Secure VPN and alleged Torrent download

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Hi All, I use Norton 360 Deluxe on a Windows 11 system and have had problems with malware in the past. I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled Windows 11. I recently received suspicious messaged from Norton 360 saying that my Secure VPN cannot be activated due to an active torrent connection. However, I do not use such a torrent software. How should I interpret this message? Have I possibly been infected with new malware? How can I identify the software that is causing this message? Any idea? Thanks!!! Kindest regards Atlantic

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 atlantic:
I use Norton 360 Deluxe on a Windows 11 system and have had problems with malware in the past. I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled Windows 11. I recently received suspicious messaged from Norton 360 saying that my Secure VPN cannot be activated due to an active torrent connection. However, I do not use such a torrent software. How should I interpret this message? Have I possibly been infected with new malware? How can I identify the software that is causing this message? 

My Backups might be compromised.

Intervention required
Secure VPN cannot connect because a torrent app is running. Close your torrent app to use Secure VPN.

and you've not installed Norton standalone Secure VPN?
Message: "Warning: Torrent Traffic Active"
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v120313759
Note: Norton documentation does not annotate Norton 360 Secure VPN vs Norton standalone Secure VPN. 

What did you install after W11 clean install?
Is your "Backup Media (HDD)" connected to your W11 machine?

Might have been interesting...had you asked for help over on Malwarebytes Malware Removal Help Forums before wiping W11 hard drive.
If you're still seeing "Intervention required"..."torrent app is running"? and you do not run any peer-to-peer program. 

~ ask Malwarebytes Malware Removal Help Forums to check your machine ~
Malwarebytes Malware Removal Help Forums
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/forum/108-malware-removal-help/

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@SoulAsylum:

The requested screenshot. Language: German

@bjm_

a) I run Norton 360 Deluxe with VPN included on Windows and Mac, *no* standalone VPN! The message appeared on a Windows 11 System.

b) I didn't download any torrent application, but had severe Malware Problems due to an elaborate cyber-attack.

c) I also used Malwarebytes and Kaspersky Rescue Tool (Live CD) to check my Computer and Backup Media (HDD)

In the meanwhile, I decided to delete my Windows Computer and reinstall Windows with a clean Installation medium.

My Backups might be compromised. I run Kaspersky-RT on my external HDD Backup media.

*What else can I do to prevent reinfection?*

Kindes regards,

Atlantic

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Hello. A screenshot of the notification you are seeing would be helpful to review. We are just guessing otherwise what the issue could possibly be. Here is how to post a screenshot into the forums reply:

https://community.norton.com/en/forums/how-post-image-forums-0

SA

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Hello @atlantic
Welcome to Norton Community

atlantic:
I recently received suspicious messaged from Norton 360 saying that my Secure VPN cannot be activated due to an active torrent connection. 

Do you run Norton 360 Secure VPN?   
Do you run Norton stand-alone Secure VPN?
~ this the message?
Message: "Warning: Torrent Traffic Active"
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v120313759 06-Sep-2023

atlantic:
However, I do not use such a torrent software.

Do you run any peer-to-peer program?
Did you run Norton Full Scan & Malwarebytes Threat Scan?
Any recent updates/installs - program or browser extension? 

Torrent App prohibiting VPN to turn on
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/torrent-app-prohibiting-vpn-turn-0 15-Feb-2024

Norton VPN will not function while uTorrent is running
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/norton-vpn-will-not-function-while-utorrent-running  02-Apr-2022

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