FBI Deletes Malware from 4,258 US Computers in Cyber Cleanup Operation

The FBI has successfully removed Chinese malware from 4,258 US-based computers and networks. This operation involved sending commands that triggered the malware’s “self-delete” function. The malware, known as PlugX, was developed by the Mustang Panda group, reportedly funded by the Chinese government. Since at least 2014, this group has targeted not only US systems but also European and Asian governments, businesses, and Chinese dissident groups. The FBI learned of a method to remotely remove the malware from a French law enforcement agency. When infected computers connect to the internet, they communicate with a command-and-control server, which can issue commands including self-deletion. This action deletes the malware application, its files, and registry keys, effectively cleaning the infected systems.

Source: arstechnica.com