How to eliminate PirateStealer malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is PirateStealer?

PirateStealer is a stealer-type malware. This malicious program is designed to exfiltrate information from infected devices. At the time of writing, PirateStealer is offered for sale on hacker forums – hence, its proliferation is dependent on the cyber criminals' using it.

PirateStealer malware overview

Following infiltration, PirateStealer begins its activity by gathering relevant device data (e.g., device name, hardware details, OS version, etc.). The malware's primary functionality is extracting data from browsers and other installed applications.

From browsers, PirateStealer aims to acquire Internet cookies and saved log-in credentials (usernames/passwords). This stealer also targets the Discord messaging platform, and this includes passwords, 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) codes, and other data.

It is worth mentioning that malware developers often improve upon their creations. Therefore, any potential future variants of PirateStealer may have additional/different functionalities.

In summary, the presence of software like PirateStealer on systems can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. If you suspect that your device is infected with this (or other) malware – immediately use an anti-virus to eliminate it.

Threat Summary:

Name	PirateStealer virus
Threat Type	Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware.
Detection Names	Avast (Python:PirateStealer-A [Pws]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.33886886), ESET-NOD32 (Python/PSW.Agent.AKD), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.Python.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Stealer-type malware examples

Bandit, Offx, Warp, ObserverStealer, and NodeStealer are just some examples of stealers that we have investigated recently. Malware can have a wide variety of functionalities, ranging from data theft to file encryption. Additionally, the capabilities are not exclusive; hence, a malicious program can have a host of different types of features.

However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did PirateStealer infiltrate my computer?

PirateStealer has been observed being offered for sale on hacker forums. Hence, how it is distributed – depends on the cyber criminals using it at the time. Generally, malware is proliferated by employing phishing and social engineering tactics. This software is usually disguised as ordinary programs/media.

Malicious files can be executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain (i.e., malware download/installation) is initiated.

Malware is primarily distributed via drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. It is important to activate and update programs using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears ordinary and innocuous. The vigilance must be extended to incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages. We advise against opening attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail, as they can be virulent.

It is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and 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.

Screenshot of PirateStealer malware promoted on a hacker forum:

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 PirateStealer?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of PirateStealer 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 PirateStealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

No, PirateStealer's removal does not require formatting.

What are the biggest issues that PirateStealer malware can cause?

The threats associated with an infection depend on the malicious program's functionalities on the cyber criminals' goals. PirateStealer is a stealer – a type of malware designed to extract and exfiltrate sensitive information. Typically, infections of this kind can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

What is the purpose of PirateStealer malware?

In general, malware is used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also employ 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 PirateStealer malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is mainly distributed through spam mail, online scams, drive-by downloads, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. It must be mentioned that performing a full system scan is crucial – since high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.

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