A banking spyware known as Telax 4.7 has been targeting mainly users speaking Portuguese, ESG malware researchers report. Users should beware of fake email messages that may claim their PayPal account has been compromised. It is highly advisable in case you have any suspicion that you may have the banking oriented malware to use immediately a safe PC to reset your credentials and change as much financial information you can. Also, it is advisable to clean the affected computer with an advanced anti-malware tool that will eradicate it in full, instructions for which are mentioned after this article.
| Name | Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan |
| Type | Banking Malware(Trojan Horse) |
| Short Description | The trojan uses a Trojan.Downloader to initially infect the victim PC after which is being downloaded and executed to most likely steal financial data. |
| Symptoms | Primary symptoms may be disabled anvitirus as well as firewall. In some cases the user may also witness his screen glitching or refreshing while the trojan may be taking screenshots. Initial detection that may fool the user he has removed the threat is also possible. |
| Distribution Method | Via bit(.)ly redirect links advertised in spam messages over social media and email. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss about Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan. |
Telax Banking Trojan – How Is It Spread
The Trojan itself is spread primarily via emails that may be either spoof or pure spam. The tricksters operating the malicious threat have been reported to develop “soc eng” (Social Engineering) pitches and strategies promising rewards or other compensations in return for visiting a web link attached to the email. Reports indicate the Trojan may promise free licenses for paid software as well as other trials and rewards.
A malicious campaign spreading Telax has been detected in Brazil where more than 100 000 users have been affected. Read more about it:
Telax 4.7 Malware Compromises Google Cloud
Telax Banking Trojan – How Does It Work
First, the banking trojan uses a URL shortening service (bit(.)ly) to shorten its web links and, more importantly, mask the original domain name, making it difficult to track down. Once clicked on the link, it has been reported that users may experience redirects to a malicious script that is hosted on the Google`s cloud service. Note that this is particularly dangerous because users are more likely to trust something that has the google domain and click on it. What it is reported to be is a downloader for the malicious payload of the Trojan.
Once it has been visited, by a user it may begin a countdown to inject yet another redirect, however, this time with a delay. It has been reported that the malicious application of the Trojan may be spotted in either one of these two file extensions:
To further make itself, even more, trustworthy, the Trojan may carry a name that is the same as a legitimate, respectable and safe app. The web links to this trojan are mostly being sent out to users who are active on the social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
What is more, users who would like to have a free license of a product, should not trust spam messages with bit(.)ly shortened web links in them, because they may be tricked to open the trojan`s executable.
Once activated, the Trojan.Downloader downloaded from the Google Cloud may establish an active HTTP session and download the exe of Telax banking malware itself and most likely several other tools such as cryptors to keep it concealed by anti-spyware software.
Researchers claim that the Telax Trojan threat is the perfect example of a sophisticated intrusion that may also have encrypted data transfer with its C&C(Command and Control) server or servers. Furthermore, it may have the ability to support 32 as well as 64-bit systems. Furthermore, Telax has tools to hack past more sophisticated authentication.
What is more, this trojan is packed with a malicious code which is injected into the legit vbe.exe process that is running actively on the affected system. Further more the Trojan may have the ability to install rootkit components. But that is not all – it also has a legitimate SQL based DLL “in store” that contains a 64-bit copy of itself. As soon as this rootkit component is installed, Telax may report to the control server that the infiltration of the system has been conducted successfully also including extensive information about the computer, more particularly information that may assist the hacker to conceal the Trojan for as long as possible.
The abilities of this Trojan may be many. From transferring information live about what the user inputs when using online banking to taking screenshots of the PC on demand.
Cyber-criminals have become increasingly smarter, using Trojan.Downloader type of malware that may also collect information and disable PC security before an actual infection takes place. They have also improved their online social engineering skills, using reputable websites such as PayPal, eBay or others as a from to their spam mails. Users should be educated always to double check a web link on a computer where they store their important data or to only use such a computer for online banking and nothing else. Also, it is important to bear in mind that the home network of the user has to be more secure in order to prevent such intrusions in the first place. For that is required to have an advanced anti-malware software that will secure each machine and stop a threat from intruding, not to mention spreading over the network. The usage of email clients that contain spam blocking tools is also advisable.
Removing Telax Banking Trojan Completely
To be rid of this trojan, it is highly recommended to guide yourself by the step-by-step removal manual outlined after this article. It is also important to have an anti-malware scanner that should be regularly updated with definitions against the Telax Banking Trojan.
1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Òhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan.
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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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.
3. Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan associated files automatically.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 ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.
Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
4. Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan with STOPZilla AntiMalware
1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan associated files completely.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.
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.
5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:
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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan.
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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan.
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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan should be restored.
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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Preparation before removing Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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.Step 3: Find virus files created by Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan FAQ
What Does Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan Trojan Do?
The Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan?
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 trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.