How to remove Skitnet malware from your operating system

What kind of malware is Skitnet?

Skitnet, also known as Bossnet, is a backdoor-type malware. Malicious programs of this kind are designed to open a "backdoor" into systems, and some of them can even carry out further infections. Skitnet is a stealthy malware that can exfiltrate data, as well as introduce and leverage legitimate remote access tools.

Skitnet has been offered for sale on hacker forums since April of 2024. Strong evidence suggests that the backdoor's developer is a Russian speaker. Since early 2025, this malware has been actively used by ransomware groups, including Black Basta and Cactus.

Skitnet malware overview

Skitnet backdoor is intended to establish persistence on compromised systems and prep them for further infections. This backdoor malware uses multiple mechanisms to evade detection.

To provide a basic overview of Skitnet's infection chain, it begins with a loader written in the Rust programming language that decrypts an encrypted Nim-based binary and loads it in-memory. This Nim payload establishes contact with the C&C (Command and Control) server.

Skitnet can execute commands on systems, such as those associated with establishing persistence, collecting data about the machine and installed security software, downloading/installing legitimate remote access programs, starting a PowerShell loop, and taking screenshots. This backdoor can infiltrate either the AnyDesk or Rutserv genuine remote access software, which the malware can use for further remote functionalities. The window and tray icon of the infiltrated program are hidden after installation.

Skitnet is also capable of leveraging a .NET loader that can introduce additional payloads into devices by executing PowerShell scripts in-memory. Theoretically, backdoors and similar programs can be used to infiltrate just about any type of malware or malicious components into systems. However, in practice, these programs tend to operate within certain limitations or specifications. As mentioned in the introduction, Skitnet has been widely used by infamous ransomware gangs.

It is noteworthy that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future iterations of Skitnet could have additional/different capabilities and features.

To summarize, the presence of software like Skitnet on devices can lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Backdoor-malware examples

We have written about thousands of malicious programs; PipeMagic, Tropidoor,Anubis, Betruger, and Squidoor are merely a few of our newest articles on backdoors.

Malware can have a wide variety of functionalities or be designed for an incredibly specific and limited purpose. However, regardless of how a piece of malicious software operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did Skitnet infiltrate my computer?

Skitnet has been offered for sale on hacker forums. Therefore, how it is spread might depend on the cyber criminals using it (i.e., methods may differ between attacks).

In general, malware is proliferated using phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with regular software/media files.

These files come in various formats, e.g., archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Merely opening an infectious file can be enough to initiate malware download/installation.

The most widespread proliferation techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malvertising, malicious attachments or links in spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media posts, etc.), online scams, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend caution when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with care. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates can contain malware.

It is essential to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Screenshot of Skitnet backdoor promoted on a hacker forum (image source – catalyst.prodaft.com):

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is Skitnet?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Skitnet malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".

Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with Skitnet malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Most likely, no – since malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that Skitnet malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the attackers' goals. Skitnet is a stealthy backdoor that ensures persistence, preps systems for further infections, introduces and leverages genuine remote access programs, and exfiltrates data. Hence, this malware can cause multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of Skitnet malware?

Most malware attacks are driven by financial gain. However, infections can also be motivated by cyber criminals seeking to amuse themselves or carry out personal vendettas, process disruption (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), hacktivism, and political/geopolitical reasons.

How did Skitnet malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is predominantly spread via suspicious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), spam emails/messages, drive-by downloads, online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove practically all known malware infections. Remember that running a complete system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems.