How to remove PureStealer

What is PureStealer

PureStealer is a sophisticated piece of malware classified as an information stealer, primarily targeting Windows users. Its primary function is to infiltrate systems stealthily, extracting sensitive data stored in web browsers, such as passwords, cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet information. This type of malware poses significant risks, including identity theft, unauthorized account access, and potential financial losses due to compromised cryptocurrency wallets. PureStealer’s campaigns have been particularly aimed at Ukrainian military recruits, hinting at motives that may extend beyond financial theft to include intelligence gathering or political objectives. The malware is often distributed through deceptive websites, Telegram channels, and fake applications, making unsuspecting users vulnerable to infection. Once embedded in a system, it operates silently, making detection by the user challenging without the aid of antivirus software. To mitigate risks, users should exercise caution when downloading software and ensure their security solutions are up-to-date and robust against such threats.

How PureStealer infected your system

PureStealer is a malicious information-stealing trojan that primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals. This malware is distributed via a campaign operated by a Russian threat group targeting Ukrainian military recruits. The attackers lure victims by creating a fake “Civil Defense” persona that offers a fraudulent app called Sunspinner, purporting to help users avoid recruitment. When users download this app from a deceptive website or a Telegram channel, it secretly installs Pronsis Loader, which subsequently deploys PureStealer onto the victim’s device. The malware can also spread through other common distribution methods, such as infected email attachments, malicious advertisements, and software ‘cracks’. By exploiting social engineering and disguising itself within seemingly legitimate applications, PureStealer manages to infiltrate systems and begin its data-harvesting operations undetected.

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

Remove PureStealer manually

Manual removal of PureStealer 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 PureStealer 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 PureStealer using Autoruns

PureStealer 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 PureStealer

PureStealer files and folders


{randomname}.exe


PureStealer registry keys


no information


Aliases of PureStealer

How to protect from threats, like PureStealer, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove PureStealer. However, if you got infected with PureStealer with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from PureStealer 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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