Also known as: No widely recognized aliases.
Category: Malware
Type: Information stealer
Platform: Windows
Variants: -
Damage potential: Stolen credentials, identity theft, fraudulent transactions, and financial loss.
Overview
Blank Grabber is an infostealer malware designed to capture sensitive data. While initially created to target Windows systems, it can be reprogrammed to target other operating systems, too. It is open-source malware, and its code is easily accessible on GitHub, allowing even newbie hackers to use it without hassle.
Hackers infiltrate systems with Blank Grabber through malicious attachments, drive-by downloads, and phishing emails. With this malware, hackers can record keystrokes, capture screenshots, steal browser cookies, and gather confidential information. Once hackers capture this information, they send it to a remote server they control. Using the stolen credentials, hackers can access online accounts, steal funds, and send spam emails to spread the malware, all while evading antivirus detection.
Possible symptoms
Because Blank Grabber steals and sends information, it may significantly slow down your computer performance. Other possible symptoms include:
- Unexpected system crashes.
- Changes in the settings of online accounts.
- Unknown processes in the task manager that the user didn’t initiate.
- Random pop-ups and fake alerts.
- Unexpected redirects to unfamiliar sites.
- Spikes in network activity.
- Turned off security programs.
- Inability to access certain websites.
Sources of infection
Blank Grabber, like similar malware, typically infects devices through malicious attachments in phishing emails or social media messages. Unsuspecting users click on these attachments, unknowingly downloading the malware. In addition to emails and instant messages, users often download Blank Grabber from unreliable sources like pirated websites. Blank Grabber also hides in malicious ads or compromised websites. The worst part is you don’t always need to download anything to infect your device — sometimes hackers exploit software vulnerabilities in outdated applications to infiltrate your system.
Protection
The most effective way to protect against the Blank Grabber infostealer is to educate yourself about malware and online threats. Other countermeasures against Blank Grabber include:
- Use antivirus software. Purchase a reputable antivirus software with real-time protection to prevent Blank Grabber.
- Regularly update your programs. Keep your operating system, browsers, and all applications up to date to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Use Threat Protection Pro. Purchase NordVPN with an advanced Threat Protection Pro feature that blocks malicious ads and suspicious sites and scans files for malware as you download them.
- Avoid suspicious links and attachments. Never click on unfamiliar links or suspicious attachments, especially from unknown senders.
- Implement network security. In addition to reputable antivirus software, set up firewalls and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent Blank Grabber.
- Use NordPass. Never keep your passwords written in plain text on your computer. Use a trusty password manager like NordPass, which allows you to store all your credentials under one master password.
Removal of Blank Grabber
If you suspect your system might be infected with Blank Grabber, immediately disconnect your device from the internet and restart your computer in safe mode. Then, run a full antivirus scan and remove the virus. Once Blank Grabber is removed from your system, change all your online account passwords to protect your data from further damage.
If the malware persists, contact a cybersecurity professional. They’ll know what to do.
