FastCash virus: what it is and how to remove it
FastCash virus is a malware that injects malicious code to running processes to communicate with financial services. This is a dangerous virus that already has been attacking companies on a large scale and stealing various information about people or even money from victims directly.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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FastCash virus: summary
| Name | FastCash virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Trojan |
| Related | Lazarus group; WannaCry ransomware |
| Tactics | Utilize malicious code to steal money from victims |
| Infiltration | Spear-phishing email campaigns |
| Main danger | Steals money directly from victims or collects various banking or personal credentials |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 7 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 7 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| First seen | 21 November 2018 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What FastCash virus does on an infected PC
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Typical Trojan functionality
Since this is a Trojan horse-type virus, you need to know about possible danger that may be caused by this FastCash virus.
This is a malware that mostly focuses on bigger targets like companies and businesses but there is a possibility that you as an everyday computer user may encounter this cyber threat.
You need to be aware of the main trojan virus functionalities:
You need to remove FastCash virus from the system as soon as possible. To make sure there is no harm to the system or potential danger to your privacy. You should employ a good anti-malware program for this because trojans tend to run in the background.
FastCash virus removal can be a stressful process but you need to rely on reputable tools and do not forget to clean the virus damage with repair tools like . Also, you can find a few tips provided by experts, and software suggestions down below.
- Infecting the system with other more severe malware like ransomware.
- Tracking and recording your keystrokes.
- Stealing various credentials including personal information or online banking account logins and passwords.
- Mining cryptocurrency or running other processes in the background while using the resources of your device.
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Make sure to perform FastCash virus termination using proper tools
FastCash virus is a trojan that targets large businesses and companies but it is possible that users get this virus on their personal computer too.
When it comes to businesses and organizations they need to patch vulnerabilities and do that more frequently to avoid cyber infections on the network. Also, employing cybersecurity experts can be crucial in this case.
The best tip to users is to remove FastCash virus using trustworthy anti-malware tools. A full system scan with , or allows users to clean the device thoroughly. Trojans may have installed other programs or files to keep the persistence.
Automatic FastCash virus removal should be the best option for this dangerous threat just make sure to use an official source when getting this tool. Also, to make sure this virus is completely out of the system, enter the Safe Mode before scanning the computer.
[GI=method-1]To remove FastCash virus completely, you may need to reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking. This way your antivirus program can form smoothly:
[GI=method-2]Try System Restore feature and get rid of FastCash virus by restoring the OS to a previous state:
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on FastCash virus
- Use antivirus tools to remove FastCash virus and clean the system with
- According to a trusted partner's estimation, HIDDEN COBRA actors have stolen tens of millions of dollars.
- In one incident in 2017, HIDDEN COBRA actors enabled cash to be simultaneously withdrawn from ATMs located in over 30 different countries.
- In another incident in 2018, HIDDEN COBRA actors enabled cash to be simultaneously withdrawn from ATMs in 23 different countries.
What FastCash virus can steal or download
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
FastCash virus is a malware that injects malicious code to running processes to communicate with financial services.
This is a dangerous virus that already has been attacking companies on a large scale and stealing various information about people or even money from victims directly. Once executed, the Trojan.Fastcash has a goal to communicate with financial systems that utilize the ISO8583 standard and steal money from victims this way.
This is a malware developed by a dangerous and well-known hacker group Lazarus. Recently the name of this group and the particular FastCash threat has reached headlines because of the WannaCry malware attacks all over the world and the more recent discovery of stealing money from ATMs using this particular trojan.
FastCash virus was discovered in November and not long after, the virus was reportedly used in a huge attack, in which targeted bank networks were hacked and with the help of this trojan, hackers managed to steal cash from ATMs.
The initial alert about the activity involving this trojan stated:
The switch to servers was used to run money transactions when FastCash virus turned cash withdrawal requests into approved transactions. Attackers managed to steal cash directly from the ATMs in Asia and Africa.
The main functions of Trojan.fastcash:
In this recent discovery, experts found out that FastCash virus managed to steal over 10 millions of cash and these transactions started to work back in 2016. However, Lazarus group have been active since 2014 when North-Korea-based hacker group was involved in various cybercrimes, including espionage.
- Monitoring incoming messages and responses on the financial system.
- Monitoring fraudulent transactions and preventing them from reaching the switch.
- Generating responses to redirect transaction requests and approve them.
How FastCash virus got on your PC
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Spear phishing campaigns are most often used to proliferate malware on the system of specific individual, company or even network of a business.
This campaign focuses on sending emails that redirect to a rogue website or contains a direct payload of malware.
These emails use tactics to get attention and lure people to download and open the email or attached file on the device. These emails may pose as a message from the center for missing people or even government institutions. Cybercriminals also use names of well-known companies and services to hide the malicious purpose of the email and look more legitimate.
However, the minute people willingly download the attachment or enter the provided website malware gets on the targeted device and later can spread on the network or infect the computer with more prominent malware.
You can use a firewall to block all connections from the internet and only allow services you want to. Also, make your passwords are more complex and difficult, remove devices that are unnecessary and may use the resources of your computer or be infected easily.
How to remove FastCash virus
A loader's job is to install other malware, so treat the PC as infected with more than one program until the scans are clean.
Step 1: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Programs like FastCash virus add a scheduled task so they return after an uninstall or reopen a page at every sign-in. Start Task Scheduler, open Task Scheduler Library and sort by Last Run Time to see what ran recently.
On the Actions tab, a program in a user folder, a script or a web address is a warning sign; right-click such a task and choose Delete.
Tasks with names copying Google, Edge or Windows updaters but pointing to an odd folder are typical. The tool looks the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 2: Remove it from startup
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Startup apps (Windows 11) or the Startup tab (Windows 10). Disable entries you do not recognise, especially ones with no publisher or with a name that copies a Windows component.
Right-click an entry and choose Open file location to see where it runs from: programs in
%AppData%or%Temp%deserve a closer look. Some entries are not listed there but in the registry Run keys, which the procedure below shows how to check.Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 3: Delete the folders left behind
Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.
Press Windows + R, type
%LocalAppData%and press Enter, then do the same for%AppData%and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after FastCash virus, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.Delete those folders, and check
C:\Program FilesandC:\Program Files (x86)too.If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of FastCash virus that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
FastCash virus can copy saved passwords, cookies and session tokens and send them out in seconds, so cleaning the PC does not undo the theft.
Change your passwords on a device that was never infected, starting with the e-mail account, since every other reset goes through it. On each account, end all other sessions and check the recovery e-mail, phone number and forwarding rules.
Then turn on two-step verification. Sign in on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC again only after the offline scan is clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Your passwords after FastCash virus
Removing FastCash virus does not undo what it may already have sent out while the PC showed fastCash virus in the list of installed apps.
Treat saved browser passwords and logged-in sessions on this PC as known to the attacker.
From another device, change the e-mail password first and end all its sessions. Then do the same for the bank, PayPal, Microsoft, Google and Apple accounts. Stolen session cookies keep working after a password change until you sign out everywhere.
Move crypto to a new wallet created on a clean device. A step-by-step order for every kind of account is in our guide to account security after an infection.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about FastCash virus
Can I safely uninstall FastCash virus?
If you did not install FastCash virus yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows. Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name.
Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
FastCash virus came back after I uninstalled it. Why?
Something else is reinstalling it. Common causes are a second program from the same publisher, a scheduled task that downloads it again, or a browser extension that keeps prompting for it. Sort Installed apps by install date and uninstall each entry from the same day that you did not choose.
Then open Task Scheduler and look in the Task Scheduler Library for tasks with updater-style names that you do not recognise. Check Startup apps in Task Manager too. If FastCash virus still returns, start Windows in Safe Mode, uninstall it there and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan, which looks for loaders that ordinary scans can miss.
My antivirus was on. How did a trojan get past it?
Antivirus programs see a file only when it is written or run, and criminals test each new build against popular scanners before release. Detection catches up within hours or days, which is often after the first victims ran it.
Archives with passwords, installers that fetch the malware later, and scripts run through PowerShell make the job harder. That is why behaviour such as downloading cracks or pasting commands matters more than any setting. Keep Windows and Defender updated, and turn on Reputation-based protection in App & browser control.
I found AnyDesk or ScreenConnect that I did not install. Is that FastCash virus?
Not necessarily FastCash virus, but it is a warning sign. These are legitimate remote support tools, and criminals use them as ready-made backdoors, especially after tech support scams or fake invoice calls.
If you did not install it and no one you trust set it up, uninstall it, change passwords from a clean device and check your bank account. If someone connected to your PC through it, follow the steps for remote access trojans and consider a Windows reset. Installed apps sorted by date shows when it appeared.
Should I check my other computers too?
Yes, it takes little time and removes doubt. FastCash virus itself usually stays on one PC, but the download that carried it may have been copied to other computers, shared drives may hold the same installer, and an attacker who had access could have tried saved passwords on other devices.
Run a full scan on every Windows PC in the home or office, check shared folders for the original download, and change Wi-Fi and router passwords if they were stored on the infected machine.
Should I report FastCash virus?
Report it if you lost money, if accounts were taken over, if you are a business, or if the trojan came through a scam call. A police or national cybercrime report gives you a reference number for your bank and insurer and helps link cases.
You do not need to report a trojan that antivirus blocked before it ran. Before reporting, write down the dates, the detection name, file names and any messages or transactions linked to the attack; screenshots of antivirus alerts are useful evidence. The country list is in the report section above.
Is FastCash virus a known trojan?
Not as a documented family, at least not yet. What is known is the visible sign, fastCash virus in the list of installed apps, which matches a hidden program working for someone else.
New threats are often seen by victims weeks before researchers publish anything about them. Treat FastCash virus as you would any trojan:
- remove what starts it
- run an offline scan
- change passwords from another device
If a scan reports a detection name, keep it; it usually reveals the family and whether it is known to download other malware. We update this guide when an analysis appears.
Can I keep using the PC while FastCash virus is on it?
Not for anything that matters. As long as the program behind fastCash virus in the list of installed apps runs, it can see what you type and what the browser stores, and it may download more malware. Disconnect the PC from the internet while you remove it, and do your banking, e-mail and password changes from another device.
Once the offline scan finds nothing and the sign does not return after a few restarts, normal use is fine. If the scan keeps finding new items, or you cannot remove the startup entry, a reset of Windows is the safer choice.
Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of FastCash virus?
Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see fastCash virus in the list of installed apps again. A reset is the safer choice if an attacker had remote control, if security tools were switched off, or if detections come back after every clean-up.
Windows 11 can reset itself without a USB stick under Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Copy documents and photos out first and scan the copies. A reset does not change passwords or undo stolen data, so the account steps still apply.
Will Fortect remove FastCash virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For FastCash virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Symantec: Trojan.Fastcash (read October 7, 2026)
- US-cert: Hidden Cobra-FastCash campaign (read October 7, 2026)
- Infosecurity: Lazarus group targets bank networks to rob ATMs (read October 7, 2026)
- Trendmicro: A look into the Lazarus group's operations (read October 7, 2026)
- Techtarget: Spear phishing (read October 7, 2026)