How to remove Acreed from infected systems

What kind of malware is Acreed?

Acreed is an information stealer that has become the third most widespread of its kind, while Lumma now shares the top position with Rhadamanthys. It primarily collects passwords, browser cookies, and autofill data. Acreed also seems to target cryptocurrency wallets, credit cards, and messaging apps.

More about Acreed

Once inside the system, Acreed searches for installed cryptocurrency wallet software, including both system-installed wallets and browser-based extensions. Specifically, it targets browser extensions such as ArgentX, Binance, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Kasware, Martian, Metamask, OKX, Phantom, Rabby, ReadyWallet, Ronin, Sui, ToonKeeper, TronLink, and Trust.

Acreed also steals personal data from the "User Data" directories of Brave, Chrome, and Edge web browsers. These directories can contain various information, including bookmarks, browsing history, cookies, cache, extensions, autofill data, and saved passwords. Additionally, the malware targets messaging apps.

Furthermore, Acreed has modules that can hijack crypto transactions by replacing wallet addresses in webpages, QR codes, or the clipboard with the attacker's wallets. It can also steal wallet information by capturing wallet addresses that users type or submit in forms.

It is also worth noting that Acreed stealer was found in 18 samples and is spreading on Russian‑language forums. The malware gets its C2 info from unusual public sources, like a smart contract on the BNB Smartchain Testnet and posts on the Steam platform.

Moreover, it has been found that another malware, known as ShadowLoader, is part of Acreed's infection chain. It acts as a loader that delivers the Acreed malware onto the victim's system. The ShadowLoader drops two PE files, which are signed or packed with a legitimate WebView2 DLL, helping the malware avoid detection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Acreed is a sophisticated information stealer that targets cryptocurrency wallets, browser data, and messaging apps. It can hijack transactions and capture sensitive information, is delivered through a multi-stage loader to evade detection, and uses public sources to manage its command-and-control, making it a versatile and persistent threat.

How did Acreed infiltrate my computer?

Acreed has been observed being delivered by a loader called ShadowLoader. ShadowLoader drops two PE files (both wrapped with a legitimate WebView2 DLL), so Acreed is injected through a multi‑stage loader/dropper chain.

The infection chain (the execution of ShadowLoader) may occur through pirated software, malicious advertisements, technical support scams, or emails containing malicious attachments or links. Cybercriminals can also use software vulnerabilities, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, infected USB drives, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Regularly update your operating system and applications, and use reliable security software. Be careful with unexpected emails or messages, particularly those containing links or attachments from unknown sources. Only download software and files from official sites or trusted app stores.

Avoid interacting with suspicious ads or pop-ups, and do not grant notification permissions to untrusted websites. 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:

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

If your system is infected with Acreed, formatting your storage will remove the malware completely, but it is a drastic step that will also erase all data. Before doing that, you can consider running a full system scan with a tool like Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can steal sensitive information, hijack accounts or transactions, damage or lock files, slow down or crash systems, allow attackers to control your device remotely, and more.

What is the purpose of Acreed?

The purpose of Acreed is to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, browser data, messaging app data, and information from cryptocurrency wallets, and hijack crypto transactions.

How did Acreed infiltrate my computer?

It is known that Acreed is delivered via a loader called ShadowLoader. The loaded can enter a system through pirated software, malicious ads, scam calls or emails, software vulnerabilities, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, infected USB drives, and similar channels.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is essential.