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How to remove Atom logger from the system

Also Known As: Atom keylogger
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is Atom?

Marketed as an economical keylogging solution tailored for entry-level hackers and criminals, Atom logger boasts the ability to capture keystrokes, visited websites, chats, instant messages, emails, screenshots, and additional data.

This keylogger is promoted and available for purchase within underground cybercrime forums commonly visited by hackers and scammers. With a price tag of just $15, Atom logger presents an affordable option, catering to criminals operating on a budget.

Atom malware

More about Atom logger

Within the landscape of cybersecurity threats, Atom logger distinguishes itself by providing an extensive array of features tailored to the covert requirements of hackers and malicious entities. This logger discreetly transmits logs through the SMTP protocol, enabling the surreptitious exchange of sensitive data.

What sets Atom logger apart is its ability to provide real-time notifications upon new executions, ensuring that cybercriminals are promptly alerted whenever the logger is activated, enhancing its utility for stealthy monitoring.

The logger's functionality extends beyond basic keystroke recording, incorporating advanced capabilities such as process termination, allowing the attackers to terminate specific processes like taskmgr.exe. This element of control provides a layer of manipulation over the target system, emphasizing the tool's versatility in the hands of cybercriminals.

Additionally, Atom logger enables the tracking of target IP addresses, blacklisting specific keywords for immediate notifications, and the execution of external applications through the "RUN EXECUTABLE" feature, providing a range of tools for discreet data extraction and system manipulation.

Furthermore, Atom logger offers a user-friendly experience with features like a web builder for on-the-go customization, a "Cure Tool" to terminate undesired executions, and a URL Visitor for website access upon system startup. The tool's ability to operate in stealth mode, with the build author remaining anonymous, adds an extra layer of security for cybercriminals seeking to avoid detection.

The inclusion of features like clipboard logging, FTP delivery, autostart integration, and the capability to set custom assembly information further solidifies Atom logger's position as a potent and comprehensive tool for unauthorized system monitoring and data extraction.

Threat Summary:
Name Atom keylogger
Threat Type Keylogger, Information Stealer
Detection Names Avast (Win32:DropperX-gen [Drp]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.MSILHeracles.14783), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Spy.Agent.BIG), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Dropper.MSIL.Sysn.gen), Microsoft (TrojanDownloader:Win32/Upatre), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Atom logger is 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, monetary loss, system instability,
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.

Possible damage

An infection with Atom logger can result in severe and wide-ranging consequences for the compromised computer and its user. Given its ability to discreetly capture keystrokes, websites visited, chats, emails, and even screenshots, the logger poses a significant threat to user privacy.

The recorded information may include sensitive login credentials, personal communications, and financial details, leading to potential identity theft, unauthorized access to online accounts, and financial losses.

Moreover, Atom logger's capability to terminate processes, manipulate system configurations, and execute external applications presents the risk of system instability and unauthorized control. The logger's discreet operation enhances its effectiveness in silently exfiltrating sensitive information, contributing to prolonged and undetected data breaches.

How did Atom infiltrate my computer?

Cybercriminals often send deceptive emails appearing to be from trusted sources, encouraging users to click on malicious links or download infected attachments. Infected websites or those hosting malicious ads can also trick users into unwittingly downloading malware when they visit or interact with the content.

Furthermore, cybercriminals create fake prompts for software updates, exploiting users who may unknowingly download malware disguised as legitimate updates. Infected free software or files shared on peer-to-peer networks and similar platforms can also carry hidden malware. In other cases, threat actors use pirated software, cracking tools, or key generators to distribute malware.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download software and apps only from official, reputable sources. Avoid third-party websites or unofficial app stores. Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those with unexpected attachments or links. Avoid clicking on pop-ups and ads, especially those claiming to offer software updates or prizes.

Regularly update the operating system, antivirus software, and all applications to patch vulnerabilities that malware might exploit. Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program and keep it updated. Regularly run scans to detect and remove potential 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.

Hacker forum used to promote Atom:

Atom logger malware promoted on forum

Image used for Atom logger promotion (split in three parts):

Atom logger malware image used for promotion part 1 Atom logger malware image used for promotion part 2 Atom logger malware image used for promotion part 3

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:

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 Atom malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting your storage device can be an effective way to remove the Atom malware from your computer. However, keep in mind that this action will erase all data on the drive. Before doing so, consider using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan and clean your system.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Once infected, malware can secretly collect sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, and financial details, leading to severe privacy breaches. Certain types of malware can exploit system vulnerabilities, causing disruptions, crashes, or unauthorized control over the infected device. Also, malware can encrypt files and cause other issues.

What is the purpose of Atom logger?

The Atom Logger serves as a tool designed for covert monitoring and data extraction on computer systems. Its primary purpose is to discreetly record and collect various types of user data, including keystrokes, websites visited, chats, emails, screenshots, and more.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

Typical pathways for malware infiltration encompass phishing emails containing harmful attachments or links, compromised websites, deceptive software updates, and susceptibilities in obsolete software or operating systems. Furthermore, acquiring files from unreliable sources, engaging with malicious advertisements, or utilizing compromised external devices can serve as additional means for introducing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating almost all known malware infections. Keep in mind that high-end malware usually hides deep in the system. For this reason, running a full system scan is a must.

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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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