How to remove CryptoClippy malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is CryptoClippy?
CryptoClippy is malware that operates as a cryptocurrency clipper. The primary function of this malicious software is to monitor the victim's clipboard and to recognize instances where the victim copies a cryptocurrency wallet address. Once identified, the malware replaces the copied wallet address with the attacker's.
More about cryptocurrency clippers
A cryptocurrency clipper is a malicious software designed to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting victims. The malware operates by monitoring the victim's clipboard, which is the temporary storage area for copied or cut data, such as a cryptocurrency wallet address.
When the malware detects that a victim has copied a cryptocurrency wallet address, it replaces the legitimate address with that of the attacker, which redirects the cryptocurrency payments to the attacker's wallet instead. The victim may be unaware of the malicious activity until it is too late and the funds have already been stolen.
More about CryptoClippy
In addition to its primary function as a cryptocurrency clipper, CryptoClippy possesses several other capabilities that assist threat actors in their efforts to steal cryptocurrency. One of these capabilities is the ability to establish a backdoor through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) by executing an RC4-encrypted PowerShell script.
CryptoClippy has functionality related to targeting Ethereum and bitcoin cryptocurrency wallets. There is knowledge that the cybercriminals behind CryptoClippy concentrate their efforts on Portuguese-speaking users.
| Name | CryptoClippy cryptocurrency clipper |
| Threat Type | Cryptocurrency clipper |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:HacktoolX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Application.Generic.3366926), Emsisoft (Application.Generic.3366926 (B)), Kaspersky (HackTool.Win64.Knotweed.bs), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.A!ml), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Pasted cryptocurrency wallet does not belong to the intended recipient. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive websites offering to download a fake WhatsApp application. |
| Damage | Stolen crypto funds. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, CryptoClippy is a hazardous malware that endangers both individuals and organizations. Its primary objective is to steal cryptocurrency by replacing genuine wallet addresses with those of the attacker. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures, such as using trusted antivirus software, to safeguard against such threats.
Examples of other clippers are Laplas, Paradies, and Keona.
How did CryptoClippy infiltrate my computer?
Threat actors use a combination of Google Ads and traffic distribution systems (TDS) to redirect unsuspecting users to fake domains that impersonate the legitimate WhatsApp Web application, as a means of delivering the CryptoClippy malware to their computer
The process of CryptoClippy infection initiates with SEO poisoning. When a user searches for "WhatsApp Web," the search results direct them to a domain controlled by the attacker. Subsequently, the victim is prompted to download a .zip file, which contains a .lnk file consisting of malicious scripts.
These scripts execute a series of actions that ultimately result in the installation of the clipper malware.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Always keep your operating system and software up to date. Use a reliable antivirus program and make sure it is set to scan your system regularly. Be careful when opening email attachments or clicking links in unsolicited emails from unknown addresses.
Download software from reliable sources such as official websites and legitimate stores. Avoid downloading files and programs from other sources and clicking ads and links on shady pages. 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.
Fake website distributing CryptoClippy (fake WhatsApp application):
The LNK file with the target field containing the command to download/execute CryptoClippy (source: Unit 42 Blog):
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 CryptoClippy?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of CryptoClippy 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 CryptoClippy malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, it is unnecessary to take extreme measures such as formatting the storage device to eliminate malware such as CryptoClippy. It can be removed using other methods (using antivirus software or manually).
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause issues such as identity theft and financial and data loss, system crashes, loss of productivity, attacks on other systems, loss of personal accounts, and more.
What is the purpose of CryptoClippy malware?
CryptoClippy malware is designed to steal cryptocurrency by monitoring the victim's clipboard and replacing authentic cryptocurrency wallet addresses with the attacker's wallet addresses.
How did CryptoClippy malware infiltrate my computer?
CryptoClippy malware infiltrates a victim's computer through SEO poisoning and traffic redirection from fake domains that impersonate the legitimate WhatsApp Web application. Once on the malicious website, victims are prompted to download a .zip file that contains a .lnk file, which is composed of malicious scripts. These scripts set off a chain of events that installs the CryptoClippy malware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware infections, but it is important to note that some high-end malware can hide deep in the system. Therefore, it is recommended to run a full system scan to ensure complete detection and removal of any malware present on the system.
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