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Sality

Posted: December 24, 2023
from Cybersecurity Glossary
Aliases:
Virus:W32/Sality, Virus.Win32.Sality, Win32.sality, Spyware.Pws.A, Win32.sality.e
Aliases:
Platform:
Windows
Variants:
Sality.A, Sality.R, Sality.Y, Sality.AG, Sality.AT, Sality.M, and many others
Damage:
Malware Infection, File Corruption And Loss, System Performance Issues, Network Connectivity Problems, Unauthorized Access, Data Theft
Risk Level:
Very High!

Sality is a computer virus that infects files on Windows systems by attaching to executable files. It possesses the capability to alter its code to evade detection by antivirus software. Upon infection, Sality can inflict various damages, including file corruption, disruption of system performance, theft of sensitive data, and spreading to other computers on a network.

Possible symptoms

  • Unusual system behavior or slowdowns
  • Frequent system crashes
  • Files becoming corrupted or inaccessible
  • Unauthorized access to sensitive data
  • Network congestion or connectivity issues
  • Unexpected changes in file sizes or types

Sources of the infection

  • Email attachments containing infected executable files
  • Drive-by downloads from compromised websites
  • Infected removable media (USB drives, external hard drives)
  • Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems
  • Peer-to-peer file sharing of infected files
  • Malicious links in phishing emails or websites
  • Compromised network shares

Overview

Sality is a computer virus known by various aliases such as Virus:W32/Sality, Virus.Win32.Sality, Win32.sality, Spyware.Pws.A, and Win32.sality.e. This malicious software targets Windows systems, infecting files by attaching itself to executable files. What sets Sality apart is its ability to dynamically modify its code, making it adept at evading detection by antivirus software.

Once a system is infected with Sality, the potential for damage is extensive. Users may experience file corruption, loss, and disruptions in system performance. Additionally, the virus poses a threat to network connectivity, leading to unauthorized access and data theft.

Sality has several variants, including Sality.A, Sality.R, Sality.Y, Sality.AG, Sality.AT, Sality.M, and others. The symptoms of a Sality infection manifest as unusual system behavior, frequent crashes, corrupted or inaccessible files, unauthorized access to sensitive data, network congestion, and unexpected changes in file sizes or types.

Sources of Sality infections include email attachments containing infected executable files, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, infected removable media (USB drives, external hard drives), exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems, peer-to-peer file sharing of infected files, malicious links in phishing emails or websites, and compromised network shares.

If a Sality infection is suspected, immediate isolation of the affected system from the network is crucial to prevent further spread. A comprehensive scan using an updated Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is recommended. Infected files should be removed, and clean backups should be restored if available. Seeking professional assistance is advisable to ensure complete removal.

To prevent Sality infections, it is essential to regularly update the operating system, antivirus software, and other security tools. Caution should be exercised when downloading files from the internet or opening email attachments. Enabling automatic updates for software and implementing a firewall to monitor and control network traffic are important preventive measures. Conducting regular security audits and educating users about safe online practices contribute to a proactive defense against Sality and similar threats.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect a Sality infection, immediately isolate the affected system from the network to prevent further spread. Perform a thorough scan using an updated and Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. Remove infected files and restore clean backups if available. Consider seeking professional assistance to ensure complete removal.

🛡️ Prevention

To prevent Sality infections, regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, and other security tools. Exercise caution when downloading files from the internet or opening email attachments. Enable automatic updates for your software and use a firewall to monitor and control network traffic. Conduct regular security audits and educate users about safe online practices.

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