Removal instructions for the RustyStealer malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is RustyStealer?
RustyStealer is a piece of malicious software classed as a stealer. Malware within this class is designed to steal data. These malicious programs extract and exfiltrate information, and RustyStealer is not an exception.
RustyStealer malware overview
Following successful infiltration, stealer-type malware begins its operations by gathering relevant device data, e.g., device name, hardware details, operating system version and architecture, username, IP address, and so on.
Some types of stealers are capable of downloading victims' files. Depending on the information within them, it could be used for blackmail purposes, leaked, or sold.
Most data-stealing programs aim to extract and exfiltrate data from installed applications, e.g., browsers, email clients, messengers, FTPs, VPNs, password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, video game related software, and so forth.
Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, chat logs, messages, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials (e.g., IDs, email addresses, usernames, passwords, passkeys, etc.), banking account details, credit card numbers, and so on.
It is pertinent to mention that stealers can have additional harmful capabilities, such as those of keyloggers (i.e., keystroke recording), spyware (e.g., taking screenshots, recording the desktop and audio/video via microphones and cameras, etc.), clippers (i.e., clipboard content replacement), or others.
Since malware developers often improve upon their software, it is possible that potential future versions of RustyStealer will have a broader set of functionalities.
In summary, the presence of software like RustyStealer on devices may lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
If you suspect that your device is infected with RustyStealer (or other malware) – we strongly recommend performing a complete system scan using an anti-virus and removing all detected threats.
| Name | RustyStealer virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.67518973), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/Agent.CLT), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win64.Agentb.kvtk), 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 investigated numerous malware samples; Mystic, Skuld, PirateStealer, GreetingGhoul, Offx, and Bandit are just some of our latest articles on stealers.
Information-stealing programs can target incredibly specific details, e.g., log-in credentials for certain cryptowallets, messages and contact lists from a social media platform, etc. Alternatively, stealers can aim to extract a broad range of data.
However, regardless of what information malware targets or what other capabilities it has – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did RustyStealer infiltrate my computer?
Malware is usually spread using phishing and social engineering techniques. That often includes disguising malicious software as ordinary program or media files.
Malicious files come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. When a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain (i.e., malware download/installation) is jumpstarted.
The most widely used malware proliferation methods include: malicious attachments and links in spam mail (e.g., email, PM/DM, SMS, etc.), untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
What is more, 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 strongly recommend exercising caution while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. Additionally, incoming emails and other messages must be treated with care. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. We also advise activating and updating software by using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected 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.
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 RustyStealer?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of RustyStealer 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 RustyStealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, RustyStealer's removal does not necessitate formatting.
What are the biggest issues that RustyStealer malware can cause?
RustyStealer is a stealer – a type of malware designed to extract/exfiltrate sensitive information. Generally, infections of this kind can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
What is the purpose of RustyStealer malware?
In most cases, malware is used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also employ this software for their own amusement or to disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, institutions, etc.). Malware infections can be motivated by personal grudges or political/geopolitical reasons.
How did RustyStealer malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is mainly distributed through drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and self-proliferation via local networks or removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems, as well as detect and eliminate threats. It is capable of removing nearly all known malware infections. However, since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – running a full system scan is essential.
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