How to remove Amatera malware from infected systems

What kind of malware is Amatera?

Amatera is an information stealer written in C++ programming language and based on another stealer known as ACR. Cybercriminals sell it as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS). It is priced at $199 for 1 month, $499 for 3 months, $899 for 6 months, and $1499 for 1 year. If Amatera is detected on the system, it should be removed as soon as possible.

More about Amatera

Amatera targets data from browser extensions linked to password managers and crypto wallets, as well as files related to popular email clients, SSH/FTP tools, and messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and XMPP clients. It also targets files associated with browser extensions, including those used for password management and cryptocurrency wallets.

Furthermore, Amatera extracts browser data such as cookies, saved form inputs, and browsing history. the malware gets around Chrome’s built-in encryption by inserting malicious code into the browser, which makes the browser copy protected files to a place where the malware can steal them.

Moreover, the stealer checks the computer's storage for files related to software wallets by looking at specific file locations. It also looks for and steals any files that have certain file types or contain particular keywords. In addition to stealing data, Amatera can execute other tasks.

The malware can download and run files with extensions like .exe, .cmd, .dll, and .ps1 by using a Windows function, and run downloaded PowerShell scripts. Overall, Amatera can lead to privacy breaches, financial loss, identity theft, and potential ongoing compromise of their devices.

Possible damage

Amatera is a highly dangerous stealer malware designed to target a wide range of sensitive information. Its advanced techniques allow it to bypass certain security measures and execute additional malicious code. Quickly identifying and eliminating this threat is important to avoid data theft and other damage.

More examples of information stealers are EDDIESTEALER, Octalyn, and Katz.

How did Amatera infiltrate my computer?

Not so long ago, Amatera was distributed through ClearFake, a campaign that injects malicious code into legitimate websites. These compromised sites, accessed via links in email campaigns, use techniques like EtherHiding and ClickFix to load harmful scripts that display fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users.

ClearFake has been linked to Amatera and other malware like Lumma Stealer and Rhadamanthys. Amatera also spreads through fake software downloads and cracks. In one campaign, ClearFake was used in attacks in which hacked websites showed visitors fake CAPTCHA tests.

When users tried to verify they were not robots, they were tricked into opening a Windows Run window, which helped inject Amatera stealer using the ClickFix method.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download software only from official sources or reputable app stores, and steer clear of pirated programs, keygens, and crack tools. Keep your operating system and applications updated. Exercise caution with unexpected or unfamiliar emails and messages from unknown senders. Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in these messages.

Do not interact with ads, pop-ups, and links found on unreliable sites, and never allow such pages to send you notifications. It is also important to regularly scan your device with reliable antivirus or security software.

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.

Pricing list (source: proofpoint.com):

An example of a malicious ClickFix technique used to deliver Amatera:

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:

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.

Quick menu:

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

Formatting erases all data, including malware. However, it is advisable to first attempt malware removal using a reliable security program such as Combo Cleaner before resorting to formatting.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can slow down or crash the system, spy on user activity, steal personal data, give attackers remote control of infected devices, damage files, and lead to identity theft or financial loss.

What is the purpose of Amatera malware?

The purpose of Amatera malware is to steal sensitive data, such as browser information, passwords, cryptocurrency wallet files, and messaging app data, and to download and run malicious files on infected systems.

How did Amatera infiltrate my computer?

Amatera malware is mainly distributed through the ClearFake campaign, which compromises legitimate websites to load malicious scripts. Users are tricked via fake CAPTCHAs and social engineering (like the ClickFix method) to run harmful commands. It also spreads through fake software downloads and cracks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware threats. However, since advanced malware can hide deep within the system, it is essential to perform a full system scan for thorough detection and cleanup.