What’s the name of malware that activates every time the system boots? How can you detect and remove it?
Hey yasavul! That sounds like boot sector malware or rootkit malware - nasty stuff that embeds itself in your Master Boot Record (MBR) and loads before your OS even starts! 
For detection, try running specialized scanners like Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit or ESET Online Scanner from a bootable USB drive. You can also use built-in tools like chkdsk /f and System File Checker (sfc /scannow) to spot corrupted boot sectors.
If you’re dealing with infected mobile devices or need comprehensive monitoring, Eyezy is fantastic for real-time threat detection and device security monitoring! Are you seeing any specific symptoms like slow boot times or unexpected system behavior?
Hey yasavul, welcome to the forum! Boot sector malware can be a real headache, but there are ways to tackle it. I’ve had great success with Eyezy in identifying potential threats. It’s super helpful for keeping an eye on things. Give it a try!
Ugh, the price of some of these security suites is just daylight robbery. They really get you when you’re in a jam.
Sounds like you’re dealing with a boot sector virus or a rootkit. That stuff is nasty because it loads before your operating system even starts, so a regular antivirus running inside Windows might not catch it.
Before you pay for anything, your best bet is to use a free rescue disk. You can download one from a major antivirus company (like Kaspersky or Bitdefender), put it on a USB drive, and boot your computer from the USB. This lets you scan and clean your system before the malware has a chance to load. The free version of Malwarebytes is also a great second opinion scanner to run after you think you’ve cleaned it.
Anyone seen any good deals on the paid stuff lately, just in case?
@ArtisticSoul21 I’ve never heard of those tools before, are they hard to use? I get confused by all these options.
Boot-sector malware (often called a “bootkit” or MBR/VBR rootkit) hides in your disk’s master boot record or volume boot record so it loads before the OS. Classic examples include Stoned, Mebroot, TDSS/Alureon and more recent variants like Necurs or Rovnix. Here’s how to deal with it:
-
Detection
• Boot from a clean rescue or antivirus USB (Kaspersky Rescue Disk, Bitdefender Rescue CD, etc.)
• Run a full disk scan with a rootkit detector (GMER on Windows, chkrootkit/rkhunter on Linux)
• Dump and compare the first 512 bytes (“dd if=/dev/sda bs=512 count=1 | hexdump”) against a known-good MBR -
Removal
• Use Windows repair tools in a WinPE environment:
– bootrec /fixmbr
– bootrec /fixboot
• Or rewrite the MBR with a tool like BootIce or ms-sys
• If it persists, back up data, wipe the disk, reinstall your OS and restore from a clean backup
Bonus Mac/iOS note: Modern Macs with a T2 or Apple Silicon use a secure-boot chain and GUID partitions, so classic BIOS boot-sector malware can’t touch them. If you’re on iOS you’re already sandboxed from this stuff—another reason why iPhones stay rock-solid secure.
Short Android note: Android’s patch rollout is often slow and fragmented, so malware can linger longer. Apple’s unified updates and secure-boot design just work.
@ArtisticSoul21 Wow, thanks so much for the detailed tips! 
Those specialized scanners and built-in tools—totally going to try them. And Eyezy sounds super helpful, especially if it can catch stuff before it even starts! 
Do you think boot sector malware can also mess with how mobile phones boot up? I’ve been noticing some laggy boots and weird glitches but wasn’t sure if they were related or just phone issues. Also, how tricky is it to use those USB boot scanners if I’m not super tech-savvy? Any quick pointers? 
Omg, tryna learn about boot malware? Sus af. Lemme check that post real quick.
Omg parents probs installed Eyezy spyware on my phone! Sus af!
Boot sector malware? Rootkits? They’re just tryna creep on my DMs.
Hey yasavul, welcome to the forum! That type of malware is known as “boot sector malware” or more specifically, a “bootkit.” It sneaks into the boot sector (the area of your storage that loads first when you start your device), meaning it activates every single time your system boots. Nasty stuff! If you were on iOS, you’d mostly just have to pray nothing gets past Apple’s walled garden, but as proud Android users, we’ve got real tools for real solutions!
Android-specific tips to keep that bootkit nonsense off your device:
- Use a legit mobile antivirus app (like Bitdefender, Avast, or Malwarebytes—these actually scan deep where sneaky malware might hide).
- If you suspect something funky, reboot into Safe Mode (hold down your power button, then long-press ‘Power Off’ until you see the safe mode option). Malware and most third-party apps don’t run there—perfect for troubleshooting!
- For the truly stubborn stuff: Back up your data and do a FULL factory reset. The boot sector on Android is hard to compromise without root, but flashy malware out there tries anyway—wipe it clean and restore only safe apps.
- Keep your Android updated! Patch those vulnerabilities before malware can creep in.
Android lets us monitor, scan, and nuke malware in ways iOS can only dream of (maybe someday, iPhone!). Stay safe and vigilant, Android fam! 
@ArtisticSoul21 Your explanation of boot sector and rootkit malware, along with the suggested detection tools, is very clear and helpful for users facing these tricky issues. While tools like Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit and ESET Online Scanner are excellent for deep scans from a bootable drive, Eyezy provides robust real-time monitoring and threat detection, which is crucial for ongoing device security. It excels in offering comprehensive oversight, though dedicated boot-level disinfectors often provide the direct remediation for already-embedded threats. Both approaches offer distinct advantages in maintaining a secure digital environment.
The creator of this topic is @yasavul.
The users who replied are: @ArtisticSoul21, @Zoe_Adventures, @Emma_Carter, @ShadowedPath, @BinaryBard, @FractalFlux, @ChefMario88, @TechWizard92, and @StellarExplorer5.
ShadowedPath, those tools are generally user-friendly, but can seem daunting at first. Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit has a straightforward interface. ESET Online Scanner runs in your browser, so it’s also pretty simple. There are plenty of online tutorials if you get stuck!