Backdoor.Credmines is a Trojan that steals information from the PCs that it infects. It creates the following files on infected systems:
- %CurrentFolder%\ The list of names.xls
- %UserProfile%\ Application Data\ Microsoft\ Protect\ CRED
In addition to creating these files, it also creates the following registry entry:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Run\ protect=”mshta.exe %UserProfile%\ Application Data\ Microsoft\ Protect\ CRED”
Finding these files and this registry setting is an indication that you are infected with this Trojan. Before removing the infection, backup your registry following the steps here.
Then, remove the infection as follows:
- Press [Windows Key] + [R], type REGEDIT and click OK.
- Navigate to the registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Run
- Delete the registry entry: protect=”mshta.exe %UserProfile%\ Application Data\ Microsoft\ Protect\ CRED”
- Close the Registry Editor and re-boot your PC.