How to eliminate PSWSTEALER malware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is PSWSTEALER?
PSWSTEALER is the name of a stealer-type malware. It is designed to extract and exfiltrate sensitive information from systems and installed applications. Stealers can target a wide variety of data and are considered to be significant threats to user privacy/safety.
PSWSTEALER malware overview
PSWSTEALER is a stealer, and as the classification implies – it operates by stealing information from devices. This malicious program can download files from the desktop, specifically the following formats – .txt, .doc, .xls, .xlsx, .jpg, .png, .db, .maFile, and .rdp.
PSWSTEALER can also extract data from certain applications (full list below). It can obtain information from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Typically, malware targets the following information from browsers: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, auto-fills, stored log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, saved credit card numbers, and so on.
This stealer can acquire information from the Telegram and Discord messengers as well. Additionally, PSWSTEALER aims to steal over twenty cryptocurrency wallets and the funds stored therein.
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers commonly improve upon their creations; therefore, potential future versions of PSWSTEALER could target a broader range of data or have additional/different capabilities.
To summarize, the presence of software like PSWSTEALER on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
If you believe that your device is already infected with PSWSTEALER (or other malware) – perform a complete system scan with an anti-virus and remove the threats without delay.
| Name | PSWSTEALER virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.66060654), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/GenKryptik_AGen.TF), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.Injuke.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Casdet!rfn), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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 thousands of malware samples; Dynamic, Zaraza, HookSpoofer, and RootFinder are merely a couple of our latest articles on stealers.
Malicious software designed to steal data can target highly specific details or an especially broad range of information. Furthermore, malware can have a variety of functionalities, which can be in different combinations. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did PSWSTEALER infiltrate my computer?
PSWSTEALER is sold on hacker forums; hence, the methods implemented to proliferate this stealer – depend on the cyber criminals using it at the time.
Generally, malware is spread by employing phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious software is typically disguised as or bundled with regular programs/media.
Virulent files can be documents (e.g., PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), executables (e.g., .exe, .run, etc.), archives (e.g., RAR, ZIP, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. When a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is triggered.
Malware is primarily distributed through drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam emails and messages, malvertising, illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. It is just as important to activate and update software using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears harmless. We advise being careful with incoming emails and messages as well. The attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats/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.
List of browsers targeted by PSWSTEALER malware:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Opera
List of targeted messaging software:
- Telegram
- Discord
List of targeted cryptocurrency wallets:
- Armory
- Atomic Wallet
- BinanceChain
- BitAppWallet
- BraveWallet
- Bytecoin
- Coinbase
- Coinomi
- Electrum
- Equal Wallet
- Ethereum
- Exodus
- Guarda
- Guard Wallet
- iWallet
- Jaxx
- MathWallet
- Meta Mask
- Nifty Wallet
- Tronlink
- Wombat
- Zcash
Appearance of PSWSTEALER malware sold on a hacker forum (GIF):
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is PSWSTEALER?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of PSWSTEALER 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 PSWSTEALER malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, PSWSTEALER's removal does not require formatting.
What are the biggest issues that PSWSTEALER malware can cause?
The threats posed by malware depend on the program's functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. PSWSTEALER is an information-stealing malware. In general, the presence of stealers on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of PSWSTEALER malware?
Malware is usually used to generate revenue for the attackers. However, cyber criminals may also use this software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did PSWSTEALER malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is mainly distributed through drive-by downloads, online scams, malvertising, spam emails/messages, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. What is more, some malicious programs are capable of self-proliferating via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove all manner of threats. It is capable of eliminating nearly all known malware infections. Keep in mind that since high-end malicious programs typically hide deep within systems – running a complete system scan is essential.
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