How to remove VectorStealer malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is VectorStealer?
VectorStealer is a malicious program designed to steal sensitive data. It is classified as an information stealer. Typically, stealers run silently in the background to avoid suspicion. Threat actors use various ways to trick users into infecting computers with information-stealing malware.
More about information stealers
Typically, threat actors use malware like VectorStealer to steal login information (e.g., usernames, email addresses, passwords), credit card details, ID card information, data from various applications (e.g., messengers, crypto-related extensions, gaming apps) and clients, etc.
There are different types of information stealers with different capabilities. For instance, information stealers can function as keyloggers - they record keyboard input. Also, they can be designed to extract data from web browsers (autofill data, passwords, browsing history, etc.).
Depending on the extracted data, cybercriminals can use it to steal online accounts, identities, money (including cryptocurrency), and for other malicious purposes. It is important to mention that stolen email (or other) accounts can be used to trick other users into sending money, downloading malware, and more.
| Name | VectorStealer information stealer |
| Threat Type | Information-stealing malware |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.64940499), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/GenKryptik_AGen.NK), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.Inject.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:MSIL/Tnega.KA!MTB), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Most information stealers 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, monetary loss, and other issues. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Malware of this type in general
Information stealers are used mostly for monetary gain. Threat actors misuse stolen information by themselves and (or) sell it to third parties on hacker forums or elsewhere. Typically, they target data that can be used to steal money, online accounts, identities, etc. Examples of different information stealers are LummaC2, MintStealer, and Rhadamanthys.
How did VectorStealer infiltrate my computer?
Typically, cybercriminals send emails containing malicious attachments or links or use web pages hosting pirated software (or cracking tools, key generators) to trick users into infecting computers with malware. They also use fake installers, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, fake software updaters, and similar channels to distribute malware.
Users infect computers via malicious MS Office, PDF documents, executables, JavaScript files, ISO files, archives, and other files. In most cases, computers get infected after users download and execute malware by themselves.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Double-check emails containing links or attachments. Especially the ones that are irrelevant and sent from unknown, suspicious addresses. Download files and software from official websites and stores only. Keep your computer (the operating system and installed programs) updated.
Scan the operating system for threats regularly. Use reputable security software for computer 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.
VectorStealer's admin panel login form:
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:
- What is VectorStealer?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of VectorStealer 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 malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting the storage device is only necessary when malware cannot be removed using antivirus software.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
It depends on the type of malware and its capabilities. Typically, threat actors use malware to encrypt files, hijack online accounts, steal identities and money, add computers to botnets, mine cryptocurrency, etc.
What is the purpose of VectorStealer malware?
VectorStealer is an information-stealing malware. It is likely that it can extract passwords, credit card details, and or other information. It is also possible that it can log keystrokes (record data entered with a keyboard).
How did a malware infiltrate my computer?
Most users infect computers via links or files received from threat actors via email, websites hosting pirated software, files downloaded from P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting pages, etc. Fake installers and software updating tools downloaded from shady pages can infect computers too.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware. High-end malware usually hides deep in the operating system. Therefore, running a full system scan is a must.
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