There are some applications that users can use to illegally register various software programs. These apps create false activation keys or license files, misleading certain programs into believing they have already been activated. These rogue activities associated with pirating software result in diminished revenue for the software developers.
One such tool that enables users to crack software is Hacktool:win32/keygen. Hacktool:win32/keygen is often detected by anti-malware programs.
Definition
Hacktool:win32/keygen is an illegal tool that is designed for software-cracking purposes and is closely associated with severe malware infections. This rogue program can generate fake activation keys and licenses for different software.
Users often download the Hacktool:win32/keygen tool to bypass trial period restrictions of certain apps or to use a paid program without making payment. While not all cracks are inherently harmful, they often come bundled with various types of malware such as viruses, Trojans, ransomware, worms, etc.
What Does Hacktool:win32/keygen Do?
Research shows that over half of the computers with the Hacktool:win32/keygen program installed are infected. The type and extent of the infection, as well as the behavior of the cracking tool, vary from one computer to another. But one factor remains constant – if the Hacktool:win32/keygen is designed to cause infections to the computer, it can result in serious repercussions.
For example, there are some infections that may:
- Cause the data to be encrypted and make ransomware demands
- Mine cryptocurrencies
- Record personal information and sell to third-parties
All these actions happen in the background, and no symptoms are shown. Therefore, by the time users become aware of it, the infection may have already caused significant damage. The consequences of such infections are often dire. While some of the users get their account hacked, others lose their money or have their identity stolen. There’s also the possibility of losing all their stored data.
If you have recently downloaded the Hacktool:win32/keygen, you should get rid of the tool quickly. Below, we explain the different methods you can employ to remove Hacktool:win32/keygen.
Hacktool:win32/keygen Manifestation
How can you determine if your system has been infected by the Hacktool:win32/keygen program? Check if you have recently used any form of an illegal app to activate software. As previously mentioned, Hacktool:win32/keygen manifests differently in different systems, and it may take the form of a variety of files, with each one of them having a different function.
Here are some of the possible ways in which Hacktool:win32/keygen may manifest on your computer:
Ransomware
Ransomware can be particularly frustrating as it encrypts users’ data and demands payment in exchange for a decryption key. The ransom is often paid in Bitcoin.
Trojans
Trojans give hackers remote control over a computer, allowing them to run malicious actions and sometimes lock the rightful user out.
They allow attackers to perform various web injects and other tactics that enable them to steal financial and other sensitive information from the computer.
Rootkits
These represent some of the most severe violations of users’ privacy. They’re also quite difficult to get rid of, but in most cases, they’re almost impossible to eliminate.
Cryptominers
These are very resource-intensive entities and use up more than 90% of the processing power to mine cryptocurrency. As a result, users encounter crashes, errors, and ridiculously high electric bills.
Keyloggers
These can keep a record of all the details that you type onto your keyboard and use the information collected for purposes that harm the user.
How to Protect Yourself from Hacktool:win32/keygen
Clearly, the threats associated with Hacktool:win32/keygen can have devastating effects. The fact that these malicious programs are designed in such a way that they remain unnoticed for long, only puts you at a greater risk.
To protect your computer from malware infection, you should avoid downloading software cracks and hack tools. This not only puts you at risk, but also contravenes intellectual property laws. Cracked sites have become a hub for malware distribution since they’re barely regulated.
How to Remove Hacktool:win32/keygen
Although the Hacktool:win32/keygen tool itself might not directly harm the system, it often comes bundled with other harmful entities. This means that users who download freeware or those whose systems are infiltrated with Hacktool:win32/keygen are highly likely to encounter problems.
If you identify an infection in your system, it is crucial to act promptly to eliminate it. If possible, follow proper Hacktool:win32/keygen removal instructions. While the manual removal process is still doable, it’s quite lengthy and complex for the ordinary computer user. That is why we suggest to opt for the automatic removal option. If you still wish to remove the malware manually, the first thing you need to do is identify the name of the malware you wish to remove, so that you don’t eliminate the wrong program.
It is advised to scan your system as well using a robust antivirus program. This will eliminate all the threats present in your system. If the scanning process isn’t successful, you may run your computer in “Safe Mode with Networking” and perform a full system scan in this mode. However, with modern security tools, you shouldn’t have any problem removing the Hacktool:win32/keygen tool.
When you’re done with the removal of the malware, you should also fix the damage it caused using a reputable repair tool. After the computer has been infected, it can’t run at its optimum level anymore. This is why you might continue to experience problems even after successfully eliminating Hacktool:win32/keygen.
Conclusion
Hacktool:win32/keygen is a potentially malicious app associated with a variety of malware infections. Even though the behavior of this rogue tool differs, it’s obvious that the motive remains the same. The threats are intended to violate your privacy as well as the safety of the system. Next time you click on a crack, remember that the result can be a severe computer infection.
It’s important to note that using Hacktool:win32/keygen, or any other third-party tool, to bypass software activation is illegal and is strongly discouraged. Piracy is a serious crime that can cause result in prosecution.