Skeeyah

Category: Malware

Type: Trojan

Platform: Windows

Variants: Win32:Evo-gen [Trj] (Avast), Gen:Variant.Application.Zusy.300284 (Combo Cleaner), a variant of Win32/Packed.FlyStudio.AA (ESET-NOD32), Trojan.Win32.Yakes.tcfl (Kaspersky), Trojan:Win32/Skeeyah.A!rfn (Microsoft).

Damage potential: Data theft, unauthorized remote access, system performance issues, network exploitation, financial loss, corporate espionage, reputation damage, and disruption of business.

Overview

Skeeyah is a trojan that infects systems when other malware drops it or when users unknowingly download it from malicious websites. It steals data, enables remote access, and installs additional malware. Its polymorphic nature lets Sheeyah change its code. This quality makes it harder to detect.

Once inside a system, Skeeyah modifies the registry and creates scheduled tasks to stay active even after a reboot. Some versions delete themselves after execution, especially when used as droppers or loaders. Other versions remain on the system, allowing continuous data theft and unauthorized access. Its behavior depends on the attacker’s goals, which makes it a highly flexible and dangerous threat.

Skeeyah spreads through malicious email attachments, compromised websites, and pirated software. It often deceives users into installing it through social engineering tactics. Once inside, it runs silently in the background while stealing sensitive information and executing harmful commands. While cybercriminals commonly use Skeeyah, advanced hacking groups, including nation-state actors, may leverage it for espionage and targeted attacks.

Possible symptoms

Skeeyah infections can be difficult to detect because the trojan is designed to operate stealthily. However, users may notice signs of compromise when investigating suspicious processes in Task Manager or encountering unexpected system behavior, such as:

• The system running slower due to high CPU or RAM usage.
• Unfamiliar files or changes to system settings that you didn’t make.
• The system unexpectedly crashing, freezing, or becoming unstable.
• Disabled or altered security settings, which make malware harder to remove.
• Unauthorized remote access or strange processes running in the background.
• Friends receiving spam messages from the user’s social media account.
• A new extension in the Chrome browser that the user didn’t install.

Since Skeeyah can function as both an information stealer and a backdoor, its impact may vary depending on the attacker's objectives. Some infections may remain unnoticed for extended periods, while others may cause more visible disruptions to the system.

Sources of the infection

Skeeyah spreads through multiple infection vectors, similar to many trojans. The most common sources of infection include:

• Phishing links and malicious attachments. You are at risk of downloading Skeeyah when you click on a phishing link, open a malicious email attachment, or interact with links shared via messaging apps or social media. Attackers often disguise the malware within seemingly legitimate documents or executables.
• Compromised software and cracked applications. You may unknowingly download Skeeyah by installing software from untrusted sources, particularly pirated applications or cracks. Even legitimate software can sometimes come bundled with unwanted or malicious components.
• Drive-by downloads. Users may accidentally download Skeeyah when they visit a compromised or malicious website. This process is known as a drive-by download, where malware is automatically downloaded and installed without the user's knowledge.
• Exploitation of security vulnerabilities. Skeeyah can infiltrate a device by exploiting unpatched cybersecurity vulnerabilities in operating systems, browsers, or third-party plugins.
• Fake software updates. The malware may masquerade as a legitimate software update and trick users into manually downloading and installing it. Cybercriminals often employ fake browsers, Flash Player, or system updates in these attacks.
• Malvertising (malicious advertisements). Skeeyah can be delivered through compromised online ads that contain malicious code. Clicking on these ads, or in some cases simply viewing them, can lead to infection, particularly if an exploit kit is involved.
• Social engineering attacks. Attackers may use deceptive pop-ups, fake tech support scams, or misleading warnings to convince users to download and install Skeeyah. These scams often mimic legitimate security alerts.

Protection

To protect your device from Skeeyah and similar trojans, consider implementing the following security measures:

• Regularly update your software. Keep your software updated to protect your devices from the latest cybersecurity threats. 
• Download updates and software from trusted sources. Only use official and reliable sources for downloads to avoid inadvertently installing malicious software.
• Be cautious with emails and attachments. Skeeyah often spreads through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links. Do not open unexpected email attachments, especially from unknown senders, and verify the legitimacy of links before clicking.
• Stay alert while browsing. Hackers may use malicious ads or create fake websites that look legitimate to spread Skeeyah and other trojans. Pay close attention to the websites you visit, and be cautious about the links you click on.
• Enable a firewall and use security software. A properly configured firewall can help block unauthorized network access, while a reputable antivirus or endpoint protection solution can detect and prevent trojan infections.
• Use NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™. Tools like NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ can block access to known malicious sites and apps, adding an extra layer of protection while browsing online. This feature scans the files you download and, if malware is detected, instantly deletes it.

Skeeyah removal

Removing Skeeyah from an infected system completely requires a methodical approach. Follow these steps:

1. 1.Disconnect from the internet. Disconnect your device from the internet to stop the malware from communicating with remote servers and downloading more harmful files.
2. 2.Boot into safe mode. Restart your device in safe mode to prevent Skeeyah from running and interfering with the removal process.
3. 3.Run a full system scan. Open a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program and perform a full scan. Ensure the antivirus program is up-to-date so it can identify and remove the latest threats.
4. 4.Uninstall suspicious programs. Go to the list of installed applications and remove any unfamiliar or recently installed programs that could be associated with Skeeyah. Some variants may disguise themselves as legitimate software.
5. 5.Check startup programs and registry entries (advanced). Open Task Manager and disable any unknown or suspicious startup programs. Use the Registry Editor (regedit) to look for suspicious modifications made by Skeeyah. However, only make changes if you are experienced because incorrect registry edits can damage your system.
6. 6.Clear browser data and reset settings. Reset your browser to its original settings. Delete all cookies, browsing history, and cached files to remove any traces of malware. Skeeyah often alters browser configurations, so this step ensures it no longer affects your web activity.
7. 7.Restore or reinstall the operating system (if necessary). If Skeeyah has deeply embedded itself into system files or continues to reappear, consider restoring your system from a clean backup or performing a full OS reinstallation.

If you're still facing issues, consider seeking professional help to ensure full removal.