Also known as: VacBan stealer
Category: Infostealer
Type: Malware
Platform: Windows
Variants: Multiple versions exist due to its open-source code
Damage potential: Creal Stealer targets sensitive information, including login credentials, session cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet data.
Overview
Creal Stealer is a sneaky malware designed to steal personal data from cryptocurrency users. Once on a victim’s system, it exfiltrates credentials, session tokens, and other sensitive information from browsers, extensions, messaging apps, gaming apps, and cryptocurrency wallets. It usually spreads through phishing scams, where malicious websites trick users with fake cryptocurrency-related content.
What makes Creal challenging to detect is how it works in the background. It performs thorough environment checks and if it detects security software running, it can terminate itself or change its behavior to avoid the detection of antivirus programs. To make sure it grabs as much data as possible, it uses multithreading, which means it can steal info from multiple apps at the same time.
Possible symptoms
If your system gets infected with Creal Stealer, you might first notice it running slower than usual or behaving strangely. Your browser settings could change, some files might go missing, or new ones could appear. However, these are just a few signs to watch for — other red flags might include:
- Unfamiliar login attempts to your online accounts.
- Unauthorized transactions from your cryptocurrency wallet.
- Unexplained spikes in CPU usage.
- Disabled antivirus software.
- Suspicious network connections to unknown file-sharing services.
Sources of the infection
Like other similar threats, Creal sneaks onto a user's device through phishing emails containing malicious attachments. An unsuspecting user downloads this attachment disguised as an invoice, HR document, or financial report and installs Creal onto their device. This malware also gets into systems through bundled software from unofficial websites. Additionally, a user can download Creal stealer by accidentally clicking on a malicious ad on compromised cryptocurrency websites.
Protection
The following tips might help you protect yourself from Creal Stealer and similar malware:
- Be cautious with emails from unknown senders. Be wary of malicious attachments in emails from unfamiliar senders.
- Only download software from trusted sources. Never download software from pirated websites.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Set up MFA on your social media, email, and financial accounts. It will prevent hackers from accessing your sensitive data even if they get hold of your login credentials.
- Use strong passwords. Create complex and unique passwords that contain upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Update your software and apps regularly. Regularly install updates for your Windows operating system and other software to patch against known vulnerabilities.
- Monitor your network. Monitor your network for unusual activity, random connections to suspicious servers, and changes in browser settings.
- Use Threat Protection Pro™. This advanced antivirus tool from NordVPN is designed to make browsing safer by blocking malicious ads and compromised websites and scanning your downloads for malware.
Removal
If you suspect your device has been infected with Creal Stealer, act immediately. First, disconnect it from the internet and reboot in safe mode. Open “Task manager,” look for suspicious processes, and terminate them. Then, locate and delete unknown files and registry entries related to Ardamax.
Next, run a thorough system scan with reputable antivirus software and remove any detected threats. Reset browser settings if anything was altered and clear out cookies. Keep an eye on your credit activity for a while, just to make sure the attackers aren’t trying to drain your funds or take out loans in your name. Also, consider changing all your passwords in case hackers have stolen your credentials.
