Navigating the Aftermath of a Malware Incident: My Encounter with “Great Discover”

In today’s digital age, the threat of malware looms large, and having to confront it can be a daunting experience. I recently found myself in this position when I inadvertently installed a malware known as “Great Discover.” It has been seven years since my last encounter with a malware infection, and as a newcomer to dealing with trojans, I was quite overwhelmed by the technical jargon associated with malware removal tools. This post serves not only as a recount of the steps I took to rid my computer of this unwelcome guest but also as a plea for any additional advice that could ensure my system is secure.

The Discovery

The first warning sign appeared this morning when I noticed an unfamiliar program running in my system tray. Upon interaction, a pop-up appeared, instructing me to uninstall the program via the “standard apps and resources” menu. However, it forced me into a captcha challenge that was impossible to solve. Frustrated, I quickly searched online and discovered that “Great Discover” is classified as a trojan designed to mine cryptocurrency—a term I still struggle to fully grasp.

Taking Action: My Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Cleaning My Browser
To start, I cleared my browser history and reset the settings to default. I also took the initiative to examine the extensions tab, removing any unfamiliar add-ons that I hadn’t knowingly installed.

Step 2: Assessing Program Files
Next, I ventured into the depths of my C:\ drive, both in the Program Files and Program Files (x86) directories, to eliminate numerous folders with cryptic names that I had no recollection of creating.

Step 3: Uninstalling Suspicious Applications
I accessed the Control Panel and navigated to Programs and Features to scrutinize the installed applications. I uninstalled any programs that seemed out of place or suspicious.

Step 4: Running Malware Scanners
In hopes of finding any lingering threats, I downloaded Malwarebytes and conducted a full system scan. The first scan yielded a single result, which I quarantined and subsequently removed. After a second scan confirmed the coast was clear, I felt a glimmer of hope. However, I remained cautious and opted to run Kaspersky’s virus removal tool for an additional layer of security, which also came back clean.

Step 5: Task Manager and Boot Issues
I opened the Task Manager to keep an