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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- Guide 1: How to Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan
Step 2: Uninstall Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 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.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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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 Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Telax 4.7 Banking Trojan 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.
