Remove SpyAxe (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Aug 2018
SpyAxe – a dangerous application that prompts users to pay for its licensed version
SpyAxe is an illegal and corrupt anti-virus application that is usually downloaded and installed without users' consent. It then spams fake security messages in the system tray. The pop-ups typically inform users that they are infected with Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob, and attempts to connect to SpyAxe's official website to make them purchase the licensed version of the program. Nevertheless, this outrageous cooperation between Zlob malware and fake security software developers is only an attempt to monetize on unsuspecting users.
| Summary | |
| Name | SpyAxe |
| Type | Rogue security application |
| Delivered by | Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob |
| Symptoms | Questionable system scans, flashing messages, pop-ups, ads, redirects, etc. |
| Danger level | High. Can result in loss of money and infect the PC with other malware |
| Detection and elimination | Use Reimage or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner |
Zlob malware (which is highly responsible for SpyAxe and other malicious application distribution) is typically obtained when users download and install codec pack[1] from the internet. Nevertheless, it can also be spread via malicious email attachments, or disguised as any executable on the world wide web. Regardless of how the rogue app installed on your machine, it is critical to take care of SpyAxe virus removal ASAP.
There are various versions of the SpyAxe trojan, and it injects machines with various fake alerts, but one of the most common ones displays the following:
Your computer is infected!
It is recommended ti use special antispyware tools to prevent data loss.
Windows will now download and install the most up-to-date antispyware for you.Click here to protect your computer from spyware
As soon as the user clicks on the pop-up, SpyAxe will be downloaded and installed automatically. In other cases, victims reported that they are led to the payment page of the application. If users proceed and pay for the full version, the program will conduct a fake scan and pretend that the malware is eliminated.
What makes matters worse is that the disclosed credit card information will most likely be used for illegal purposes, such as unauthorized purchases or even identity fraud.[2] Therefore, security experts[3] recommend to remove SpyAxe virus and never disclose any information.
SpyAxe malware can also perform the following tasks:
- Download and install additional (malicious) applications;
- Slowdown the computer operation;
- Result in several system crashes;
- Corrupt other software;
- Install toolbars, browser extensions and similar add-ons without users' consent, etc.
Because the bogus app is closely related to a trojan, manual SpyAxe removal is not recommended. Instead, users should download and install Reimage or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner for a secure elimination.
SpyAxe is a fake application that tries to trick users by showing them bogus notifications and asking them to buy licensed version of the program
Avoid downloading suspicious files from third-party sites
Any executable can be malicious. That means that malicious actors can inject trojans and other malware into hacked websites. Additionally, hackers themselves might create a bogus site that distributes various executables. That is why downloading and executing any type of file is rather dangerous, especially if it was downloaded from a compromised website.
Therefore, refrain yourself from downloading data from file-sharing and torrent sites. Additionally, codec packs are not needed for a long time now, as browsers and software can play video and open other files without external applications.
You should also be careful when opening emails from unknown sources. Various MS office documents can be malware in disguise and should be not opened carelessly. If you need to open that type of file, make sure you scan it using anti-virus software first.
Eliminate SpyAxe and other malware from your machine
Because of the way the trojan works, it is highly likely that your machine is contaminated with multiple threats, which makes manual SpyAxe removal almost impossible. Thus, merely employ Reimage or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and perform a full system scan. Note that the virus might block security software from working correctly. In such case, enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform the scan from there.
If you still struggle to remove SpyAxe virus in Safe Mode, then try using System Restore feature. We explain how to do that as well.
To remove SpyAxe, follow these steps:
Remove SpyAxe using Safe Mode with Networking
To remove SpyAxe from your system safely, enter Safe Mode with Networking:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Remove SpyAxe
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete SpyAxe removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove SpyAxe using System Restore
You can also use System Restore to disable the virus:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of SpyAxe. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from SpyAxe and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
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References
- ^ Whitson Gordon. What Are Codec Packs and Should I Use Them?. LifeHacker. Life hacks.
- ^ Identity fraud. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ SemVirus. SemVirus. Cybersecurity site.
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