How to remove Evelyn from infected devices

What kind of malware is Evelyn?

Evelyn is an information stealer designed to avoid security analysis while it gathers data. The malware can pilfer data such as saved browser passwords, clipboard contents, Wi‑Fi credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and other information. All stolen information is then sent to the threat actor's command‑and‑control server using FTP.

More about Evelyn

Once executed on a device, Evelyn loads the Windows tools it needs to work, such as tools for injecting into other programs, accessing files and the registry, using the network, and reading the clipboard. The malware is designed to evade analysis and detection by security tools.

It uses several techniques to detect whether it is being examined, including checking for virtual machines, debuggers, and analysis tools such as Remote Desktop sessions and Hyper‑V. After confirming the system is safe to run on, Evelyn creates its own folders in the user's AppData directory to store stolen information.

The malware first collects any existing browser data and then closes running browsers. This helps it steal more data and avoids problems during the injection process.

To obtain a file that is required to steal browser login data, the stealer checks whether the file already exists in the TEMP folder. If it is not found, the malware attempts to download it from its FTP server. As a final option, it looks for the file in the folder where the malware is running.

After getting the aforementioned file, the malware targets web browsers. It starts the browser in a specific way and secretly injects its malicious file into it. This allows the malware to bypass the browser's built‑in protections. To avoid detection, the malware launches the browser with multiple hidden settings.

These settings make the browser run without a visible window, disable security features and extensions, prevent logs from being created, and hide any signs that the browser was opened. Together, this lets the malware steal browser data quietly while avoiding detection.

The malware also takes screenshots of the desktop and gathers system details (including username, computer name, operating system, installed programs, running processes, and VPN settings). Moreover, Evelyn targets cryptocurrency wallets, the clipboard, and saved Wi‑Fi passwords. After collecting all the data, the stealer packages it into a ZIP file and uploads it to the threat actor's command‑and‑control server using FTP.

Conclusion

Evelyn is a stealthy information‑stealing malware designed to avoid detection and analysis. It focuses on stealing browser data, system information, data from cryptocurrency wallets, and other information. Having a device infected with this stealer can lead to issues like financial loss, account hijacking, and identity theft.

Examples of other stealers are AuraStealer, VVS, and SantaStealer.

How did Evelyn infiltrate my computer?

Evelyn is delivered through a fake Visual Studio Code (VSC) extension. When the extension is installed, it drops a malicious file disguised as a normal Lightshot DLL, which is then loaded and executed by the real Lightshot program. Once loaded, the fake DLL quietly runs and launches a hidden PowerShell command to download another malicious file. This second file injects the Evelyn stealer.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages, and never open attachments or click links if they are from unknown sources. Avoid clicking pop‑ups, ads, or buttons on suspicious websites, and do not allow them to send notifications.

Only download software from official websites or trusted app stores, and stay away from pirated software, cracks, or keygens. Keep your operating system and applications up to date, and regularly scan your system with a reputable antivirus or security tool.

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

Formatting the storage device will remove the malware, but it is a drastic step and will also erase all your files, programs, and settings. Specialized tools like 'Combo Cleaner can remove malware like Evelyn without formatting.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware steal sensitive data such as passwords or banking information, secretly deploy other malicious programs, or even give attackers remote control over a device. In other cases, malware can also encrypt files and mine cryptocurrency.

What is the purpose of Evelyn?

The purpose of Evelyn is to steal sensitive information from infected computers while staying hidden. It targets browser passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, clipboard data, Wi‑Fi credentials, system details, and even screenshots.

How did Evelyn infiltrate my computer?

Evelyn most likely got onto your computer through a malicious Visual Studio Code extension that looked legitimate. When the extension was installed, it secretly dropped a fake file disguised as part of a trusted program (Lightshot), which allowed the malware to infiltrate.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most types of malware. Because advanced malware can hide deep in the system, it is important to run a full system scan.