We're gradually updating threat actor names in our reports to align with the new weather-themed taxonomy. Learn about Microsoft threat actor names
Worm:Win32/Gamarue.AR
Aliases: Suspicious.MH690 (Symantec)
Summary
Windows Defender detects and removes this threat.
This threat can give a malicious hacker control of your PC to steal your sensitive information and change your PC security settings.
It can be installed on your PC by an exploit kit or other malware. It can also be attached to spam emails, or arrive via an infected removable drive, such as a USB flash drive.
See the Win32/Gamarue family description for more information.
Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, or Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and Windows Vista
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.
Protect your sensitive information
This threat tries to steal your sensitive and confidential information. If you think your information has been stolen, see:
You should change your passwords after you've removed this threat:
Additional remediation instructions for this threat
This threat might make lasting changes to your PC's settings that won't be restored when it's cleaned. The following links can help change these settings back to what you want:
- Restore my system registry:
- For Windows 7
- For Windows Vista
- For other support and help related articles, go to:
- Microsoft Security TechNet Center
Disable Autorun
This threat tries to use the Windows Autorun function to spread via removable drives, like USB flash drives. You can disable Autorun to prevent worms from spreading:
Scan removable drives
Remember to scan any removable or portable drives. If you have Microsoft security software, see this topic on our software help page:
Prevent malware infections from spam emails
- For enterprise users:
- Follow the appropriate Exchange Online Protection instructions to suit your business needs.
- Learn about how Office 365 can help you block spam using machine learning. See First look at Advanced Threat Protection: new tools to stop unknown malware & phishing attacks for details.
- Be aware of the dangers in opening suspicious emails. Don't open email attachments or links from untrusted sources.
- The Microsoft SmartScreen filter can also help detect spam. It’s built-in and enabled by default in Microsoft email programs.
- Submit spam and non-spam messages to Microsoft for analysis.
Get more help
You can also visit our advanced troubleshooting page or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.
If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.
