Updated on: September 19, 2024
Short on time? Here’s how to remove the Wacatac trojan:
- Scan Device: Install a reliable antivirus, such as Norton, and conduct a full scan (Norton 360 consistently has the highest malware detection rates).
- Remove Virus: Allow the antivirus to delete all viruses found after scanning.
- Stay Protected: Enable real-time protection to guard against new infections. Though Norton is my favorite, there are some other great antiviruses as well.
Today, I’m going to show you how to remove the Wacatac Trojan in 3 simple steps. The Wacatac Trojan is a piece of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to steal your data, identity, and more. It’ll also slow down your computer by utilizing system resources. It most commonly affects Windows users and is easy to download by accident. Luckily, it’s straightforward to remove if you use good antivirus software.
However, there are some important considerations to bear in mind. For example, free antivirus software usually isn’t very good and often can’t remove certain infections. This is particularly true for Trojan infections. Free software is also generally missing important features like real-time protection, firewalls, and web protection.
I’ve tested several antivirus programs to see which could remove this malware. Overall, Norton 360 is my top pick thanks to its above-average malware detection rate and a solid list of additional features, which includes real-time protection and a smart firewall.
Step 1. Identify the Threat With Your Antivirus (and Don’t Make the Problem Worse!)
IMPORTANT: Don’t plug any mobile devices or USB drives into a computer infected with the Wacatac Trojan. If you do, you risk it spreading.
Use trusted antivirus software to carry out a full scan of your computer. This is key to identifying and removing all malware variants, including the Wacatac Trojan. It also helps you detect other threats that may be infecting you, like spyware, rootkits, or worms.
Allow the full system scan to finish. Even if the Wacatac Trojan appears in the list of compromised files, stopping the scan early can lead to you missing additional malware.
Scanning times may vary from a few minutes up to several hours. Let the antivirus thoroughly review each file and process and avoid disturbing your computer until it’s done. Once the scan is complete, the antivirus will have pinpointed and quarantined all malicious programs, including those linked to the Wacatac Trojan.
You can now proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Remove the Wacatac Trojan Infection and Delete Any Other Infected Files
Once your antivirus program has isolated the malicious files, it will give you the option to remove them. Before deleting the files, check to ensure there are no false positives. If you’re not sure, it’s best to trust the antivirus’s judgment and proceed with deleting the flagged files.
After removing the malware, a computer restart is needed to complete the virus removal process. When your computer has booted up again, perform a second full disk scan to confirm all traces of malware, including any specific threats like the Wacatac Trojan, have been fully removed. The second scan should be much quicker, as antivirus programs are designed to recognize files that were previously scanned and found to be safe. These files are skipped to save time.
Step 3. Keep Your Device From Getting Re-Infected
Accidentally installing malware happens sometimes — and there’s no need to panic when it does. Simply remove the malware and keep your system safe from further infections. Here’s what I recommend doing:
- Use a good antivirus program: Capable antivirus software like Norton is the best way to identify and prevent malware infections. Look for features like full system scans, real-time protection, regular updates, and a strong firewall. In this regard, Norton has you covered.
- Double-check your downloads: Stay clear of downloading anything from places you don’t fully trust. It’s easy for malware to look safe, so double-check the reputation of sites and sources first. Norton, or similar antivirus software, is great for spotting and stopping risky downloads before they can harm your computer.
- Secure your network and devices: Make sure all your devices and your Wi-Fi network use strong passwords that are hard to guess. A great password manager can make this easier by generating and storing highly secure passwords. And when you’re on public Wi-Fi, using a VPN (like Norton’s) adds an extra layer of security.
- Perform updates: Keeping all your software, operating system, and any drivers up to date makes it less likely for your computer to get infected with malware. Turn on automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it, and regularly check for the latest versions of everything.
Handling malware — such as the Wacatac Trojan — can be a major headache. After clearing it from your system, it’s wise to be safe online and equip your device with reliable antivirus software that offers real-time protection. This is the best way to minimize any further problems or avoid them entirely.
3 Best Antiviruses for Removing the Wacatac Trojan
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for malware scanning after removing the Wacatac Trojan
- 🥇 1. Norton 360 — Best overall antivirus software for removing the pesky Wacatac Trojan.
- 🥈 2. Bitdefender — Powerful antivirus software with a lightweight cloud-based scanner.
- 🥉 3. TotalAV — Good antivirus with an easy-to-use yet effective interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of Wacatac malware?
The only way to remove the Wacatac Trojan is by using a good antivirus product. For example, Norton 360 consistently scored a 100% malware detection rate in my testing. Using Norton, simply run a full system scan and allow it to detect and quarantine the malicious file(s).
Once that’s done, you’re free to review the file(s) to make sure they can be safely deleted. However, in my experience, it’s safe to trust software like Norton to quarantine the correct files (making them safe to be deleted without reviewing).
Can you fully remove a Trojan virus?
Yes, it’s possible to fully remove a Trojan virus from your computer, but it requires careful steps and specific tools. The most effective approach is to use a trusted antivirus program capable of detecting and removing Trojans. Quality antivirus software scans your system, identifies the infected files, and then quarantines or deletes them.
After removal, it’s crucial to keep your antivirus updated and run regular scans as a preventive measure. Some situations might require additional manual removal steps or tools, especially if the Trojan has deeply embedded itself in your system. Keeping your operating system and all software up-to-date can also help protect against future infections.
Can a Trojan virus be removed by Windows Defender?
Potentially, but generally not as well as with a good standalone antivirus program. Windows Defender offers real-time protection, scanning, and malware removal, including some protection against Trojan viruses. However, its effectiveness can be limited compared to dedicated antivirus solutions, which often have more advanced features for detecting and removing complex malware.
Standalone antivirus programs typically offer comprehensive protection with updated malware definitions and sophisticated algorithms to counter new threats more effectively. They also provide additional security features like firewall protection, web browsing security, and more detailed scanning options that can enhance your defense against Trojans and other types of malware.
Are Trojans easy to remove?
Generally, yes — but only with the help of a trusted antivirus program. These programs are specifically designed to scan for, detect, and remove malware, including various types of Trojans, from your computer. A good antivirus program will not only identify the Trojan but also quarantine and delete its files, effectively removing the threat from your system.
However, it’s important to note that the process might not always be straightforward. Some Trojans can hide or disguise themselves, requiring the antivirus to perform a more in-depth scan. Regular updates to your antivirus software are crucial to keeping up with the latest malware definitions, ensuring that even the most recent Trojans can be detected and removed efficiently.
