How to remove Raccoon stealer from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Cyberpunk 2077 virus?
Cyberpunk 2077 is a 2020 action role-playing video game, one of the most anticipated games of the year that was released on 10 December 2020. Cyber criminals commonly exploit the popularity of games to distribute malware, and Cyberpunk 2077 is no exception.
In this particular case, cyber criminals promote supposedly pirated versions of the Cyberpunk 2077 game. These 'cracked' versions are bundled with Raccoon stealer, which is Trojan-type malware.
Commonly, various hacked or cracked games (or other software) downloaded via torrent clients, file-sharing sites, untrusted pages, etc., are infected with malware or malicious code.
As mentioned, cyber criminals behind this particular malware campaign invite users to download a supposedly free (cracked) version of the Cyberpunk 2077 game, which is actually a downloader and installer for Raccoon stealer.
Raccoon (also known as Legion, Mohazo, and Racealer) is Trojan-type malware that steals sensitive information from web browsers such as saved passwords, cookies, crypto wallet data and autofill data. It also collects data such as IP addresses and geolocations, and can be used to download and execute files.
Stolen information could be misused for various malicious purposes. For example, to steal personal accounts (including email, banking, social media and other accounts), make fraudulent purchases, steal identities, trick other users into making money transactions, and so on.
Moreover, Raccoon could be used to infect computers with additional malware including, for example, Trojans of other types, ransomware, and cryptocurrency miners.
| Name | Malicious Cyberpunk 2077 installer |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names (Downloaded Malicious File) | Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), AVG (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIIT), Fortinet (W32/Kryptik.GWXD!tr), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Azorult.FW!MTB), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Payload | Raccoon |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
In summary, people who use installers for pirated software (including games) often inadvertently infect their computers with various high-risk malware. More examples of malware that can be distributed in this way are Omfl, FormBook, Ursnif, and FRAT.
If there is any reason to believe that your computer is already infected with Raccoon stealer or other malware, remove it immediately.
How did Cyberpunk 2077 infiltrate my computer?
In this case, cyber criminals attempt to trick users into installing Raccoon stealer via a downloader/installer for a pirated version of the Cyberpunk 2077 - this can be downloaded via a certain website (see screenshot below).
There are other ways that malware is distributed. Cyber criminals use malspam emails (emails that contain malicious attachments or download links for malicious files), other dubious file/software download sources (Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial pages, third party downloaders), fake software updating tools, unofficial software activation tools, and certain Trojans.
How to avoid installation of malware?
To avoid malware spread via spam mail, you are strongly advised against opening suspicious or irrelevant emails, especially those with any attachments or links present within them.
Additionally, use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010. Malicious programs also proliferate through untrusted download channels (e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updaters.
Therefore, only download from official/verified sources and activate and update software with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.
To ensure device integrity and user privacy, have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept updated. Furthermore, use these programs to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats.
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.
Download website for the malicious Cyberpunk 2077 downloader/installer that is designed to distribute Raccoon:
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Cyberpunk 2077 virus?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Cyberpunk 2077 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.
Outstanding!
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