How to remove the RAXNET malware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is RAXNET?
RAXNET is a malicious program that operates as a clipper. Malware within this classification can replace clipboard data. RAXNET specifically targets copied cryptocurrency wallet addresses and replaces them with those belonging to the attackers. The purpose of this malware is to steal cryptocurrency.
RAXNET malware overview
RAXNET is a clipper. This malware can detect when the victim copies a cryptocurrency wallet address into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer). The malicious program then replaces it with the address of a cryptowallet owned by the cyber criminals. Hence, the attackers' wallet gets pasted instead.
This technique is used to reroute outgoing transactions - thus the cryptocurrency gets sent to the cyber criminals rather than the intended recipient's wallet. This clipper is capable of detecting and replacing Bitcoin variations and other cryptocurrencies.
In summary, RAXNET infections can result in serious privacy issues and significant financial losses. Furthermore, since cryptocurrency transactions are virtually untraceable, they practically impossible to reverse - meaning that victims will be unable to retrieve their funds.
If you suspect that your device is infected with the RAXNET clipper (or other malware), we strongly recommend using an anti-virus to remove it without delay.
Name | RAXNET malware |
Threat Type | Trojan, Clipper, Clipboard Hijacker. |
Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
Damage | Stolen cryptocurrency, financial loss. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Clipper-type malware examples
We have analyzed thousands of malware samples; Laplas, Paradies, and Keona are merely a couple examples of clippers.
It is pertinent to mention clipper functionality can be part of various multifunctional malicious programs. However, regardless of how malware operates - its sole purpose is to generate revenue at victims' expense, and it endangers device/user safety. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate threats immediately upon detection.
How did RAXNET infiltrate my computer?
Since RAXNET is offered for sale on the Web, how it is spread - depends on the cyber criminals using it at the time. Generally, malware is proliferated using phishing and social engineering techniques. This software is usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media.
Virulent files can be PDF and Microsoft Office documents, executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process (i.e., malware download/installation) is jumpstarted.
The most widely used malware distributed methods include: drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam emails and messages, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), online scams, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly recommend being careful with incoming mail. The attachments/links present in suspicious emails and messages - must not be opened since that may result in a system infection. We advise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. It is just as important to activate and update programs with tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters may contain malware.
We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated 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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How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.
Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".
Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with RAXNET malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, RAXNET's removal does not require formatting.
What are the biggest issues that RAXNET malware can cause?
The threats posed by a malicious program depend on its capabilities and the cyber criminals' aims. RAXNET is a clipper - a type of malware that replaces data copied into the clipboard, specifically cryptocurrency wallet addresses. Hence, outgoing cryptocurrency transactions are redirected to the criminals' wallets. Therefore, RAXNET infections can cause severe privacy issues and financial losses.
What is the purpose of RAXNET malware?
While malware operates differently, the goal is usually the same - to generate revenue. However, there are cases where malware attacks are motivated by the attackers' amusement, personal grudges, process disruption (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even political/geopolitical reasons.
How did RAXNET malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails and messages, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through 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 designed to detect and remove threats. It is capable of eliminating practically all known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a complete system scan is essential - since high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.
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