How to remove TerraStealerV2

What is TerraStealerV2

TerraStealerV2 is a sophisticated malware variant developed by the threat actor group known as Golden Chickens, also referred to as Venom Spider. This stealer-type malware targets vulnerable data within infected devices, primarily aiming to extract sensitive information such as browsing histories, login credentials, credit card details, and data associated with cryptocurrency wallets. Despite being capable of gathering passwords from browsers, it cannot decrypt those protected by the Application Bound Encryption (ABE) in the latest versions of Google Chrome, indicating that TerraStealerV2 might still be in development. This malware typically exfiltrates the stolen data through platforms like Telegram or specific domains, potentially employing other tools from Golden Chickens’ Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) offerings to enhance its attack strategies. Its distribution methods include infected email attachments, malicious downloads, and social engineering tactics, leveraging the MaaS infrastructure to target high-value entities and individuals. The risks posed by TerraStealerV2 include severe privacy breaches, financial losses, and identity theft, making it a high-priority threat for cybersecurity defenses. Since it is linked to a well-resourced threat group, TerraStealerV2’s presence in a system suggests a broader risk of further infections, emphasizing the importance of robust security measures and regular system scans.

How TerraStealerV2 infected your system

TerraStealerV2, a sophisticated data-stealing malware developed by the Golden Chickens group, infiltrates computers through various distribution methods, adapting to the tactics of cybercriminals leveraging it. Commonly, it is spread via phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links, often disguised as legitimate files such as executables, dynamic link libraries, or Windows shortcuts. In some cases, TerraStealerV2 has been distributed through scams like ClickFix, which trick users into downloading infected files masquerading as innocuous media. Furthermore, this malware can be delivered through drive-by downloads, where merely visiting a compromised website can trigger an automatic download of the malicious payload. Other prevalent methods include malicious advertisements, dubious download sources, and illegal software activation tools, which capitalize on users seeking free software solutions. This multifaceted approach ensures TerraStealerV2 can efficiently target a broad spectrum of potential victims, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity practices and vigilant internet use.

1. Download TerraStealerV2 Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove TerraStealerV2
3. Use Autoruns to remove TerraStealerV2
4. Files, folders and registry keys of TerraStealerV2
5. Other aliases of TerraStealerV2
6. How to protect from threats, like TerraStealerV2

Remove TerraStealerV2 manually

Manual removal of TerraStealerV2 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 TerraStealerV2 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 TerraStealerV2 using Autoruns

TerraStealerV2 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 TerraStealerV2

TerraStealerV2 files and folders


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TerraStealerV2 registry keys


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Aliases of TerraStealerV2

How to protect from threats, like TerraStealerV2, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove TerraStealerV2. However, if you got infected with TerraStealerV2 with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from TerraStealerV2 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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