Removal instructions for the VacBan stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is VacBan?
VacBan is a rebrand of the Creal stealer. This malware is written in Python. VacBan operates by extracting and exfiltrating sensitive information from infected devices. This stealer seeks log-in credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and other vulnerable data.
VacBan malware overview
Following successful infiltration, the VacBan stealer collects relevant device data. It searches for software of interest, such as installed Chromium-based browsers. From targeted browsers, VacBan can extract browsing histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), finance-related details, and other sensitive information.
Additionally, the malware can obtain data from messengers (like Telegram, Discord, etc.) and various cryptocurrency wallets. Cyber criminals can steal funds out of compromised digital wallets. Furthermore, because of the untraceable nature of cryptocurrency transactions – they cannot be reversed.
It is worth mentioning that malware developers often improve their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future variants of VacBan can have a broader target list or additional/different capabilities.
To summarize, the presence of software like the VacBan stealer on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | VacBan malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:ReverseShell-C [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.PyStealer.A.E75896E8), ESET-NOD32 (Python/Spy.Agent.AAF), Kaspersky (UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win64/CrealStealer.AMK!MTB), 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
Sharp, Sams, Nova, and Glorysprout are merely a few of our newest articles on stealers. Data-stealing malware can target a wide variety of information or only specific details. Additionally, these functionalities are prevalent in other types of malicious software.
However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate all threats immediately upon detection.
How did VacBan infiltrate my computer?
VacBan's developers are promoting this stealer online. Hence, how it is distributed depends on the cyber criminals using it. In general, malware is spread by relying on phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs can be disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media.
Virulent files come 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 malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection process is initiated.
Malware is primarily proliferated via drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can even self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise vigilance while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. We also recommend treating incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updaters can contain malware.
It is crucial to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software 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.
VacBan stealer promoted online:
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:
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 VacBan malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, the VacBan stealer can be removed without resorting to formatting.
What are the biggest issues that VacBan malware can cause?
The dangers of a system infection depend on the malicious program's abilities and the cyber criminals' goals. VacBan is an information stealer, and as such – its presence on a device can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of VacBan malware?
In most malware infections, the motivation is profit. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did VacBan malware infiltrate my computer?
The most widespread malware distribution techniques include: drive-by downloads, spam mail, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a full system scan is essential since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion