How to remove GitHub Archive Downloader and the associated threats

What is GitHub Archive Downloader?

Our team has determined that this is a scam involving a legitimate website (GitHub platform) and a fake application uploaded to it. The distributed application is flagged as malicious by multiple security vendors. Thus, installing it may lead to identity theft, financial loss, or other issues. Users should avoid downloading the app to prevent the associated risks.

Fake GitHub Archive Downloader overview

GitHub (github.com) is a website where people store and share code for software projects. It is a legitimate platform, but cybercriminals can exploit it for malicious purposes. One of the most common ways threat actors abuse it is by uploading malicious code to public or private repositories disguised as legitimate software.

In this case, cybercriminals use a fake app called GitHub Archive Downloader. The fake app claims to be a tool that helps users download and archive content from GitHub repositories. When users install it, it redirects them to a shady download website. This site downloads a malicious application.

Once installed, the malicious app can run in the background without the user knowing. It may steal sensitive data like passwords, browser information, or crypto wallet details. It might also inject other malware that gives attackers control over the infected device.

Additionally, the app may be able to track what the user types to steal sensitive information or encrypt files on the device. The purpose of that app is currently unknown, but it may lead to various issues, including identity theft, financial loss, account hijacking, file encryption, reputational damage, or other problems.

Conclusion

This case shows that even trusted platforms like GitHub can be misused by cybercriminals to spread malware. Fake tools are often used to trick users into installing malicious software. Once run, malware can steal data, monitor activity, or give attackers control of the device. Users should be careful when downloading applications to avoid the potential negative outcomes.

How did unwanted applications install on my computer?

Unwanted or malicious apps are often bundled with free or unofficial software. They usually get installed when users choose the default or quick install options instead of checking "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, where extra components can be declined.

In some cases, users download software from unreliable sources like third-party websites, cracked software pages, or unofficial downloaders. Fake ads, pop-ups, or misleading "Download" buttons on unsafe sites can also trick users into installing them. As our review shows, malicious apps can also be uploaded to legitimate platforms like GitHub.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software from official sources or trusted app stores, and always check installation options to make sure no extra programs are included. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads, pop-ups, or unknown links that may lead to unsafe downloads. It is also advisable to use reliable security software and run regular system scans to detect potential threats.

Additionally, keep your operating system and apps up to date and avoid allowing notifications from untrusted websites. If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Appearance of GitHub Archive Downloader application download (GIF):

Screenshot of the downloaded app's files:

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Quick menu:

• What is GitHub Archive Downloader?
• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Removal of unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window, look for suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

At time of research, GitHub Archive Downloader did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake github archive downloader application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon  (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with fake github archive downloader application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake github archive downloader application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of an unwanted application?

The purpose of an unwanted application is usually to generate profit for its developers, often by showing ads or tricking users into paying for fake services.

Is GitHub Archive Downloader unwanted application legal?

In most cases, unwanted applications are considered legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) often disclose their behavior to users.

Is having GitHub Archive Downloader installed on my computer dangerous?

Yes, this application direct users to a website designed to download a malicious application. That application may collect sensitive information, download other malicious apps, lock files, damage systems, or cause other damage.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove GitHub Archive Downloader unwanted application?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and remove malicious or unwanted applications. However, manual removal is not always fully effective because leftover files may remain hidden in the system. Even after the main program is deleted, some components can still stay active or behind.