Removal instructions for the Atlantida stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Atlantida?
Atlantida is the name of a stealer. Malware within this classification is designed to extract sensitive information from systems and applications installed on them. The Atlantida stealer has been observed being actively spread through suspicious freeware and "cracked" software websites.
Atlantida malware overview
As previously mentioned, stealer-type malware is designed for data theft. These malicious programs can exfiltrate (download) files stored on infected devices.
Additionally, stealers can extract information from installed software. From browsers, they may obtain: browsing and search engine histories, bookmarks, Internet cookies, stored usernames/passwords (e.g., emails, social networking/media, online banking, money transferring, e-commerce, digital wallets, etc.), personally identifiable details, saved credit card numbers, and so on.
This malware can be capable of extracting log-in credentials (usernames/passwords) from other apps as well, e.g., email clients, VPNs, messengers, FTP clients, cryptocurrency wallets, and others. A couple of examples of targeted apps are FileZilla, Telegram, and Steam. Also, Atlandida can capture screen and obtain information about the installed hardware (e.g., RAM, GPU, and CPU).
The names of offline cryptocurrency wallets targeted by Atlantida are Armory, Atomic, Bytecoin, Ethereum, Exodus, Guarda, Jaxx Liberty, and Zcash. The list of targeted Chrome-based cryptocurrency wallets (browser extensions) includes:
AuroWallet, BitAppWallet, BitClip, Bitoke, BNB chain wallet, Byone, CardWallet, CloverWallet, Coin89, CryptoAirdrops, CyanoWallet, EQUALWallet, Flint, FreaksAxie, Guarda, Guildwallet, HyconLiteClient, ICONex, iWallet, KHC, Keplr, Leaf Wallet, LiqualityWallet, MathWallet, MEW CX, Metamask, Metawallet, NaboxWallet, Nami, NashExtension, NiftyWallet, Oasis, OneKey, Phantom, Polymesh Wallet, Rabby, Saturn Wallet, Sollet, TerraStation, TezBox, Temple, TronWallet, Wombat, XDefiWallet, and Yoroi.
Cyber criminals can sell stolen data or otherwise abuse it for profit. Finance-related information can be used to make unauthorized transactions and/or online purchases. Criminals can also steal the identities of social account owners and ask the contacts/friends/followers for loans or donations, promote scams, and even spread malware by sharing malicious files or links.
It is pertinent to mention that data-stealing programs can have additional functionalities.
In summary, the presence of software like Atlantida on devices can result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
If you believe that your device is already infected with the Atlantida stealer (or other malware) – immediately use an anti-virus to eliminate it.
| Name | Atlantida malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.65648967), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/GenKryptik.GFNT), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:MSIL/FormBook.CD!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Related Domains |
allsoftware[.]cloud; appshigha[.]com; autosoftware[.]pw; bebrasoft[.]com; free-crack-soft[.]com; free-warez[.]site; hacksoftware[.]fun; kokoasoft[.]com; softload[.]tech; softwarecloud[.]space; wh1tesoftware[.]me |
| 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. |
Stealer-type malware examples
We have analyzed countless malware samples; S1deload, Stealc, VenusStealer, Enigma, and Graphiron are but some examples of stealers we have written about recently.
Information-stealing software can target specific details or a broad range of data. Stealers may have harmful functionalities unrelated to data theft. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did Atlantida infiltrate my computer?
Atlantida has been observed being distributed through various suspect freeware (free software) and "cracked" program download websites. It is also known that cybercriminals use HTA files hosted on compromised pages to deliver Atlantida. However, this stealer might be spread using other techniques as well.
Generally, malware is proliferated by employing phishing and social engineering tactics. This software is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media.
Malicious files can be in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When a virulent file is opened – the infection chain is triggered.
The most widely used malware distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend being vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. Incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages must be approached with caution. The attachments and links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. It is just as important to activate and update programs using genuine functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.
We must emphasize that having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date is paramount to device/user safety. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected 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.
Screenshot of a dubious freeware website used to distribute the Atlantida stealer:
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 Atlantida?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Atlantida 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 Atlantida malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Atlantida's removal does not require formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Atlantida malware can cause?
The threats posed by malware depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' aims. Atlantida is a program designed to steal information. Generally, such infections can result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Atlantida malware?
In most cases, malware is used to generate revenue. However, infections may also be used to disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, organizations, companies, etc.). Furthermore, malware attacks can be motivated by personal grudges or political/geopolitical reasons.
How did Atlantida malware infiltrate my computer?
Atlantida has been observed being proliferated via suspicious freeware and "cracked" software websites. However, this stealer might also be spread by employing other techniques.
Generally, malware is distributed through drive-by downloads, spam emails and messages, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malvertising, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and so forth. What is more, malware may be capable of self-proliferating via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of removing most of the known malware infections. Note that since high-end malicious software tends to hide deep within systems – running a full system scan is essential.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion