A malicious program or file that was created to get around a limitation on commercial software and computer programs is detected by the HackTool:Win32/ProductKey detection. Legitimate antivirus programs like Microsoft Defender Antivirus are capable of recognizing and eliminating this threat. This threat may also be identified by other security tools, although they might refer to it by a different name than HackTool:Win32/ProductKey.
Summary
This specific detection covers the category of harmful files, such as keyword generators, cracking apps, and hacking tools, that are intended to get over the limitations placed on commercial software and programs. Therefore, we strongly advise doing an urgent cleaning to eradicate this virus if HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is found on the computer. Ignoring its existence on the computer might lead to further problems.
Threat Behavior
In a manner similar to other computer viruses, HackTool:Win32/ProductKey spreads. Under normal circumstances, harmful programs such as shareware, freeware, or pirated apps might be installed by computer users, therefore posing a threat. Attackers have also been seen to use a number of malicious websites as delivery systems for the HackTool:Win32/ProductKey virus.
Once the computer is up and running, HackTool:Win32/ProductKey will dump many harmful files into key directories, most notably SYSTEM. Next, it incorporates a registry entry that launches HackTool:Win32/ProductKey every time Windows boots up.
HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is a harmful virus that should be removed from the computer right away since it poses a serious risk. Ignoring its presence may lead to more dangerous contamination that compromises the computer’s overall functionality.
Payload
In order to profit from the corrupted system, hackers created HackTool:Win32/ProductKey. Once entered, this virus is capable of a number of harmful tasks, such as the following:
- Communicate with a distant server to pick up more viruses.
- Run the malicious program that was downloaded on the machine that was infected.
- Gather different computer data, such as the operating system, IP address, and ISP information.
- Transfer the collected data to a distant server.
- Allow the remote attacker to take control of the computer by opening a backdoor port.
Symptoms
As previously said, the warning message that prevents you from accessing the computer or files might be the first indication you see. Security software will continue to display warnings about several virus attempts to operate on the computer if HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is not completely removed.
| Version Name | Alert Level | Date Added |
| HackTool:Win64/ProductKey.G!MSR | Severe | Aug. 22, 2022 |
| Arcabit | Application.Nirsoft |
|---|---|
| Bkav Pro | W32.Common.D5CE3C98 |
| CrowdStrike Falcon | Win/grayware_confidence_100% (W) |
| ESET-NOD32 | A Variant Of Win64/PSWTool.ProductKey.A |
| Fortinet | Riskware/ProductKey |
| Malwarebytes | HackTool.Agent.Nirsoft |
| TrendMicro | HackTool.Win32.ProduKey.AJ |
| Zillya | Trojan.PSWTool.Win64.2 |
For more help
A significant portion of this threat is already out in the wild, and HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is one of many harmful applications in this group. Please go to our list of HackTool threats to identify a particular version and the associated eradication procedure.
How to remove HackTool:Win32/ProductKey?
To totally remove HackTool:Win32/ProductKey from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.
To remove HackTool:Win32/ProductKey from the computer, follow the guide below:
Quick Fix - Scan the PC with Combo Cleaner for Windows
Combo Cleaner is a trusted PC security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of hazardous viruses like HackTool:Win32/ProductKey through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the signature file, please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like HackTool:Win32/ProductKey, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete the HackTool:Win32/ProductKey virus, including all malicious objects from the computer.
Free features of Combo Cleaner for Windows include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus, privacy scanner, and to delete identified threats, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the virus and malicious items linked to it.
Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
Windows 10 / 11 Guide
1. Click on the Windows logo and select the Power icon when options pop up.
2. Select Restart from the options while pressing the Shift key on the keyboard.
3. Choose an Option window will appear. Select the Troubleshoot button.
4. In next window, please choose the Advanced Option.
5. On the Advanced Option window, click on Startup Settings, and then, click the Restart button to reboot the computer.
6. When Windows boots in Startup Settings, press the function key F5 or number 5 on the keyboard.
A simpler alternative for Windows 10 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.
Windows 8 Guide
1. Click the Windows Start icon in the lower left section of the screen.
2. Open the Search window and type Advanced in the field. It will open General PC Settings.
3. Click on Advanced Startup, and then click on the Restart Now button.
4. Once the computer starts in the Advanced Startup option menu, select Troubleshoot.
5. Next, click on Advanced Options to reveal the next section.
6. Click Startup settings, and then click the Restart button to boot the PC in Startup Settings.
7. Use function key F5 or number key 5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2 : Run a virus scanner
To remove HackTool:Win32/ProductKey, we suggest that you scan the infected computer with this powerful virus removal tool. It can detect and get rid of Trojans, viruses, malware, and adware from the infected computer. To fully protect the computer against HackTool:Win32/ProductKey or similar attacks, you can activate Sophos to have real-time scanning and complete defense against all forms of threats.
1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link below. Save the file on your computer where you can easily access it.
2. Once the download completes, browse the location of the file. Double-click to run the program and begin the install process.
3. On the first window of installation wizard, click Next to continue. Then, it will display the program’s License Agreement. You need to Accept the terms in order to proceed. If Windows prompts for User Account Control, please click Yes to proceed.
4. On succeeding windows, click Next or Continue to carry on with the installation. After completing the installation process, Launch Sophos Virus Removal Tool.
5. An internet connection is required when running this scanner in order to download important updates. Make sure that everything is up-to-date to effectively remove viruses like HackTool:Win32/ProductKey.
6. Click the Start Scanning button to carry out the Scan. This will check the system for the presence of malicious objects, malware, and viruses. The tool reveals items that were found linked to HackTool:Win32/ProductKey and other suspicious entities. Be sure to remove all identified threats.
After executing the above instructions, HackTool:Win32/ProductKey should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.
Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps
Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with HackTool:Win32/ProductKey. For Windows 8 and 10/11 users, please run Windows Security. Users of Windows Vista and older versions can utilize Microsoft Security Essentials to remove the HackTool:Win32/ProductKey virus.
Windows 8 / 10 / 11 Instructions:
Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove HackTool:Win32/ProductKey, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 8 or Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:
1. Tap or click the Search charm, search for Windows Security, and then open the application.
2. On the Home tab, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
3. On the main window, click on Scan Options. Then, click on Full Scan button.
4. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of HackTool:Win32/ProductKey. The process may take a while to complete.
5. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to HackTool:Win32/ProductKey or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.
How to protect the computer from HackTool:Win32/ProductKey?
The initial defense that comes to mind for any computer user is to install an anti-virus or anti-malware program. This move is sensible and probably the most practical way to protect the computer against a HackTool:Win32/ProductKey attack. Hence, keep in mind that having security software does not guarantee full protection. The majority of the prevention still lies in being cautious of users, and therefore, we are providing the following information as guidelines to protect the computer from virus infection.
Avoid Malicious Websites
There are enormous numbers of websites that were made for the primary purpose of spreading HackTool:Win32/ProductKey. Normally, these sites are involved in integrating malicious pop-up and browser hijacker, that will eventually cause further virus infections. Avoid such websites.
Ignore and Delete Phishing Emails
The mass-mailing of computer viruses gives the attackers the luxury of spreading their malicious code in just one send-off. This will arrive in the inbox as an email that appears to be from a legitimate organization. So, if you receive an unexpected email with a link or an attached file, better delete it immediately.
Do Not Click a Suspicious Link
Links from social media, forums, and blog sites are sometimes being utilized by attackers to drive web users to a malicious page that contains malicious code. Therefore, do not just click on any link, especially if it looks suspicious. Accidental access to the destination site may lead to a HackTool:Win32/ProductKey infection.
Be Careful When Downloading Files
Cracked software, serial key generators, and several freeware are seen as another method that spreads the HackTool:Win32/ProductKey virus. Avoid acquiring these types of applications, and if there is a need to download freeware or shareware, be sure to obtain it from the official website or trusted providers.
This malware just showed up on my Defender scan of a “new”/refurbished laptop I received yesterday (HackTool:Win32/ProductKey Affected items: file: C:\files\produkey-x64-produkey-x64\ProduKey.exe). Before doing anything further, I searched for how to remove this malware and found your page. I am not able to run Windows Defender in Safe Mode (Windows 10). When I open Windows Security in Safe Mode, I get “Security at a glance”, “See what’s happening with the security and health of your device and take any actions needed” but then there’s just a blank white page and no scan options. As well, my Network is not enabled in Safe Mode so I am unable to download anything in Safe Mode. How do I enable Windows Defender in Safe Mode? What are next steps for removing this malware that has been quarantined?
@K, It could be that your laptop is running pirated software. If you cannot download WD, your OS might not support it. I suggest downloading/installing Malwarebytes. Then, reboot in SafeMode and scan your computer.
If the identified file is not that important, you might just delete it, and your problems will be gone.