How to remove GRAPELOADER

What is GRAPELOADER

GRAPELOADER is a sophisticated type of malware classified as a loader, primarily used in the initial stages of cyber infections. This malicious software is designed to infiltrate systems stealthily, leveraging techniques like DLL side-loading to execute its payloads without detection. GRAPELOADER’s primary function is to gather basic system data, establish persistence, and facilitate the installation of additional malware payloads. It operates under the radar, often leaving no visible symptoms on the infected device, which makes detection and removal challenging. This malware has been notably used by the threat actor known as APT29, also referred to as Cozy Bear, in campaigns targeting European diplomatic entities. By establishing a foothold in a system, GRAPELOADER can potentially lead to severe privacy violations, financial losses, and further system compromises. Its presence is a significant threat, as it can pave the way for more destructive malware such as ransomware or data-stealing trojans. Cybersecurity defenses against GRAPELOADER require a combination of vigilance, up-to-date antivirus solutions, and safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of infection.

How GRAPELOADER infected your system

GRAPELOADER infiltrates computers primarily through sophisticated phishing campaigns, often targeting high-sensitivity entities like European diplomatic bodies and embassies. The malware is typically disguised within malicious email attachments, such as ZIP archives, or linked through deceptive messages masquerading as legitimate communications, like invitations to faux events. Upon opening these files, the malware employs the DLL side-loading technique, exploiting legitimate applications to execute its payload undetected. GRAPELOADER’s initial objectives include gathering system data, ensuring persistence by modifying system settings like the Windows Registry, and communicating with a remote Command and Control (C&C) server to receive further instructions. This loader can subsequently download and execute additional malicious payloads, potentially leading to more severe infections like ransomware or spyware. It is crucial to maintain vigilant email practices and deploy robust antivirus solutions to mitigate such infection risks.

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

Remove GRAPELOADER manually

Manual removal of GRAPELOADER 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 GRAPELOADER 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 GRAPELOADER using Autoruns

GRAPELOADER 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 GRAPELOADER

GRAPELOADER files and folders


{randomname}.exe


GRAPELOADER registry keys


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Aliases of GRAPELOADER

How to protect from threats, like GRAPELOADER, in future

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