We're gradually updating threat actor names in our reports to align with the new weather-themed taxonomy. Learn about Microsoft threat actor names
Trojan:BAT/Qhost!gen
Aliases: No associated aliases
Summary
Windows Defender detects and removes this threat.
Trojan:BAT/Qhost!gen is a generic detection for a batch script that modifies a computer's Hosts file to prevent the user from accessing certain websites on the Microsoft domain.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, or Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and Windows Vista
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.This threat may make lasting changes to a computer's configuration that are NOT restored by detecting and removing this threat. For more information on returning an infected computer to its pre-infected state, please see the following article:
- Recreating a clean Hosts file: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972034
Prevent malware infections from spam emails
- For enterprise users:
- Follow the appropriate Exchange Online Protection instructions to suit your business needs.
- Learn about how Office 365 can help you block spam using machine learning. See Exchange Online Advanced Threat Protection and First look at Advanced Threat Protection: new tools to stop unknown malware & phishing attacks for details.
- Be aware of the dangers in opening suspicious emails. Don't open email attachments or links from untrusted sources.
- The Microsoft SmartScreen filter can also help detect spam. It’s built-in and enabled by default in Microsoft email programs.
- Submit spam and non-spam messages to Microsoft for analysis.
Use cloud protection
The Microsoft Active Protection Service (MAPS) uses cloud protection to help guard against the latest malware threats. It’s turned on by default for Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender for Windows 10.
Get more help
You can also see our advanced troubleshooting page or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.
If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.
