Threat Database Adware Adware.Steel Cut

Adware.Steel Cut

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 945
First Seen: February 9, 2015
Last Seen: December 30, 2025
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.Steel Cut on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that may be displaying advertisements, collecting data, or performing other unwanted actions. It's essential to understand the nature of this threat and take appropriate steps to remove it and prevent future infections.

What Is Adware.Steel Cut?

Adware.Steel Cut is a type of malicious software that is designed to display unwanted advertisements, collect user data, or redirect users to suspicious websites. The name "Adware.Steel Cut" suggests that it is a form of adware, which is a type of malware that is intended to generate revenue for its creators by displaying advertisements or promoting suspicious products. Adware can be bundled with free software, downloaded from untrusted sources, or installed through exploits in vulnerable software.

How Adware.Steel Cut Operates

Adware.Steel Cut, like other forms of adware, operates by infiltrating a user's system and manipulating their browsing experience. It may display pop-up advertisements, inject ads into web pages, or redirect users to suspicious websites. In some cases, adware can also collect user data, such as browsing history, search queries, or personal information, which can be used for targeted advertising or other malicious purposes. Adware can be difficult to detect, as it may masquerade as legitimate software or hide itself in the system's background processes.

Symptoms of Infection

Users infected with Adware.Steel Cut may experience a range of symptoms, including unwanted advertisements, slow system performance, and suspicious browser behavior. They may also notice that their browser homepage or search engine has been changed without their consent. In some cases, adware can also cause system crashes, freezes, or other stability issues. If you suspect that your system is infected with Adware.Steel Cut, it's essential to take immediate action to remove the threat and prevent further damage.

How to Remove Adware.Steel Cut

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware from loading and to allow for a more effective removal process.
  2. Use a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to perform a full scan of your system and detect any malicious software, including Adware.Steel Cut.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the adware infection.
  4. Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any malicious extensions or add-ons.
  5. Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that the adware has been completely removed.

Conclusion

Removing Adware.Steel Cut from your system requires a combination of technical knowledge and caution. By following the steps outlined above and using reputable anti-malware tools, you can effectively remove the threat and prevent future infections. It's essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your system from malicious software, including keeping your operating system and software up to date, using strong antivirus software, and avoiding suspicious downloads or links. By taking these steps, you can help ensure the security and integrity of your system and protect yourself from the risks associated with adware and other forms of malware.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove Adware.Steel Cut

Registry Details

Adware.Steel Cut may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
CLSID
{0A875F23-A995-4BB6-804A-5AD8D10C31D7}
{581f8d6b-754f-4b80-88f6-6037771c0a44}
{AE035394-9C43-4050-89E5-7507C17AE524}
File name without path
api.mysteelcut[1].xml
apimysteelcutcom-a.akamaihd[1].xml
https_api.mysteelcut.com_0.localstorage
https_api.mysteelcut.com_0.localstorage-journal
https_apimysteelcutcom-a.akamaihd.net_0.localstorage
https_apimysteelcutcom-a.akamaihd.net_0.localstorage-journal
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{581F8D6B-754F-4B80-88F6-6037771C0A44}
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\api.mysteelcut.com
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\mysteelcut.com
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\updateSteelCut_RASAPI32
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\updateSteelCut_RASMANCS
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\utilSteelCut_RASAPI32
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\utilSteelCut_RASMANCS
SOFTWARE\Steel Cut
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\updateSteelCut_RASAPI32
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\updateSteelCut_RASMANCS
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\utilSteelCut_RASAPI32
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\utilSteelCut_RASMANCS
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{581f8d6b-754f-4b80-88f6-6037771c0a44}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Steel Cut
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\eventlog\Application\Update Steel Cut
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\eventlog\Application\Util Steel Cut
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\Update Steel Cut
SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\Util Steel Cut
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\eventlog\Application\Update Steel Cut
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\eventlog\Application\Util Steel Cut
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Update Steel Cut
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Util Steel Cut

Directories

Adware.Steel Cut may create the following directory or directories:

%PROGRAMFILES%\Steel Cut
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Steel Cut
%Temp%\Steel Cut

URLs

Adware.Steel Cut may call the following URLs:

mysteelcut.com