How to eliminate BlackLine stealer malware from the operating system

What is BlackLine?

BlackLine is the name of a stealer-type malware. Malicious software within this classification is designed to obtain vulnerable data from infected systems. It is considered that stealers pose severe privacy issues, which can evolve into significant financial losses and even identity theft.

BlackLine malware overview

It has been confirmed that the BlackLine stealer collects the following device data: HWID (Hardware ID), OS (Operating System) details, user account name, and IP addresses (geolocations). This malware exfiltrates data by using the Telegram messenger.

It is likely that BlackLine gathers other sensitive information as well. It is just as probable that at the time of research – this malicious program is still in development and will be updated with additional functionalities.

Typically, stealers are designed to extract data from various installed applications. From browsers, this type of malware mainly seeks to acquire: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related information (e.g., banking account details, credit card numbers, etc.), and so forth.

In addition to browsers, data-stealing malware targets email clients, VPNs, cryptocurrency wallets, FTPs, gaming-related software, etc. Stealers are often capable of downloading files stored on victims' devices.

To summarize, the presence of software like BlackLine on systems may result in serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

If you believe that your device is infected with BlackLine (or other malware) – use an anti-virus to eliminate it without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	BlackLine malware
Threat Type	Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware.
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.65676988), Fortinet (PossibleThreat.MU), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.MSIL.Bobik.gen), Malwarebytes (Spyware.PasswordStealer.MSIL), 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. ▼ 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.

Stealer-type malware examples

We have analyzed thousands of malicious programs; Atlantida, S1deload, VenusStealer, and Creal are just some examples of stealers. Information-stealing malware can target specific details or a broad range of data. Stealers may also have other functionalities, such as those associated with spyware, backdoor malware, clippers, etc.

However, it must be stressed that regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.

How did BlackLine infiltrate my computer?

Malware is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering. This software is typically disguised as or bundled with regular programs/media.

Infectious files can be documents (e.g., Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When a malicious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is jumpstarted.

The most commonly used distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Additionally, the same care must be extended to incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages. The attachments and links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. Furthermore, all programs must be activated and updated using genuine functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters can contain malware.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected 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.

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

No, BlackLine's removal does not necessitate formatting.

What are the biggest issues that BlackLine malware can cause?

The threats posed by a malicious program depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. BlackLine is a data-stealing malware (stealer); these types of infections can cause severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of BlackLine malware?

The primary goal behind malware attacks is to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also use this software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, governmental bodies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did BlackLine malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is primarily proliferated through drive-by downloads, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam emails and messages, malvertising, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. It must be mentioned that running a full system scan is paramount – since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.

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