What Is Elite Keylogger?
A keylogging software program called Elite Keylogger has been released in a number of versions and is frequently tracked by malware scientists due to a high level of infections. The software is marketed online as a part of a plan to disperse it as a service for hire, comparable to RaaS plans (ransomware as a service). It aims to log keystrokes live and hence take Skype as well as various other apps and files in addition to important credentials as well as passwords from your Mac. In case you believe you have been infected by this keylogger we recommend you check out the article underneath.
Elite Keylogger Mac
Malware researchers highly suggest that users be cautious of questionable e-mails having JavaScript or fake files attached, due to the fact that this is the primary method of circulation Elite Keylogger makes use of. What the people behind this software do is they attach the dropper which looks like a legit file that is well known. This attached file may be primarily uploaded on e-mails that are spammed and have phishing characteristics, such as fake notifications from an important web site, like PayPal or similar sites.
Threat Summary
| Name | Elite Keylogger |
| Type | Keylogger |
| Short Description | Collects keystrokes, password data, Skype chat logs and other key-related information and sends it to a malicious C&C(Command and Cotnrol) server. |
| Symptoms | Suspicious processes running in the background of your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Elite Keylogger. |
The Elite Keylogger – In-Depth
Once this harmful file which is basically the loader of Elite Keylogger’s payload is triggered on the Mac it sets a payload in an obfuscated manner.
Along with this, the payload of Elite Keylogger has a number of modules, responsible for different sorts of keylogging plus other attributes, like taking screenshots and PIN and password stealer elements, much like some Trojans have. One of the functions that were implemented to the current variation of Elite Keylogger intends to tape-record Skype conversations and also track private messages. The keylogging software has a mix of various other modules to deactivate any security pop-ups throughout infection.
Moreover, the Elite Keylogger keylogger creates a file that is pre-programmed to run a component that disables the anti-virus software on your Mac.
Hereafter has been done, the Elite Keylogger malware runs a process that might show up identical to official Mac processes running on the Activity Monitor.
To take data from infected Macs, the Elite Keylogger virus makes use of the three widely known protocols for information transfer:
- SMTP.
- HTTP.
- FTP.
To transfer the logged data securely, Elite Keylogger may utilize its custom-developed file encryption cipher. After that, it sends out the information to an online FTP account which belongs to the cyber-criminals. It has the credentials of the infected Macs and keeps logs of them or uploads them to secret cloud spaces.
Elite Keylogger — How to Remove It from Mac?
Given that Elite Keylogger is extremely powerful and also very concealed from safety software, like conventional as well as widely known anti-virus programs, it is really essential to be careful what you open online. Usually, many loaders that are obfuscated and then spread malware, like this threat have been pre-programmed to be unseen from many widely known anti-virus programs throughout the infection procedure.
We have prepared the elimination guidelines listed below that will assist you to remove Elite keylogger from your Mac. However, keep in mind that it may be difficult to uninstall this malware from your computer, because of the multiple hidden data objects and components.
This is the key reason why it is suggested to download and add an innovative anti-keylogging software application that uses a non-commercial, distinct as well as special security to protect Mac from viruses, like Elite keylogger effectively. It is additionally recommended to download and run a scan with an advanced anti-malware software in combination with this to check your Mac and detect every file and module associated with this virus to remove it.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove Elite Keylogger files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Elite Keylogger, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall Elite Keylogger and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Elite Keylogger:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Elite Keylogger. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Elite Keylogger. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Elite Keylogger via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Elite Keylogger. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove Elite Keylogger – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Elite Keylogger-FAQ
What is Elite Keylogger on your Mac?
The Elite Keylogger threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like Elite Keylogger?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from Elite Keylogger?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the Elite Keylogger Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Elite Keylogger how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on Elite Keylogger?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the Elite Keylogger threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.