Dunik

Dunik is a Trojan dropper that may install other threat or unwanted software onto your PC automatically. Because of its nature as a distribution tool for other threats, detections of Dunik should be followed up by deep system scans that can identify anything else that may have been installed by this Trojan. Based on its history of evading uninstallation efforts, malware experts recommend only using updated, reliable anti-malware products and proper disinfection support strategies for removing Dunik.

Just a Drop of Trojan Trouble

Dunik is a Trojan widely used as an enabler for other threats, typically, by installing a threat or other applications that can't distribute themselves without assistance. Although Dunik is a general identifier applicable to different Trojans with the same characteristics, malware experts have seen common ground in most Dunik files. A majority of these Trojan droppers use mislabeled file names naming them as being unrelated, free software, such as password viewers or archive unzippers. Some Dunik installers also utilize archive formats for confusing anti-malware detection, although a majority uses non-archived executable files. Their campaigns most likely exploit both torrents and pirated software websites for their distribution centers.

Careless Web surfers downloading Dunik are in danger of Dunik downloading additional software immediately afterward. In contrast to a Trojan downloader, Dunik, as a Trojan dropper, does not have to generate network activity while installing its payload. Its variable makes the other threats installed through Dunik impossible to estimate on a case by case basis. However, malware experts can point to previous Dunik attacks involving the DESKRYPTEDN81 Ransomware or Dynamer. This threat encrypts the victim's personal files to 'sell' the decryption service and corresponding data back to them. Many file encryption Trojans use algorithms that make recovering your data directly challenging or impossible.

What to Do After a Trojan Gets the Drop on You

Trojan droppers and other malware-delivering threats also should be isolated and removed as soon as possible, and with attention towards detecting any threats that could have any associations with their attacks. Although file encryptors like Dynamer tend to display symptoms that are difficult to miss, Dunik has no symptoms, and may install threats without showing any visual discrepancies to the PC user. This fact, along with its intentionally obscuring file names, may make identifying Dunik difficult without having anti-malware utilities running automated analyses.

Some variants of Dunik include protection against file quarantine or deletion. After deleting Dunik with your anti-malware products, you always should reboot your PC and initiate new scans for confirming the deletion. Running your scans from Safe Mode, a feature often recommended by malware analysts and other industry experts, also can provide your security software with some additional protection from Dunik or other threats that try to block their removal.