This article has been created with the purpose to explain to you what is the SATA Monitor Trojan and how to remove it completely from your computer.
A new Trojan horse, using a process, called satamon.exe has been detected by security researchers. The malware calling itself SATA Monitor aims to slither onto your computer while remaining undetected and then use this cover to download other malware of all types onto the compromised computers by it. The satamon.exe does not show much indication of infecting a computer, but if your PC has been compromised by it or you believe it has, we recommend that you read the following article for information on how you can remove it from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | satamon.exe Trojan |
| Type | Trojan Horse |
| Short Description | Slithers on your comptuer undetected and downloads other malware without your knowledge or consent. |
| Symptoms | A folder, created in the %Roaming% directory, called SATA Monitor. A file, running as an active process, called satamon.exe. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious e-mail spam or by pretending to be a legitimate program. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss satamon.exe Trojan. |
Satamon.exe Trojan – Distribution Methods
For this Trojan to infect your computer, it may use various different types of infection activities, the main of which may be the file itself being uploaded on suspicious websites for software downloads. On those sites, the Trojan may be disguised in order to pretend to be a legitimate program that monitors your hard drive, hence it’s name SATA monitor. But this is not the only program it may imitate as the Trojan may pretend to be a portable version of a program, media player or other software that is often downloaded.
The satamon.exe Trojan may also be downloaded on your computer as a result of you opening a fake e-mail address that is carrying a malicious e-mail attachment inside. Such e-mails may pretend that the e-mail attachments they are carrying are invoices, receipts or other seemingly important documents, for example:
Satamon.exe Trojan – More Information
The Satamon.exe Trojan is the type of malware whose main goal is to slither past the defenses of the victim PC while remaining undetected. The Trojan drops it’s main malicioius files in the following Windows directory:
→ %AppData%\Roaming\SATA Monitor
In the folder, the file satamon.exe is dropped and it’s main purpose is to run actively in the background of victim computers and it may even remain hidden as a process in Windows Task Manager. The satamon.exe file’s initial goal is similar to most Trojan horses – the malware aims to connect to the Command and Control server of the cyber-criminals who are controling it. The file then may transfer stolen information live to the hackers, such as:
- Log your keystrokes to see what you type.
- Take screenshots on your computer.
- Copy files from your computer.
- Steal financial information.
- Steal passwords and usernames that are saved.
- Send information about your system (IP, MAC, other data).
The main purpose of the satamon.exe malware is however to install different types of viruses on your computer, which is the worse that can happen to you. The malware which may be added on your computer could vary from PUPs (Potentially unwanted programs), like adware, hijackers all the way to cryptocurrency miners, spyware and even ransomware viruses, that may encrypt the files on your computer and hold them hostage until you pay a hefty ransom.
Remove Satamon.exe from Your Computer
In order for you to be able to remove this software from your PC it is strongly advisable to follow the removal instructions underneath. They have been created with the main goal to assist you In removing this virus either manualy or automatically. If manual removal is not something that you are used to doing, or have experience in doing, it is advisable to remove this malware automatically, preferrably by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, whose main goal is to scan your computer and remove this virus plus all of the malware it may have downloaded onto your PC while ensuring that your PC is protected against future infections as well.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing satamon.exe Trojan.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for satamon.exe Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by satamon.exe Trojan on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by satamon.exe Trojan there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by satamon.exe Trojan on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
satamon.exe Trojan FAQ
What Does satamon.exe Trojan Trojan Do?
The satamon.exe Trojan Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like satamon.exe Trojan, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can satamon.exe Trojan Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind, that there are more sophisticated Trojans, that leave backdoors and reinfect even after factory reset.
Can satamon.exe Trojan Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the satamon.exe Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this satamon.exe Trojan how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on satamon.exe Trojan?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the satamon.exe Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.