Discord virus explained: How to remove it? (2023)

What is the discord virus?

Discord Virus is the collective term given to themalicious programsfound in the Discord app or distributed by Discord. Cybercriminals use various techniques to trick Discord users into installing Discord virus or Discord malware on their devices with devastating effects.

The most common type of malware on Discord is the Remote Access Trojan (RAT).hackersusually distributes them through malicious links. When RATs are injected into your device, they gain administrative rights and can track your actions, steal data and manipulate your device. They may also install additional malware or make your computer part of ared de botsfor further spread of the virus.

In addition to the RAT, you can also get other types ofTrojans,spyware,adware, and other forms ofmalwarein discord.

Discord as storage for stolen data

Webhooks allow third parties to send messages to a Discord channel. Hackers can use them to create URLs for sending messages. Webhooks are a popular method of removing data from a hacked user device. A hacker can sync webhooks to a corrupted system and extract the stolen data via Discord.

What are Discord bots?

Discord bots are AI-powered tools that help automate tasks in Discord. For example, they can automatically assign roles, send welcome messages, send auto-replies, and other useful things.

In addition to all the good they can do, Discord bots can also spread malware. For example, they can send messages with malicious links to multiple users. Therefore, do not trust bots that you are not familiar with, and use those created by other users with caution. Make sure the bot you use is trustworthy and doesn't infect your device or other people's devices.

How Discord virus can infect your device

There are different forms of Discord malware, and each has its own way of spreading and infecting your devices.

1. Discord config file corrupted

Users can modify their Discord Javascript files. If a cybercriminal gets the user's permission, he can add malicious code to the Discord client files. After users launch the file, they also run the code. The hacker can access the user's Discord data.

This attack is particularly difficult to detect. Antivirus software will likely not recognize the corrupted code. However, if Discord detects that someone has modified the files during the update, it warns the user and asks if they should continue running the client. You can also manually scan the files for suspicious additions. You can find a lot of information online about what to look for.

Spidey Bot is one of the most common types of corrupted Discord files. One way to check if you have it is to open the %AppData%\Discord\[version]\modules\discord_modules\index.js and %AppData%\Discord\[version]\modules\discord_desktop_core\index.js folders and check how many lines of code they have. If there is more than one line, the files have been compromised. At this point, however, the only remedy is to reinstall Discord and secure your Discord account or device.

Download Discord from official sources or websites only. This will minimize the chance of getting a maliciously crafted copy of Discord.

2. Via Discord

As with most social apps, Discord can also be a source of malware. While filtering out malicious files and notifying users if they find any improves Discord's security, the platform doesn't recognize all of them, especially new ones.

Users can also upload a file to Discord and use its link to share it externally. Even users without a Discord account can download it. Also, even if someone deletes the Discord file or deletes your account, the platform still stores it in its content delivery network. Therefore, no one can track the original uploader of the file with just a Discord download URL.

You can also find more typicalsocial engineeringtechniques here howIdentity theftlinks through direct messages, bait and switch ads, etc.

3. Other sources

Like all malware, Discord viruses thrive on the web. Your device can get infected by them through malicious links, downloads, advertisements, phishing emails or instant messages. Please refer to the security measures mentioned below to know how to mitigate all these risks.

How to remove Discord malware from your device

You must use third party antivirus software to get rid of Discord malware. Such software can hide deep in your system, so simply removing the suspicious application or files may not help. You should obtain reputable anti-malware software, run a full system scan and remove all malicious files. Make sure you choose a premium antivirus that doesn't collect your data and works properly.

vpn do nortethreat protectionThe tool can also help you defend against potential threats. It can identify malware-ridden files you may be downloading, prevent you from accessing malicious pages, and block trackers and ads. However, TP is a prevention tool - it will not save you from viruses that are already on your device.

If the problem is in the compromised Discord code, then you will need to manually uninstall the app. Just follow the usual uninstall procedure like with other apps. Later, you can reinstall the app.

How to remove Discord malware from your browser

Discord malware can also reach your system through malicious browser extensions that infiltrate your browser through various unofficial websites. They can overload your browser with malicious advertisements and redirect you to shady websites.

If this happens, you must reset your browser to its default settings. On most popular browsers, you should look under the "Settings" section and look for "Reset settings", "Restore default settings", "Restore defaults" or similarly named sections.

If you use Safari, you need to clear your history and cache. Here's how to do it:

1.Open Safari and tap "Safari" in the top left corner.

2.Choose "Clear History".

3.Select "All History".

4.Click "Clear History" to confirm.

5.Now click on the same "Safari" button again.

6.Choose "Preferences".

7.Go to "Privacy" and choose "Manage Website Data".

8.Click "Delete All".

9.Now, in the same "Preferences" window, go to the "Extensions" tab and remove all suspicious add-ons.

10In the "Advanced" bar, check "Show Develop menu in menu bar".

11Now, choose the "Develop" button on the top left corner and click "Empty Caches".

How to avoid Discord malware

Here are some tips on how to mitigate Discord risks:

• Avoid opening links and attachments from sources you don't know or trust.
• Do not download apps from dubious unofficial sources. Use only official websites to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Immediately check your system and reinstall Discord if you notice anything suspicious.
• Regularly update your antivirus software.
• To useNordVPN🇧🇷 It will encrypt your traffic and protect it from snoopers. Also, the aforementioned Threat Protection feature will help you to avoid malware.
• Regularly update your other software. Many viruses can do more damage to outdated applications than those with the latest security features.

Is Discord safe?

Discord is safe if you use it wisely with all privacy precautions. As with many other communication tools, some users try to exploit Discord for the wrong reasons. He must:

• Avoid suspicious links and attachments.
• Be careful when communicating with strangers.
• Do not provide your personal data to people you do not fully trust.
• Only get Discord, its updates and plugins from official sources.
• Modify your settings for maximum privacy.

Discord is very popular with teenagers, so you should instruct yourchildrento use it wisely. We also recommend the following privacy settings for you andthe safety of your children🇧🇷 In the "Privacy and Security Settings", which you can find in the "Preferences" section, you must:

1.Choose "Keep me safe" in "Secure Direct Messaging" to scan and delete messages with explicit media content.

2.Change the "Allow direct messages from server members" section to "Disabled". This way, server members other than your friends will not be able to message you.

3.Toggle "Allow access to age-restricted servers on iOS" to "Off". This will prevent users from joining NSFW servers on iOS.

4.In the "Who can send you a friend request" section, select "Disabled (for everyone, friends of friends, and server members)". This will prevent people you don't know from adding you to Discord.

You should also carefully monitor your children's activities because Discord can be the source ofcyberacousor other predatory activities. Also, extremist groups use Discord to sign up new members and communicate with them.

Discord users should encourage transparency and accountability in their community.NordVPN can help you here.