Malware researchers have discovered a new banking Trojan, dubbed by the weird name Scylex. It has been advertised at this present moment on the DarkWeb forums, but the malware has not yet been seen in action. Scylex is reported by Heimdal researchers to be advertised as a new form of threat that is created with a code like no other on the web, which is particularly dangerous, because if this virus is already released it may have caused numerous infections on institutions worldwide.
For those who are not familiar, banking Trojans, like Scylex exhibit a botnet-like behavior in combination with information stealing mechanisms to steal financial details from infected computers.
Threat Summary
| Name |
Scylex |
| Type | Banking Trojan |
| Short Description | The Scrylex trojan steals financial information from compromised computers. |
| Symptoms | Phishing pages, unfamiliar processes, weird behavior on system startup. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, JavaScript, other malware or PUPs., rootkit. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Scylex Banking Trojan. |
Scylex – Potential Ways of Distribution
There are several methods by which Scylex banking Trojan can spread all over the web. One of these methods is by spam e-mail. The malware may exist uploaded online in malicious URLs that can be posted in the body of the e-mail, like the example picture below:
It may also exist in malicious e-mail attachments that can cause PC infection by having users download and open them by themselves on their computers, believing they are legitimate documents, like PDF or Microsoft Office files.
Scylex – More Information About it
Experts at Heimdal Security and CSIS Security Group have also discovered that the price of Scylex on the dark web is not a small one. The virus starts with the basics at $7,500. Ever since the Zeus project has been released, most banking Trojans have taken its source code and modified it to sell cloned malware on the deep web.
This is why, experts at Softpedia believe that the people behind Scylex banking Trojan use this fact as a marketing tool to advertise a virus that is completely new and has nothing to do with clones that may be detected more by antivirus software.
The kit, sold by the cyber-criminals in the deep web is not limited to the malware piece itself. It also involves a rootkit malware, data stealers from online forums and also injectors. For additional security, experts report that this virus also includes a special proxy which can operate even when the connection is very slow and the user does not have an administrator access on the affected computer.
Not only this, but If the one who buys the malware wishes to pay extra, they should receive a free “customer support” to use such proxies, according to researchers.
There were also other features of this virus that have been reported to exist, like the newly seen feature for Trojans to use Virtual Networks, giving the cyber-criminal customers extra security by allowing them to infect computers from virtual machines.
Scylex Trojan has the capability to include limitless features in it as well. The blackhats behind it also promise to include other modules in the virus:
- Powerful “Spreading” features.
- Compatibility with Microsoft Edge and Opera web browsers.
- Financial transaction support features.
Scylex Banking Trojan – Conclusion, Removal and Protection
The cyber-criminals behind Scylex Trojan are also reported to be working on other malware as well. Softpedia researchers report that they are also developing a powerful DDoS tools. With having everything saved online nowadays, malware analysts are concerned that malware has become a lucrative business for those who wish to use it for profit via cyber-crime. This is why they strongly advise users to have the necessary protection against it at all times.
We advise checking for Scylex banking trojan by using the instructions below and scanning it with an advanced anti-malware software, which will also help you stay protected in the future as well with its real-time shield.
Automatically remove Scylex by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
Remove Scylex with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Scylex.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Scylex.It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Scylex files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .
To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Scylex.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Scylex.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Scylex is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Scylex should be restored.
Remove Scylex Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Scylex associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Scylex from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Scylex from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Scylex from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Scylex from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Scylex from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Scylex from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Scylex from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Scylex from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Scylex
Step 2: Uninstall Scylex and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Scylex on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Scylex there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Scylex from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Scylex 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:
- 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 Scylex 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:
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 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Scylex from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Scylex from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Scylex from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Scylex from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Scylex will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Scylex from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
