Removal instructions for the Vilsa stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Vilsa?
Vilsa is a malicious program classed as a stealer. As the class implies, this malware is designed to extract and exfiltrate vulnerable data from compromised machines. Most stealers target log-in credentials (usernames/passwords) of various accounts, personally identifiable information, and finance-related data.
Vilsa malware overview
Stealer is a malware class that targets system and personal information. These programs can extract a wide variety of sensitive data from the applications installed on victims' devices. The exact target list of the Vilsa stealer is currently unknown.
Generally, stealers seek information from browsers, such as browsing and search engine histories, bookmarks, auto-fills, Internet cookies, passwords, credit card numbers, and so on. However, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and other critical information can be obtained from other apps as well.
Malware of this kind often targets various email clients, messengers and other communication platforms, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), cryptocurrency wallets, gaming-related software, and so forth.
Stealers can also possess other functionalities associated with data theft. They can operate as keyloggers – by recording keystrokes (keyboard input). Grabber capabilities – downloading victims' files – might be present in this malware as well.
Stealers may share features with spyware, e.g., taking screenshots, screen-recording or desktop live-streaming, recording audio/video via integrated or attached microphones and cameras, etc. Functioning as clippers – stealing and potentially replacing clipboard (copy-paste buffer) content – is likewise prevalent in these programs.
It is noteworthy that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies; hence, potential future variants of Vilsa could have additional/different functionalities and features.
In summary, the presence of malicious software like Vilsa on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Vilsa malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, stealer. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (PY:Trojan.Ransom.PIN), ESET-NOD32 (Python/PSW.Agent.BKD), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Python.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Python/CStealer.CF!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
We have written about thousands of malicious programs; Can stealer, Flesh, BLX, Ailurophile, Emansrepo, and Angry are merely a few of our newest articles on stealers.
Data-stealing programs can target only specific details or a broad range of information. Furthermore, these capabilities are common for other types of malware.
However, regardless of what (if any) data a malicious program targets – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did Vilsa infiltrate my computer?
Generally, malware is proliferated by relying on phishing and social engineering methods. Widespread distribution techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Malware is usually disguised as or bundled (packed together) with ordinary software/media files. They come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Once an infectious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the malware download/installation chain is initiated.
How to avoid installation of malware?
It is important to download only from official and verified channels. We recommend activating and updating programs using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. Additionally, incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
We must emphasize that having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated is essential to device/user safety. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. 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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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 Vilsa malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely necessitates such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that Vilsa malware can cause?
The threats associated with an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. Vilsa is a stealer – a type of malware that steals information from compromised devices. In general, these infections can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Vilsa malware?
In most malware infections, the motivation is profit. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious programs to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Vilsa malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, spam mail, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Remember that high-end malicious software tends to hide deep within systems – therefore, performing a full system scan is key to detection.
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