How I Tackled the “Great Discover” malware: A Step-by-Step Guide

malware infections can be alarming, especially if you’re not well-versed in computer security. Recently, I faced my first encounter with a Trojan—specifically, one called “Great Discover.” As I navigated the recovery process, I documented the steps I took in the hopes that it might assist someone else facing a similar challenge. Below, I’ll share my experience, including the troubleshooting techniques I employed and any insights I’ve gained along the way.

Understanding the Threat

This malware presented itself through a suspicious program that appeared in my taskbar. Upon clicking it, I was greeted by a pop-up providing instructions for its removal. However, there was a catch: I had to solve a captcha that was impossible to get right. A quick search online revealed that “Great Discover” is a Trojan associated with cryptocurrency mining—an activity I had no prior knowledge of.

Initial Steps to Rectify the Issue

1. Browser Cleanup: My first move was to secure my web browser. I cleared the browser history and reset the settings to their default state. Then, I meticulously reviewed the extensions installed in my browser, removing anything that I didn’t recognize or remember adding.

2. Program Removal: Next, I delved into my system files. I navigated to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86), where I found numerous folders with obscure names that I knew didn’t belong there. I removed these suspicious entries to prevent further issues.

3. Uninstalling Unrecognized Applications: Proceeding to the Control Panel, I examined the list of installed programs in the “Programs and Features” section. I uninstalled any applications that looked out of place or unfamiliar.

Conducting Thorough Scans

To ensure that my system was truly clean, I downloaded Malwarebytes and ran a comprehensive scan. The initial scan reported a single malicious result, which I quarantined and subsequently deleted. Wanting extra assurance, I followed up with Kaspersky’s virus removal tool, which confirmed that my system was clear.

Monitoring for Leftover Malware

After handling the initial threat, I decided to check the Task Manager for any processes using excessive system resources. Fortunately, I found no lingering issues. However, I did notice that upon restarting my computer, some applications like Discord and Spotify opened automatically—despite my settings not permitting this.

Following guidance from a reputable