How to remove Betruger malware from infected systems

What kind of malware is Betruger?

Betruger is a backdoor malware, likely created for executing ransomware attacks. It has been connected to at least one member of the RansomHub ransomware-as-a-service operation. The malware includes several functions typically found in tools used before delivering ransomware payloads.

More about Betruger backdoor

Betruger backdoor includes several features. It can take screenshots of the infected system to capture sensitive information. Also, Betruger records keystrokes - the malware captures everything typed using the infected device. It also checks the victim’s network for other vulnerable systems and attempts to gain higher-level access to the system.

Additionally, Betruger steals login credentials to access other accounts or systems and sends files to a remote server controlled by the attacker. The features of Betruger suggest that it was likely designed to reduce the need for deploying multiple new tools when setting up a ransomware attack.

Based on its capabilities, cybercriminals can achieve several objectives with Betruger. Through screenshotting and keylogging, threat actors can capture sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and other personal details. By gaining higher access levels, attackers can bypass security measures and perform other actions that otherwise would not be available.

Credential dumping allows cybercriminals to steal login information, potentially gaining access to various accounts, including email, social media, and gaming. With this access, they can harvest more sensitive information, distribute scams, deliver malware, make fraudulent purchases, and more.

These capabilities enable attackers to gather data and set up the system for a ransomware attack. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files. This malware is used to force victims to pay ransom in exchange for a decryption tool. Typically, victims cannot decrypt files without the interference of cybercriminals.

Threat Summary:

Name	Betruger malware
Threat Type	Backdoor
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Lazy.608595), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.BXZFLBZ), Ikarus (Trojan.Win32.Seheq), Microsoft (Trojan:Win64/Vigorf.A), Full List (VirusTotal)
Payload	Ransomware (e.g., RansomHub)
Symptoms	Backdoor malware is 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, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'.
Damage	Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, file encryption, monetary loss, and more.
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.

Conclusion

Betruger is a type of malware that helps cybercriminals steal information and take control of infected systems. It also prepares the system for a ransomware attack. Victims of this malware can lose access to their files, have their identities stolen, have their accounts hijacked, and encounter other issues.

How did Betruger infiltrate my computer?

Cybercriminals employ different tactics to trick users into unknowingly infecting their computers. These methods include hiding malware in pirated software (and cracking tools or key generators), sending fake emails with malicious attachments or links, and using technical support scams.

Other ways malware is spread include peer-to-peer networks, malicious ads, fake or compromised websites, third-party downloaders, infected USB drives, and similar sources. Additionally, cybercriminals exploit software or operating system vulnerabilities to deploy malware.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download software from reliable sources, such as official websites or well-known app stores. Never open attachments or click on links in unexpected or similar emails from unknown senders. Avoid interacting with pop-ups, ads, or links on untrustworthy websites, and do not allow suspicious sites to show notifications.

Regularly update your operating system and software, and use a trusted security tool. 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:

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

Formatting your storage device will remove Betruger, but it will also erase all your data. A safer option is to use a reliable antivirus or malware removal tool like Combo Cleaner to scan and eliminate the infection without losing files.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can compromise personal information, corrupt or encrypt files, introduce more threats, slow down device performance, grant remote access to attackers, and cause other issues. The specific impact varies depending on the type of malware and its features.

What is the purpose of Betruger?

The purpose of Betruger is to act as a backdoor malware, allowing cybercriminals to steal information, control infected systems, and set up the system for a ransomware attack.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

Cybercriminals use various tactics to spread malware, such as hiding it in pirated software, sending fake emails with malicious links or attachments, and using technical support scams. They also distribute malware through peer-to-peer networks, malicious ads, compromised websites, third-party downloaders, infected USB drives, and by exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware threats. However, advanced malware may hide deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is essential to ensure complete removal.

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