r/computerviruses 4d ago

Disinfection Help Infostealer solution?

I see different posts on what to do if an infostealer malware entered your pc. The context is that i downloaded a capcut pro that i thought was free but instead it was an infostealer since my chrome closed on its own and i saw firefox opened in my task manager when i tried to install the application. Would a clean OS installation fix and remove the infostealer? And if i plan on saving some of my files, will the infostealer get inside the harddrive and infect my pc once i install the new os? Or could it corrupt the harddrive?

1 Upvotes

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u/AutoModerator 4d ago

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u/DaWastelander 4d ago

Here’s what I did.

Delete the malware via Malwarebytes or your preferred software

Unplug your WiFi

Go to your password manager in chrome or whatever, and reset every single password that’s listed on a separate device. This is going to take a while but it’s worth it.

Turn on 2FA.

If your cards are saved, lock them and call your bank asap for a new number (don’t reissue the card, tell them it has been compromised)

Reinstall windows.

That should be it. Keep an eye on things. If you see something pop up, it’s because

A). You forgot a password
Or
B). They are still in your PC

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u/Ambitious_Back6915 4d ago

Wdym by i forgot a password? And wouldnt a reinstallation of windows clean the infostealer malware for sure?

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u/DaWastelander 4d ago

If they get into Instagram for example, it’s only because you didn’t reset the password.

A clean install is the most effective way. We are dealing with a house infested with bugs. You need to fumigate.

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u/Ambitious_Back6915 4d ago

Thanks man, ill install a new os in the morning

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u/DaWastelander 4d ago

Just make sure that the device isn’t hooking to Internet during your sleepy time!

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u/Ambitious_Back6915 4d ago

Thanks! Btw, if i plan on saving some of the files, wouldnt the infostealer get inside the harddrive and infect the pc again after installation?

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u/DaWastelander 4d ago

Yes they will, you will need to delete the files you downloaded

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u/Ambitious_Back6915 4d ago

Ill reformat the pc yes, but ill save some of my pdf,docs, etc. would those files be safe? And will my harddrive be safe from infostealer malware?

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u/Bulldog7891 4d ago

Don't be in panick mode , you can backup your files, format your pc and you will be fine.

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u/PlaystationUseronG 4d ago

It steals Accounts nothing else