How to remove Cowboy Stealer

What is Cowboy Stealer

Cowboy Stealer is a sophisticated piece of malware designed to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive information, particularly targeting cryptocurrency wallets. Written in the Go programming language, it is capable of extracting stored credentials, private keys, and other critical data, enabling cybercriminals to access victims’ digital assets. This malware can capture screenshots, allowing attackers to steal private messages, authentication codes, and other sensitive information. Additionally, Cowboy Stealer can harvest data from web browsers, such as saved login credentials and browsing history, as well as monitor clipboard activities to capture copied cryptocurrency addresses and credit card numbers. Its keylogging feature further allows it to record every keystroke made on an infected device, posing a significant threat to users’ privacy and security. Often distributed through malicious email attachments, deceptive websites, and infected software, Cowboy Stealer operates stealthily, making it difficult to detect without advanced security solutions. Prompt removal and strong preventive measures are essential to protect against this severe threat, ensuring that systems remain secure from unauthorized access and data theft.

How Cowboy Stealer infected your system

Cowboy Stealer typically infiltrates computers through deceptive methods commonly employed by cybercriminals. It often spreads via harmful email attachments, malicious links, and compromised websites that trick users into downloading and executing the malware. Cybercriminals also use social engineering tactics, such as fake software updates or tech support scams, to lure victims into unknowingly installing the stealer. Additionally, Cowboy Stealer can be bundled with pirated software, key generators, or distributed through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, further increasing its reach. Once a user interacts with these malicious elements, the malware stealthily installs itself, beginning its process of extracting sensitive information. To combat infection, users should exercise caution with unsolicited emails, download software from reputable sources, and maintain up-to-date security software.

1. Download Cowboy Stealer Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove Cowboy Stealer
3. Use Autoruns to remove Cowboy Stealer
4. Files, folders and registry keys of Cowboy Stealer
5. Other aliases of Cowboy Stealer
6. How to protect from threats, like Cowboy Stealer

Remove Cowboy Stealer manually

Manual removal of Cowboy Stealer by inexperienced users may become a difficult task because it does not create entries in Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel, does not install browser extensions, and uses random file names. However, there are pre-installed instruments in the Windows system, that allow you to detect and remove malware without using third-party applications. One of them is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It comes with Windows Update in Windows 11, 10, 8. 8.1. For older operating system you can download it here: 64-bit version | 32-bit version.

Remove Cowboy Stealer using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Type mrt in the search box near Start Menu.
2. Run mrt clicking on found item.
3. Click Next button.
4. Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
5. Click Next button.
6. Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
7. Click Finish button.

Remove Cowboy Stealer using Autoruns

Cowboy Stealer often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.

1. Download Autoruns using this link.
2. Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
3. In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
4. Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like: C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
5. Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
6. Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
7. To remove files themselves, click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry…. Remove files or registry keys found.

Remove files, folder and registry keys of Cowboy Stealer

Cowboy Stealer files and folders


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Cowboy Stealer registry keys


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Aliases of Cowboy Stealer

How to protect from threats, like Cowboy Stealer, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove Cowboy Stealer. However, if you got infected with Cowboy Stealer with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from Cowboy Stealer on all levels (browser, e-mail attachments, Word or Excel scripts, file system) we recommend a leading provider of internet security solutions – BitDefender. Its solutions both for home and business users proved to be one of the most advanced and effective. Choose and get your BitDefender protection via the button below:

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