How to remove TamperedChef Stealer

What is TamperedChef Stealer

TamperedChef Stealer is a sophisticated malware strain categorized as an information stealer, first observed in active campaigns in mid-2025. Designed to exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised systems, it targets browser cookies, saved credentials, and device-specific information, posing a severe threat to both personal and organizational privacy. Typically, TamperedChef infiltrates devices through deceptive software installers, often disguised as legitimate PDF editors, browsers, or utility tools distributed via malvertising and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Once installed, it quietly collects information on installed security products and actively seeks browser data, often terminating browser processes to bypass protection and access locked files. The malware’s modular nature allows for frequent updates, meaning its capabilities can evolve to target a broader range of applications such as email clients, FTP clients, VPNs, and cryptocurrency wallets. Victims often remain unaware of the infection due to the stealer’s stealthy behavior until they experience consequences like identity theft or financial loss. Detection rates vary, but major antivirus engines recognize TamperedChef under various aliases. Prompt removal and regular security hygiene are essential to mitigate the risks associated with this high-impact infostealer.

How TamperedChef Stealer infected your system

TamperedChef Stealer is a sophisticated piece of malware primarily distributed through Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) which masquerade as legitimate software such as PDF editors and web browsers. These PUAs often infiltrate systems in bundles or through installation chains, laying dormant until activated by a scheduled update. On specific dates, such as the 21st of August 2025, these sleeper applications receive a malicious update that downloads and installs the TamperedChef Stealer. This malware can also spread via malvertising campaigns, where deceptive Google Ads promote fraudulent applications. Additionally, it may use traditional distribution methods like phishing emails with malicious attachments or links, trojans, drive-by downloads, and dubious download sources. Once installed, TamperedChef Stealer silently collects sensitive data, including login credentials and internet cookies, posing significant risks to user privacy and financial security.

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

Remove TamperedChef Stealer manually

Manual removal of TamperedChef 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 TamperedChef 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 TamperedChef Stealer using Autoruns

TamperedChef 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 TamperedChef Stealer

TamperedChef Stealer files and folders


{randomname}.exe


TamperedChef Stealer registry keys


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Aliases of TamperedChef Stealer

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

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