Removal instructions for the Strongix.exe malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Strongix.exe?
Strongix.exe is a piece of malicious software, which our research team discovered while looking through fake "cracked" software download sites. This malware operates by force-opening various untrustworthy and malicious websites. It is not unlikely that Strongix.exe has additional harmful abilities as well.
Strongix.exe malware overview
Software like Strongix.exe usually force-opens questionable (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.) and deceptive (e.g., fake virus and outdated software warnings, bogus lotteries and giveaways, phishing, etc.) websites. It can also cause redirects to sites that promote adware, browser hijackers, fake anti-viruses, PUAs, and even malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
As mentioned in the introduction, Strongix.exe may have additional functionalities. In many cases, malware has varied abilities in different combinations. Furthermore, some malware developers continuously update their creations.
The most popular malicious software functions include: data tracking and extraction, file exfiltration, additional malware download/installation, spying (e.g., recording keystrokes [keylogging], audio/video via microphones and cameras, etc.), encrypting data and/or locking the device's screen to make ransom demands, abusing system resources to mine cryptocurrency, replacing clipboard (copy-paste buffer) data, and so on.
It is noteworthy that the installer carrying Strongix.exe which we inspected - also contained other harmful software. Hence, victims of Strongix.exe may also experience undesirable/scam advertisements (adware), redirects to fake search engines (browser hijackers), or other unauthorized activity.
In summary, software like Strongix.exe may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft. If you suspect that your system is already infected with Strongix.exe, we highly recommend using an anti-virus to remove it immediately.
| Name | Strongix.exe virus |
| Threat Type | Malware, Unwanted redirects, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Detection Names (installer) | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Jaik.49613), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Fsysna.ieps), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.TE.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Strongix.exe) | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.49027000), ESET-NOD32 ( A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HPPH), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.Win32.Stealer.gen), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | strongix.exe |
| Symptoms | Unprompted redirects to suspicious and potentially malicious sites. |
| Distribution Methods | 'Cracked' software installers, infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar malware examples
We have analyzed thousands of malicious programs. Words and Dllhost.exe malware are a couple we found recently, which operate nearly identically to Strongix.exe.
It must be emphasized that regardless of how malware operates, its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated without delay.
How did Strongix.exe install on my computer?
We downloaded Strongix.exe installation setup from a website offering fake "cracked" software downloads. However, it is likely that this malicious program is proliferated using other methods as well.
The most common malware proliferation techniques include: drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments and links in spam emails and messages, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, and malvertising.
Malicious files can be in various formats, e.g., PDF and Microsoft Office documents, archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Once such a file is opened - the infection chain is triggered.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise downloading only from official and verified sources. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated with tools provided by genuine developers - since those acquired from third-parties may contain malware.
We advise against opening the attachments and links found in suspicious/irrelevant emails and messages, as that can result in a system infection.
It is crucial to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If your computer is already infected with Strongix.exe, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this malware.
Screenshot of Strongix.exe malware's process on Windows Task Manager ("strongix.exe" - process name):
Screenshot of the fake "cracked" software download website used to promote Strongix.exe malware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Strongix.exe?
- STEP 1. Uninstall malicious Strongix.exe application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove unwanted ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove unwanted extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Strongix.exe malware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious applications, and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Strongix.exe did not install any browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the strongix.exe virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with strongix.exe virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the strongix.exe virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with Strongix.exe malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Strongix.exe removal does not necessitate formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Strongix.exe malware can cause?
What dangers a malicious program poses depends on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' aims. Strongix.exe is designed to force-open dubious and malicious websites. In general, malware infections can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
What is the purpose of Strongix.exe malware?
Cyber criminals usually employ malware to generate profit. However, malicious software can also be used for amusement or to disrupt specific processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, institutions, etc.). Reasons behind malware attacks can be personal grudges and politically/geopolitically motivations as well.
How did Strongix.exe malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily proliferated through drive-by downloads, online scams, spam mail, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It has to be stressed that high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems - therefore, performing a full system scan is paramount.
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