Threat type: Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) with malware loading capabilities
Detection names: Ikarus (Trojan‑Spy.Rat), various VirusTotal detections via installer analysis
Symptoms of infection:
- Significant slowdown of system performance
- Frequent pop-up ads and browser redirects
- Appearance of unfamiliar applications or toolbars
- Browser settings changed without consent
Damage & distribution methods:
Bundled with legitimate software, deceptive “Save to Google Drive” browser extension, downloaded via misleading pop-ups or shady websites (e.g., digilinksbluekittaner[.]com)
Once installed, Traiolx Custom Utils acts primarily as a dropper—deploying Legion Loader, which then fetches more harmful payloads like ransomware, cryptominers, or info-stealers. It may also deploy fake browser extensions to harvest credentials or financial data.
Danger level: Medium to high – it may not directly encrypt files but opens the door for serious malware.
Removal tool: SpyHunter (recommended) – removes all underlying components effectively.
Summary Table
Item | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | PUA / Malware Loader |
Detection names | Trojan‑Spy.Rat (Ikarus), multiple on VirusTotal |
Symptoms | Slow system, pop-ups, redirects, toolbar changes |
Damage | Privacy breach, credential theft, potential ransomware/miners |
Distribution | Bundling, deceptive ads, shady sites |
Danger level | Medium–High |
Removal tool | SpyHunter |
Detailed Evaluation
How I got infected
Traiolx Custom Utils typically arrives bundled with supposedly legitimate software or via deceptive websites. A user may click a seemingly benign link or “captcha,” which quietly installs an MSI package in the background—often without explicit consent. One Reddit user said:
“I accidentally ran a command (msiexec /qn /i …), then it downloaded an unwanted program called ‘Traiolx Custom Utils.’”
What it does
- Installs Traiolx Custom Utils silently as a PUA
- Deploys Legion Loader, a sophisticated malware loader that downloads further malicious payloads (e.g., ransomware, cryptominers, data-stealing trojans)
- Adds rogue browser components, such as a fake “Save to Google Drive” extension, designed to steal sensitive data like login credentials and credit card info
- Modifies browser settings and displays frequent pop‑ups or ads redirecting the user to scammy or dangerous pages
An Any.Run malware analysis traced actions such as dropping a Python module, unpacking via 7‑Zip, creating uninstall entries, and utilizing batch files—clear signs of a stealthy loader.
Should you be worried?
Absolutely. While Traiolx Custom Utils itself isn’t encrypted ransomware, it’s a gateway for much more dangerous malware. It compromises system security, degrades performance, and may ultimately expose user data or take control of your device.
What You Must Do
- Disconnect from the internet immediately if installation was accidental.
- Run a full system scan with SpyHunter to remove all components.
- Uninstall Traiolx Custom Utils from Control Panel or Settings.
- Clean your browsers: remove suspicious extensions, reset settings, clear cache.
- Monitor for signs of further infection. Change passwords and enable 2FA proactively.
A Redditor whose Facebook got temporarily locked said they “ran Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner but found nothing,” yet still chose a full OS reinstall to stay safe.
Complete Guide to Removing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) infiltrate devices through software bundling and can cause slow performance, intrusive ads, and security risks. This guide provides manual removal instructions for Windows and Mac users, along with an automated method using SpyHunter.
Manual Removal Guide for Windows & Mac
If you suspect a PUP is installed on your system, follow these steps to remove it manually.
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs
Windows Users
- Open Control Panel:
- Press Win + R, type
appwiz.cpl
, and hit Enter.
- Press Win + R, type
- Locate and Remove Unwanted Programs:
- Look for unfamiliar or suspicious applications.
- Right-click the program and select Uninstall.
- Follow the Uninstallation Process:
- If prompted, confirm by clicking Yes.
Mac Users
- Open Finder → Click Applications.
- Find and Remove Suspicious Apps:
- Look for programs that you don’t remember installing.
- Move to Trash:
- Drag the unwanted application to Trash.
- Empty the Trash:
- Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
Step 2: Remove PUP-Related Browser Extensions
PUPs often install browser extensions that display ads or redirect search results.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome → Click the three-dot menu.
- Go to More Tools → Extensions.
- Find any suspicious extensions and click Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox → Click the Menu button (≡).
- Select Add-ons and themes → Extensions.
- Remove any unwanted extensions.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge → Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Extensions → Manage Extensions.
- Locate and Remove any unknown extensions.
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Preferences.
- Navigate to the Extensions tab.
- Find and Uninstall any unfamiliar extensions.
Step 3: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)
If PUPs have altered your browser settings, reset them.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome → Click three-dot menu → Settings.
- Scroll down and select Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults → Confirm.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox → Click Menu (≡) → Help.
- Select More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox and confirm.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge → Click Settings.
- Select Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm the reset.
Safari (Mac)
- Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar.
- Select Clear History → Choose All History → Click Clear History.
Step 4: Check for Leftover PUP Files
Even after uninstallation, some PUPs leave traces behind.
Windows
- Press Win + R, type
%temp%
, and press Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Repeat the process for:
%appdata%
%localappdata%
C:\ProgramData
Mac
- Open Finder → Click Go → Go to Folder.
- Enter:javascriptCopyEdit
~/Library/Application Support/
- Look for and delete suspicious folders.
Automatic PUP Removal Using SpyHunter
For a faster, more thorough, and easier solution, use SpyHunter, an advanced anti-malware tool.
Step 1: Download and Install SpyHunter
- Go to the official SpyHunter download page:
- Click the Download button and follow the installation instructions.
Step 2: Scan Your System
- Launch SpyHunter.
- Click Start Scan Now to initiate a full system scan.
- Wait for SpyHunter to detect any PUPs and malware.
Step 3: Remove Detected Threats
- Click Fix Threats to remove all detected PUPs.
- Restart your computer to complete the cleanup.
For detailed SpyHunter download and installation steps, refer to: SpyHunter Installation Guide
Final Recommendations
- Avoid Software Bundles: Always choose custom installation when installing free software.
- Use an Anti-Malware Tool: SpyHunter ensures your system stays protected from PUPs.
- Regularly Check Installed Programs & Browser Extensions: Be proactive in removing suspicious apps.
By following this guide, you can effectively remove and prevent Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). If you want a quick and effortless solution, use SpyHunter to scan and remove threats.
Download SpyHunter for PUP Removal: SpyHunter Official Download
Final Thoughts
Traiolx Custom Utils is a deceptive and dangerous PUA designed to look benign while enabling serious infections via Legion Loader. It’s not just bloatware—it can lead to privacy theft, ransomware, and more. If you suspect your system is affected, removing it immediately with SpyHunter and securing your environment is crucial to prevent further harm.