ScanPOS Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The ScanPOS ransomware is a dangerous new malware discovered by security researchers that poses a serious threat to POS systems. Learn more about it in our detailed removal guide.

ScanPOS Ransomware Description

Upon infection of the ScanPOS ransomware it starts to search the memory of the host computer. The virus has the ability to exfiltrate via the HTTP protocol credit card numbers. The detected variants had a single hard-coded remote malicious C&C server. The host poses as a Microsoft SharePoint related domain.

The exfiltrated HTTP data is encoded in base64 and contains the following information sets:

• The stolen data
• The process in which the information was harvested
• The account credentials

ScanPOS Ransomware Distribution

The initial discovery of the ScanPOS ransomware was done by observation. On November 10 and 14 experts from Proofpoint security observed several large email campaigns composed of thousands of messages. They targeted a variety of industries – hospitality, higher education, healthcare instituions and various financial services. The targets were primarility located in the United Kingdom and North America.

The identified spam email campaign is knwon as Kronos which was used to deliver to criminal Kronos banking Trojan.

The email messages contained with a base64 encoded address. If the user clicks on it a malicious document is downloaded in a Microsoft Word file (.doc extension). The ScanPOS ransomware is hidden in the macro that is included in the file.

The contents of the phishing emails contained the following text:

An Employee has just been terminated.
Name: Tanner Williamson
Employee profile: EmployeeID-6283.doc
Emplid: 2965385
Rcd#: 0
Termination Date: 11/17/20

Some of the captured relevant header information is the following:

TIME-STAMP: “16-11-14_13.44.23”
CONTENT-DISPOSITION: “attachment; filename=’EmployeeID-6283.doc'”
X-VIRUS-SCANNED: “Debian amavisd-new at hosting5.skyinet.pl”
Subject : An Employee has just been terminated.
From: HR
Mail-From: [email protected]
1st rec: hosting23.skyinet.pl
2nd rec:hosting23.skyinet.pl

ScanPOS Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete ScanPOS completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely ScanPOS Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter