The main purpose of this code is to load the Trojan's copy stored on the computer into computer's memory. Once the library is loaded, the code is decoded and granted control. Moreover, Trojan.Zekos modifies the TCP/IP protocol driver to increase the number of simultaneous TCP connections in 1 second from 10 to 1,000,000.

One of the Trojan's functions is to intercept DNS queries to Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari, and other web browsers. In addition, Trojan.Zekos blocks access to the websites of most anti-virus companies and to Microsoft servers.

Curing recommendations

If the operating system (OS) can be loaded (either normally or in safe mode), download Dr.Web Security Space and run a full scan of your computer and removable media you use. More about Dr.Web Security Space.
If you cannot boot the OS, change the BIOS settings to boot your system from a CD or USB drive. Download the image of the emergency system repair disk Dr.Web® LiveDisk , mount it on a USB drive or burn it to a CD/DVD. After booting up with this media, run a full scan and cure all the detected threats.

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Use Dr.Web Anti-virus for macOS to run a full scan of your Mac.

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After booting up, run a full scan of all disk partitions with Dr.Web Anti-virus for Linux.

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If the mobile device is operating normally, download and install Dr.Web for Android. Run a full system scan and follow recommendations to neutralize the detected threats.
If the mobile device has been locked by Android.Locker ransomware (the message on the screen tells you that you have broken some law or demands a set ransom amount; or you will see some other announcement that prevents you from using the handheld normally), do the following:
- Load your smartphone or tablet in the safe mode (depending on the operating system version and specifications of the particular mobile device involved, this procedure can be performed in various ways; seek clarification from the user guide that was shipped with the device, or contact its manufacturer);
- Once you have activated safe mode, install the Dr.Web for Android onto the infected handheld and run a full scan of the system; follow the steps recommended for neutralizing the threats that have been detected;
- Switch off your device and turn it on as normal.