How to remove SteelFox Trojan

What is SteelFox Trojan

SteelFox Trojan is a sophisticated piece of malware that operates as a bundle with primary components including a data stealer and a cryptocurrency miner. It infiltrates systems under the guise of illegal software activation tools, commonly known as “cracks,” deceiving users into installing it themselves. Once inside, the Trojan unleashes its payload by injecting malicious code, escalating privileges, and evading detection by monitoring running processes and avoiding those associated with antivirus software. SteelFox ensures its persistence by auto-starting with each system reboot and exploiting the Microsoft AppInfo service for elevated privileges. Its data-stealing capabilities target sensitive information ranging from system details to user accounts and financial credentials. The cryptominer component, identified as part of the XMRIG malware, exploits system resources to generate cryptocurrency, potentially leading to system overheating and hardware damage. The presence of SteelFox on a device can result in decreased performance, data loss, severe privacy issues, and even financial losses due to identity theft.

How SteelFox Trojan infected your system

The SteelFox Trojan is a sophisticated piece of malware that primarily infiltrates computers by masquerading as “cracked” versions of legitimate software. Users inadvertently install SteelFox while attempting to download pirated programs promoted through torrent sites, forum posts, and blogs. Once downloaded, the seemingly functional software executes its malicious payload by unpacking files and injecting harmful code into the system. SteelFox employs a sophisticated infection chain that involves privilege escalation through vulnerable drivers, allowing it to evade detection by disabling antivirus processes and debugging software. Additionally, the Trojan uses persistence mechanisms by auto-starting after reboots and integrating itself into system services, making it challenging to remove. This malware also spreads through other common methods like phishing emails, malicious online advertisements, and social engineering tactics, broadening its reach and increasing the risk of infection.

1. Download SteelFox Trojan Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove SteelFox Trojan
3. Use Autoruns to remove SteelFox Trojan
4. Files, folders and registry keys of SteelFox Trojan
5. Other aliases of SteelFox Trojan
6. How to protect from threats, like SteelFox Trojan

Remove SteelFox Trojan manually

Manual removal of SteelFox Trojan by inexperienced users may become a difficult task because it does not create entries in Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel, does not install browser extensions, and uses random file names. However, there are pre-installed instruments in the Windows system, that allow you to detect and remove malware without using third-party applications. One of them is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It comes with Windows Update in Windows 11, 10, 8. 8.1. For older operating system you can download it here: 64-bit version | 32-bit version.

Remove SteelFox Trojan using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Type mrt in the search box near Start Menu.
2. Run mrt clicking on found item.
3. Click Next button.
4. Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
5. Click Next button.
6. Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
7. Click Finish button.

Remove SteelFox Trojan using Autoruns

SteelFox Trojan often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.

1. Download Autoruns using this link.
2. Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
3. In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
4. Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like: C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
5. Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
6. Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
7. To remove files themselves, click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry…. Remove files or registry keys found.

Remove files, folder and registry keys of SteelFox Trojan

SteelFox Trojan files and folders


{randomname}.exe


SteelFox Trojan registry keys


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Aliases of SteelFox Trojan

How to protect from threats, like SteelFox Trojan, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove SteelFox Trojan. However, if you got infected with SteelFox Trojan with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from SteelFox Trojan on all levels (browser, e-mail attachments, Word or Excel scripts, file system) we recommend a leading provider of internet security solutions – BitDefender. Its solutions both for home and business users proved to be one of the most advanced and effective. Choose and get your BitDefender protection via the button below:

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