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How to remove Exo Stealer from computers

Also Known As: Exo information stealer
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is Exo Stealer?

Exo Stealer is an information stealer, a type of malware designed to extract sensitive data from infected devices. Once active, it transmits stolen data to cybercriminals, who can then misuse it for malicious purposes. Usually, malware of this type targets login credentials, financial details, and other sensitive personal information.

Exo Stealer malware

More about Exo Stealer

Exo Stealer likely targets web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge) to extract saved login credentials, cookies, autofill data, browsing history, and possibly other information. Cybercriminals may use the stolen data for unauthorized transactions, account takeovers, selling it on underground forums, and more.

Exo Stealer may also be capable of logging keystrokes, allowing it to capture everything a victim types, including passwords, messages, and other sensitive information. By recording keystrokes, Exo Stealer may increase the risk of financial fraud, identity theft, and further system compromise.

Furthermore, Exo Stealer may have the ability to pilfer data from various applications, including Discord, FTP clients, email clients, and other tools. By extracting stored login credentials, session tokens, authentication data, etc., the malware can grant attackers unauthorized access to these accounts.

This can lead to data breaches, account takeovers, and the spread of additional malware through compromised channels. Cybercriminals may use stolen credentials to exfiltrate sensitive files, send phishing messages, or sell access on dark web forums.

Moreover, Exo Stealer may steal clipboard data, allowing it to capture copied text, including passwords, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and other sensitive information. This technique is especially dangerous for victims who copy and paste credentials or financial details without realizing they are being monitored by malware.

Additionally, Exo Stealer may gather system information, such as the operating system version, hardware specifications, and installed software. This data helps cybercriminals tailor further attacks, deploy additional malware, or evade detection based on security tools present on the system.

Some information stealers are be capable of performing overlay attacks to trick users into disclosing sensitive information. This technique involves displaying a fake login page or other form on top of a legitimate application or website. These attacks are commonly used to steal banking credentials, email logins, and similar details.

Threat Summary:
Name Exo information stealer
Threat Type Stealer
Detection Names Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Dacic.1432.2930B442), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/PSW.CoinStealer.CC), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/CoinMiner.N!cl), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Information stelaers are often 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, fake technical support, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'.
Possible Damage Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, monetary loss, account takeovers.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Exo Stealer is a dangerous malware that may be capable of stealing sensitive information through various methods. The stolen data may be used for identity theft, account takeovers, further attacks, and other purposes. Users should be careful online to protect themselves from such threats.

Examples of information stealers are Cowboy Stealer, Zhong Stealer, and Celestial Stealer.

How did Exo Stealer infiltrate my computer?

Threat actors employ a variety of deceptive strategies to spread malware. Common tactics include using fake tech support websites and sending misleading emails with malicious attachments or links. Malware can also be hidden in pirated software, key generators, or cracking tools.

In addition, ransomware is often distributed through malicious ads, compromised websites, infected USB drives, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and third-party downloaders. Exploiting security flaws in outdated software or operating systems is also a popular method for spreading information stealers and other types of malware.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always download software from reliable sources, such as official websites or trusted app stores, as using other sources can lead to malicious downloads. Do not trust pop-ups, ads, and links on untrustworthy sites, and never agree to receive notifications from web pages of this kind.

Also, do not open links or attachments found in unexpected or unfamiliar emails from suspicious addresses. Keep your software and operating system up to date, and perform regular scans with a trusted security tool to maintain protection.

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:
▼ 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:

Malware process running in the Task Manager

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:

manual malware removal step 1Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Autoruns application appearance

manual malware removal step 2Restart 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.

Run Windows 7 or Windows XP in Safe Mode with Networking

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.

Run Windows 8 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.

Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

manual malware removal step 3Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

Extract Autoruns.zip archive and run Autoruns.exe application

manual malware removal step 4In 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.

Refresh Autoruns application results

manual malware removal step 5Check 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".

Delete malware in Autoruns

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.

Search for malware and delete 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 Exo Stealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting your storage device can remove Exo Stealer, but it should be a last resort. First, try running a reputable security tool like Combo Cleaner to detect and remove the malware.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can lead to data theft, financial loss, and identity theft by compromising sensitive information. It can also cause system instability and allow cybercriminals to take control of the infected device. Additionally, malware can spread to other devices and inject other payloads on compromised systems.

What is the purpose of Exo Stealer?

Exo Stealer's purpose is to steal sensitive information, which may include login credentials, personal data, and financial details. The malware likely targets web browsers, applications, and other software to exfiltrate valuable data. It may also be capable of logging keystrokes.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

Threat actors use fake tech support sites, phishing emails with malicious links or attachments,  pirated software, malicious ads, compromised websites, infected USB drives, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, security vulnerabilities in outdated software or systems, and similar tactics to trick users into executing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, it is important to note that advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is advisable.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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