It is high time that you implement strong security and preventive measures on your corporate networks. Why? This is because there is one known malware that is attacking corporate networks today. It’s called Skeleton Key.
What is Skeleton Key?
Skeleton Key is a dangerous Trojan that attacks unsecured Windows computers that belong to corporate networks. According to experts, the infection usually attacks systems that utilize single-factor authentication or SFA.
SFA is a type of authentication based on a one-step login. In the process, a user only has to provide a username and a password to log into an account.
The sad part is that most victims only discover the need to delete Skeleton Key once they face the consequences, such as identity theft. What’s worse is that many users do not even know that their systems have been infected. That is why it is not surprising why they cannot find or get rid of the Trojan itself.
What Does Skeleton Key Do?
This threat is triggered by dynamic link library or DLL files. And the good news is that it can be easily detected during complete system scans. But before we proceed with teaching you how to remove the Skeleton Key Trojan, let us first find out what it does.
If you suspect that your system has been infected by the Trojan, time is ticking. You have to remove the Skeleton Key Trojan as soon as possible as it could take advantage of whatever information you have on your system.
For instance, it could compromise your email and social media accounts. It will send out spam messages and links to all your contacts and friend’s list. Your banking accounts may also be attacked and be used for money laundering. So, before you become a victim of these heinous schemes, you have to delete the malware right away.
How Did Your Device Get Infected?
Wondering how your computer got infected? This Trojan is usually spread via social engineering scams. However, there are instances when it attacks through viruses on USB flash drives.
Now, do you think you can remove this devious Trojan? Of course! We have a quick guide below.
A Quick Skeleton Key Removal Guide
Can you delete the threat manually? Yes, you can. But we don’t recommend doing so because it is a complicated task, and many victims have ended up wasting time and not achieving success. The best option is to use an anti-malware tool to ensure the Trojan is successfully deleted in no time.
Here’s is how to delete the Skeleton Key Trojan using an anti-malware tool:
- Restart your computer.
- Once the BIOS screen disappears, press the F8 key repeatedly. This will trigger the Advanced Options menu to appear. If the Windows logo appears instead, restart your computer and press the F8 key again and again.
- Assuming you have already reached the Advanced Options menu, use the arrow keys to navigate around. Select Safe Mode with Networking and hit Enter to access this mode.
- Wait for your system to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
- Now, press and hold the Windows and R If you have done it right, the Windows Run utility will show up.
- Into the text field, input the name of your preferred anti-malware tool. Hit OK.
- The anti-malware tool should pop up by now. Click Run or Scan to perform a quick malware scan.
- Once it detects the malicious entities, hit Fix Threats.
- Reboot your computer to completely remove the malware.
Summary
The Skeleton Key Trojan is a dangerous threat that could put your personal information and privacy at risk. Once you suspect that it has infiltrated your PC, do whatever you can to get rid of it. If possible, use an anti-malware tool to guarantee success.
What other Trojans have caused you headaches in the past few days? How about the Dridex virus? Share your thoughts below!