Removing Granda Misha trojan from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Granda Misha?
Granda Misha is a multifunctional trojan-type malware. Our researchers obtained a sample from VirusTotal and subsequently analyzed and researched this malicious program. Granda Misha has a broad list of functions, meaning that it can be used for varied purposes and cause a wide variety of serious problems.
Granda Misha malware overview
At the time of writing, Granda Misha's developers were offering this trojan for sale and made promises to add more features in the future. Our research into the promotional material revealed that this malicious program is proclaimed to have the ability of enabling user-level access to an infected device.
Among the advertised features are command execution and loader capabilities. The latter means that Granda Misha could be used to infect systems with additional malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
It also operates as a stealer - hence, this program can extract information from various browsers, e.g., Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, Yandex, Chromium, QQ, and Torch Web. Such functionalities are typically used to acquire victims' financial details (e.g., banking account credentials, credit card numbers, etc.), account usernames/passwords (e.g., social networking/media, e-commerce, online banking, etc.), and other vulnerable data.
Granda Misha's developers claim it can obtain information from communication platforms, FTPs (File Transfer Protocols), and cryptowallets (primarily those designed for Bitcoin). This list includes: Telegram, Gajim, Pidgin, Psi, Psi++, NppFTP, WinSCP, Core FTP, FileZilla, and so forth. Another of its information-stealing features is keylogging - the ability to record user keystrokes.
The advertising also includes a ransomware section detailing a variety of customizable options. Ransomware capabilities include data encryption for ransom purposes. Granda Misha offers several cryptographic algorithms (Curve25519, ChaCha20, and SHA-256), encrypted extension options (no extension, different extension per file, etc.), desktop wallpaper changing, ransom note variants (sixteen languages, alternative communication methods, Windows Volume Shadow Copy deletion, and so on.
To summarize, Granda Misha infections can lead to multiple system infiltrations, permanent data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Granda Misha malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:CrypterX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.38689521), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HOCD), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAR!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. |
Trojan examples
The term "trojan" covers a wide range of malicious software. Therefore, the functionalities of these programs can vary drastically. Popular features include (but are not limited to): data extraction, file download, file upload/execution (chain infections), remote access/control, spying (live-streaming/recording the desktop and audio/video via microphones/webcams, keylogging, etc.), and clipboard (copy-paste buffer) data replacement.
We have analyzed many trojan-type malicious programs; Maxtrilha, Ares, Numando, Cinobi, Bizarro, and Ceprolad are just some examples of them.
How did Granda Misha infiltrate my computer?
At the time of research, the Granda Misha trojan was offered for sale online. Hence, how it is proliferated (and used) - depends on the cyber criminals using it. The most common malware distribution techniques involve promotion through dubious download channels, spam mail, drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, and online scams.
To elaborate on some of these techniques, malicious software can be disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media and hosted on untrustworthy download channels, e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, etc.), unofficial and freeware websites, and other third-party downloaders.
Illegal activation tools ("cracks") can cause system infections instead of activating licensed software. Fake updaters infect systems by abusing outdated programs and/or by installing malware.
Spam emails can contain virulent files as attachments or download links. These files can be Microsoft Office and PDF documents, archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Once a malicious file is opened - the infection chain is initiated.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Caution and vigilance are key to computer safety. Therefore, we recommend downloading from official and verified sources. Programs must also be activated and updated with legitimate tools obtained from official channels. We advise against opening the attachments/links found in suspicious emails and other messages.
The importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and updated - must be emphasized. We strongly advise using security software to perform regular system scans and to remove threats and 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.
Appearance of Granda Misha trojan offered for sale online (GIF):
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 Granda Misha?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Granda Misha 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 Granda Misha malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Granda Misha's removal does not require formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Granda Misha malware can cause?
What damage a malware infection can do - depends on the program's functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Granda Misha is multifunctional, and it can cause chain infections (i.e., inject systems with additional malware). Therefore, its infections may result in decreased system performance or failure, permanent data loss, hardware damage, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Granda Misha malware?
Most malware attacks aim to only generate revenue at victims' expense. However, there are cases when malicious software is released for the cyber criminals' amusement, personal reasons (i.e., attacks targeting specific individuals), process disruption (e.g., website, service, company, institution, etc.), political/geopolitical motivations, and so forth.
How did Granda Misha malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily proliferated through drive-by downloads, third-party and freeware download sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam mail, online scams, illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate malware infections. It is capable of removing almost all known infections. However, it is worth noting that performing a full system scan is crucial - since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
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