Regin: what it is and how to remove it

Regin virus is a multi-stage malware program designed to open a backdoor on the infected system in order to steal and deliver various information. It is an extremely sophisticated, multi-modular threat that is capable of taking over the host machines and the connected networks, and performing such actions like taking screenshots, controlling the mouse, stealing MS exchange emails, keylogging, controlling GSM networks, stealing files, etc.

Facts checked October 6, 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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Regin: virus malware advanced persistence threat
Regin as our 2020 report showed it.

Regin: summary

NameRegin
Also known asQWERTY, Prax
TypeBackdoor, remote access Trojan (RAT), Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
FunctionalityTakes screenshots, seals files, monitors traffic, reads emails, performs keylogging activities, etc.
Attacked countriesAlgeria, Afghanistan, Belgium, Brazil, Fiji, Germany, Iran, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Syria
DeveloperSome secret documents published by Edward Snowden in 2013 hinted that the malware is developed and utilized by National Security Agency (NSA)
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
SymptomsRegin is extremely stealthy malware that does not leave much footprints, and only sophisticated security solutions can detect it
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
DistributionNot recorded in the old report
DamageNot recorded in the old report
Evidence5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
First seen10 January 2020
Facts checked6 October 2026

What Regin does on an infected PC

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

Malware infection routine and avoidance tips

Just like trojans, rogue anti-spyware, and other malware, Regin trojan uses stealth techniques to infiltrate its targets.

Nevertheless, because the malware is extremely sophisticated and used for international intelligence gathering, it is highly likely that it is deployed with the help of targeted attacks. The virus uses multi-stage infection methods to avoid detection during infiltration. Nevertheless, the most advanced anti-malware software should be able to detect and remove malware from the computer.

Security experts also recommend practice the following precautionary measures in order to avoid Advanced Persistent Treats in the future:

  • Use next-gen anti-malware software that uses machine learning and other advanced malware detection technologies;
  • Only provide administrator-level privileges to applications that are secure and trusted;
  • Secure all the accounts and RDP connections with comprehensive passwords or use a password manager;
  • Do not open email attachments that contain file types common used in malware distribution, such as .vbs, .exe, .bat, .scr, .doc, and others;
  • Turn off file sharing feature;
  • Update all the applications as well as the operating system as require - do not postpone the updates;
  • Enable firewall that would block all the network intrusions;
  • Do not launch software executables unless that have been checked by anti-malware software or tools like Virus Total.

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

Regin malware is a Trojan developed by National Security Agency to gather intelligence information on targeted Windows machines

Regin virus is a multi-stage malware program designed to open a backdoor on the infected system in order to steal and deliver various information.

It is an extremely sophisticated, multi-modular threat that is capable of taking over the host machines and the connected networks, and performing such actions like taking screenshots, controlling the mouse, stealing MS exchange emails, keylogging, controlling GSM networks, stealing files, etc. Regin was named by various security researchers as one of the most advanced Trojans that surpass such sophisticated threats like Turla.

Because the malware is deemed to be used by the NSA, as well as its British counterpart Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) to gather intelligence from foreign targets in Afghanistan, Russia, India, Germany, and other countries, multiple research networks called the malware the "NSA's secret weapon," although no definite proof was provided. Regin malware was also defined by researchers as an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT).

Regin malware connection to the NSA was indicated by German magazine Der Spiegel, and its claims were based on secret documents that were uncovered thanks to the informer Edward Snowden. One of such documents from 2010 mentions cyberattacks that were performed against a EU diplomats, although Regin virus name was never mentioned.

Symantec researchers claimed that Regin virus is one of the most advanced customizable cyberthreats ever created:

One of the recent high-profile Regin malware incidents dates to October/November 2018, when it was spotted attacking Yandex development and research servers.

Nevertheless, Regin virus can also be used by cybercriminals in order to exfoliate data; thus, anyone could get infected with this malware. Consequently, users might face severe ramifications, such as money loss, infiltration of other malware, or even identity theft. Those infected should immediately perform Regin removal with advanced security programs like or .

After you remove Regin malware from your machine, you should also remediate Windows OS files that might have been affected during the attack. For that, we highly recommend using , as it can save you from reinstalling the OS completely.

  • Algeria
  • Afghanistan
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Fiji
  • Germany
  • Iran
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Kiribati
  • Malaysia
  • Pakistan
  • Russia
  • Syria
Regin: virus malware advanced persistence threat
Regin in our 2020 report.
Regin: virus developed by usa national security agency for international espionage
Regin in our 2020 report.

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Regin

  • Use reputable anti-malware software that can detect and delete all the malicious modules and components of Regin virus - scan your machine in Safe Mode with Networking
  • Seemingly developed by the National Security Agency as early as 2003, Regin was first discovered by Kaspersky, Symantec and The Intercept security researchers in 2014, although some sames were noticed on Virus Total in 2011.
  • Backdoor.Regin is an extremely complex back door Trojan that enables stealthy surveillance activities.
  • It can be customized with a wide range of different capabilities, which can be deployed depending on the target.
  • It is a multi-staged, modular threat, meaning that it has a number of components, each depending on each other to perform attack operations.

How to remove Regin

How to remove Regin and lock the attacker out

Someone may have had remote control of the PC.

Cut the connection first, then remove the trojan and secure your accounts.

  1. Step 1: Remove remote access tools and lock the attacker out

    Attackers keep access through remote control tools and extra user accounts. Disconnect the PC from the internet, then remove every remote access program you did not install yourself from the installed apps list in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Look for a user account you do not know and delete it, and switch off Remote Desktop in Settings > System. Reconnect only for the scan.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix

  2. Step 2: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back

    Programs like Regin 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.

    Task Scheduler Library with a task selected and its Actions tab showing the program it starts
    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

  3. Step 3: 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

  4. Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan

    A scan finds the parts of Regin 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 Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions

    Regin 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

  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.Windows 7/XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot.Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options.Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings.Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following: Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files
  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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.

From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since

Remove Regin virus from your system

If you want to protect your confidential data and prevent the loss of your bank logins, credit card details, passwords and similar information, you should waste no time and remove Regin malware.

The easiest way to do that is by running a full system scan with powerful, up-to-date security programs like or . Additionally, we also recommend accessing Safe Mode with Networking in order to bypass the functionality of Regin virus - we provide the instructions on how to do that below.

We don't recommend using manual Regin malware removal, as the threat is extremely sophisticated, and revering changes that it makes to the infected machines is almost impossible without using advanced automatic tools.

Keep in mind that getting rid of data-stealing malware is crucial, as the longer it stays on your system, the more information it can exfoliate, and more damage can be done to your computer, as well as personal safety.

[GI=method-1]In case Regin is tampering with your anti-malware software it is advisable accessing Safe Mode with networking and performing a full system scan from there.

After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention

Secure your accounts after the clean-up

Assume that whatever was saved in the browsers on this PC while the PC showed regin in the list of installed apps has been copied:

  • passwords
  • cookies
  • autofill data

Work from a clean device, or from this PC once the offline scan finds nothing.

Start with your main e-mail account, because it can reset everything else, then banking and payment, then social and gaming accounts. Change each password, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account.

The full order, including crypto wallets and card replacement, is in securing your accounts after malware.

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.

While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important - recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.

Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

Questions about Regin

What is Regin and why is it on my PC?

Regin is a program that was installed on the PC, most likely together with something else you downloaded. Free software sites and many installers add extra programs on setup pages with pre-ticked boxes, so the extra install looks like your choice even though nobody read the page.

Check the install date in Settings, Apps, Installed apps: the program you installed that day is the probable carrier. If you do not need Regin, uninstall it. If it belongs to your hardware or to a program you use, search its exact name and publisher first, because drivers and their tools can have unfamiliar names.

Regin will not uninstall. What can I do?

First restart the PC and try again, because the program may have been running and locked its own files. If the uninstaller is missing or fails, start Windows in Safe Mode, where most third-party programs do not start, and remove Regin from Installed apps there.

If it still refuses, delete its startup entry and its scheduled task, restart, and try once more. A program that actively prevents removal is behaving like malware, so finish with a Microsoft Defender offline scan. Avoid third-party uninstallers offered on search ads; several of them are unwanted programs themselves.

Should I report Regin?

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.

Which malware family is Regin?

That is not known yet. Regin has been reported by people who saw regin in the list of installed apps, but no sample has been analysed publicly, so security companies have not assigned it to a family. The name you see may be a file or program name chosen by the authors, not a family name.

This does not stop you from removing it: the startup points, the offline scan and the account steps are the same for most families of this type. If Microsoft Defender or another scanner gives the file a detection name, write it down; that name is the best clue to the family and is useful when you report the incident.

How do I know if my PC has Regin?

Often you do not, which is the point of a trojan. Possible signs are an antivirus alert naming Regin or a generic trojan detection, unknown programs or scheduled tasks, processes with random names in Task Manager, browser extensions you did not add, security settings turned off, slower performance, or account alerts about logins from unknown places.

The reliable check is a full scan followed by Microsoft Defender's offline scan. If you recently ran a crack, a fake installer or a command a website told you to paste, scan even without symptoms.

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.

Should I check my other computers too?

Yes, it takes little time and removes doubt. Regin 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.

Is it safe to do online banking after seeing regin in the list of installed apps?

Not on that PC until it is clean. A program that produces regin in the list of installed apps runs with your rights and could read what you type or what the browser shows. Use a phone or another computer for banking and for changing passwords.

When the offline scan of the affected PC is clean and nothing suspicious starts with Windows any more, you can go back to using it. Check your bank statements for the past weeks either way, and call the bank if anything looks unfamiliar; banks can block cards and reset access quickly.

I found AnyDesk or ScreenConnect that I did not install. Is that Regin?

Not necessarily Regin, 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.

Will Fortect remove Regin?

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 Regin, 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.

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