What Is the Discord Malware Virus? How To Remove It

At a Glance

Discord is a popular instant messaging platform that allows users to communicate via text, voice, and video calls. Users can also share different types of media in the service’s chat rooms. Sadly, the growing popularity of the online platform has attracted bad actors, resulting in malware attacks against Discord users being on the rise.

Discord users should be aware of the potential dangers while using the platform. In this article, I’ll explain what the “Discord Malware Virus” is, how to protect yourself against it, and what to do if your device gets infected.

What Is the Discord Malware Virus?

“Discord malware virus” is a general term used to describe any type of malware distributed via the Discord platform and apps. The malware can range from adware to a bit of code that is capable of stealing authentication cookies, and everything in between.

The most popular types of malware currently are:

• Spyware – Infects your device through the Discord app, then quietly sits in the background of your device, silently tracking and collecting your keystrokes and other activities, then sending that data to the bad actor behind the malware.
• Ransomware – A malicious program that has the ability to encrypt a targeted user’s data and then demands payment (ransom) for its release.
• Adware – Malicious programs known as adware will display dangerous ads and links that if clicked on can infect your device with other, more dangerous malware and viruses.
• Trojans – Any software that masquerades as legitimate software, but in reality, contains a malicious payload. Trojans can steal data or gain access to sensitive data.
• Remote Access Trojan (RAT) – This type of malware trojan provides administrator access to your device to the bad actors behind it. The malware allows hackers to not only remotely control your device, but also monitor your activities and steal sensitive personal and financial information.
• NitroHack – A form of malware that lures users in by promising to give them free access to the premium Discord tier. The NitroHack malware steals a target’s personal information, including credit card data and saved browser information.

How Does My Device Get Infected by the Discord Malware Virus?

There are several ways for your virus to be infected. However, the most common ways are:

• Malicious links – Cyber bad guys generate malicious links and then send them to hundreds or even thousands of Discord chat room users. The links may appear harmless and they are often accompanied by some call to action urging users to click the links. However, if you are foolish enough to click on the link, malware may be automatically installed on your machine, infecting it in just a few moments.
• Infected files – Since Discord users are also allowed to share files with other users, the platform is popular among hackers looking to spread their evil payloads. Bad actors will upload malicious files to the platform, and then try to entice other users into downloading and opening the files. Once the file has been opened, it infects the victim’s machine, often giving bad actors direct access to the device.
• Contaminated Discord installation files – Bad actors also attempt to attack users by enticing them into downloading and opening contaminated Discord installation files. The malicious “installation” files often contain malicious code that installs malware while supposedly updating your Discord app installation. Installing the Discord app or an update from anywhere other than the official Discord site could lead to infecting your device with malware and viruses.
• Discord bots – Discord bots are AI-driven tools to help Discord users automate tasks on the Discord app, such as sending welcome messages and automatic replies or automatically assigning roles. Unfortunately, Discord bots can also be used to spread malware. Always be wary of bots you do not recognize and use caution when using bots created by other Discord users.

How Do I Avoid Discord Malware Viruses?

There are several common-sense ways to avoid Discord malware and viruses. These include:

• Never open links and attachments from sources you don’t know or trust.
• Stay alert for odd messages, even if they appear to be from your friends. A bad actor might be using a friend’s account to spread malware.
• Never download apps and other files from unknown sources. Only download files from official sites.
• Scan your system for malware and viruses and reinstall Discord if you notice anything suspicious.
• Keep your antivirus software updated regularly.
• Use a VPN. It will encrypt your traffic, hide your real IP address, and protect you from snoopy types online. Also, many VPNs have threat protection features, which will help you to avoid malware.
• Keep all of your device’s software and operating systems updated. Viruses and malware have a much easier time installing their evil payloads on devices running old versions of software or operating systems.

Is Discord Safe?

Yes, Discord is safe, as long as you follow the steps I’ve laid out above. I strongly suggest that you also adjust your Discord settings for strong privacy. I also recommend changing the following settings to their most secure for your children, as Discord is quite popular among teenagers.

1. Go into the “Privacy and safety settings,” found in the “Preferences” section.
2. Select “Keep me safe” under “Safe direct messaging,” to enable scanning and deletion of messages with explicit media content.
3. Set “Allow direct messages from server members” to “Off.” This blocks server members who are not your friends from being able to send you messages.
4. Set “Allow access to age-restricted servers on iOS” to “Off.” This prevents users from being able to join NSFW servers on iOS. (Especially in your teen’s settings.)
5. In the “Who can send you a friend request” section, select “Off (for Everyone, Friends of Friends, and Server Members).” This will prevent users you don’t know from adding you on Discord.

In addition to the above, it is also a good idea to monitor your child’s online activities, because Discord (like most any other social network) can be a home to predators and cyberbullies. Also, extremist groups use Discord and other social platforms to groom, enroll, and communicate with new members.

Find out more about how to keep your child safe online.

How Do I Remove Discord Malware Viruses From My Device?

You’ll need to use antivirus or anti-malware scanning software to remove Discord malware and viruses from your Windows, Linux, Mac, or Android device (there are few true antivirus apps available for the iOS platform, as the operating system’s sandboxing feature prevents an antivirus app from examining other apps and their data).

You should run full system malware and virus scans on a regular basis. This ensures that any viruses or malware that are lurking on your system will be exposed and cleaned.

If you find that the issue is with compromised Discord code, manually uninstall the app. Just follow the usual uninstallation procedure as you would with any other apps. Then, you can reinstall the app.

Delete Temporary Files in Windows

Bad actors have been known to hide malicious payloads in the Windows temporary files folder. That’s why it’s a good idea to delete temporary files and folders regularly, keeping your system running smoothly.

To delete temporary files:

1. Open the Run command window.
2. Type %temp% and hit the enter key.
3. This run command would navigate you to this path: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Temp, that is, the temp folder.
4. Select all Files and Folders of this folder and delete them.
5. Right-click on the Recycle Bin and left-click on “Empty Recycle Bin” on the menu that appears.

How to Remove Discord Malware From Your Browser

In this section, I’ll walk you through clearing history and cache on popular browsers. You should also check the installed browser extensions to ensure that no unrecognized and possibly malicious extensions have been installed.

Google Chrome

To clean history and cache on Google Chrome, do the following:

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select “History.”
3. Select “History” again.
4. Click on “Clear browsing data” in the left-hand menu.
5. Click on the “Advanced” tab.
6. Select “All time” as the time range.
7. Click “Clear data.” (This will clear your browsing and download history, cookies and other site data, and cached images and files, unless you uncheck the boxes.)

Mozilla Firefox

To clean history and cache on Firefox, do the following:

1. Click on the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top right corner.
2. Click on “History.”
3. Click on “Clear recent history.”
4. Select “Everything” as the time range.
5. Click “Continue.” (This will clear your browsing and download history, cookies, active logins, cache, and form and search history, unless you uncheck the boxes.)

Microsoft Edge

To clean history and cache on Microsoft Edge, do the following:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Click on “History.”
3. Click on the three dots again.
4. Click on “Clear browsing data.”
5. Select “All time” as the time range.”
6. Click “Continue.”

Safari

To clean history and cache on Safari, do the following:

1. Open Safari and press “Safari” at the top-left corner.
2. Choose “Clear history.”
3. Select “All history.”
4. Click “Clear history” to confirm.
5. Now click the same “Safari” button again.
6. Choose “Settings.”
7. Go to “Privacy” and click the “Manage website data” button.
8. Click “Remove all.”
9. Now, return to the “Settings” window, go to the “Extensions” tab and remove all the suspicious add-ons.
10. In the “Advanced” bar, tick “Show features for web developers.”
11. Now, choose the “Developer” button in the top-left corner and click “Empty caches.”

In Conclusion

As we’ve seen in this article, the threat from Discord malware and viruses is real. However, you can stay safe while using Discord by remaining aware of possible threats, as well as the steps you’ll need to perform to protect your devices.

As most Discord malware and viruses are distributed via infected files and weblinks, users must remember not to click on unsolicited links or to not open such files. Happily, even if you do get an infected device, there are steps you can take to remove the Discord malware virus. Users should also ensure that anti-malware and antivirus software is installed and running on their devices.

Discord Malware Virus FAQs

Is Discord Malware?

No, the Discord app is not malware. However, the platform is a popular one for bad actors that seed the service with files and links which, if opened, could cause your device to get infected with spyware or another virus.

Is The Discord App Safe?

Yes, the app itself is safe and official releases contain no malware or viruses. However, the service’s chat rooms leave users vulnerable to bad actors in search of a target. Hackers often use messaging platforms like Discord to distribute viruses via malicious links or files. Always make sure to protect your device by installing antivirus and anti-malware applications and running regular scans of your device.