DarkCloud Stealer

Warning: DarkCloud is a stealthy infostealer that quietly infiltrates your system and exfiltrates sensitive data—don’t wait to act.

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Threat Overview

DarkCloud Stealer is a trojan-infostealer first detected in 2022. It uses highly obfuscated, multi-stage infection techniques—spanning phishing emails, archives (RAR, TAR, 7Z), JavaScript or Windows Script File (WSF), PowerShell execution, and process hollowing—to sneak past defenses and inject a final payload that steals credentials, files, and financial data. The malware exfiltrates information using methods like SMTP, FTP, or Telegram Web Panels.

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Threat Type	Trojan / Infostealer
Encrypted File Extension	N/A (delivery via archives—RAR, TAR, 7Z)
Ransom Note Filename	N/A
Email Contact	N/A
Detection Names	Avast: Win32:Darkcloud‑A [Spy]; Combo Cleaner: Generic.Dacic.CDD4E759.A.8A56DDEC; ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of Win32/Spy.VB.OLN; Kaspersky: Trojan‑PSW.Win32.DarkCloud.aal; MS Defender: Trojan:Win32/DarkCloud!rfn
Symptoms	Silent, stealthy infection—no visible symptoms.
Damage & Distribution	Data theft (credentials, card info, files); delivered via phishing attachments, malvertising, cracks, social engineering.
Danger Level	High (data breach, identity theft, financial loss)
Removal Tool →	SpyHunter

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How Did I Get Infected With DarkCloud Stealer?

Infection typically begins with malspam—emails containing RAR, TAR, or 7Z archives labeled as invoices, updates, or quotes. These archives include JavaScript (JS) or WSF scripts. When executed, they pull a PowerShell (PS1) script from a remote source, which drops and runs the DarkCloud executable. The infection chain is heavily obfuscated, often using tools like ConfuserEx and sometimes AutoIt, making it hard to detect.

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What DarkCloud Stealer Does to Your System

Once inside, the stealer performs extensive data harvesting:

• Captures credentials, browser data, credit card info, cookies, and screenshots.
• Scours files (TXT, XLS, PDF) and accesses applications such as VPNs, messengers, FTP clients, crypto wallets, and email contacts.
• Exfiltrates stolen content using SMTP, FTP, or Telegram channels.

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Should You Be Worried About DarkCloud Stealer?

Absolutely. DarkCloud is actively evolving, with increasingly sophisticated obfuscation (ConfuserEx, AutoIt), stealth tactics (process hollowing), and fileless execution. It targets sensitive information with severe consequences: identity theft, financial fraud, or network compromise.

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Manual Removal for DarkCloud Stealer (For advanced users)

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Since info-stealers may resist removal while active, booting into Safe Mode helps disable their execution.

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot → Network.
   • Click Apply → OK and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and keep pressing F8 before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

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Step 2: End Malicious Processes in Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., randomized names, high CPU usage, or unknown apps).
3. Right-click on them and select End Task.

Common info-stealer process names include StealC.exe, RedLine.exe, Vidar.exe, or generic system-like names.

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Step 3: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Look for unknown or recently installed suspicious software.
3. Right-click the suspect entry and select Uninstall.

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Step 4: Delete Malicious Files and Registry Entries

Info-stealers leave behind hidden files and registry keys to ensure persistence.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\ProgramData
   • C:\Windows\Temp
   Delete any unfamiliar folders with random names.
2. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to:
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
   • Look for randomized or suspicious registry keys (e.g., StealerLoader, Malware123).
   • Right-click and delete any malicious entries.

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Step 5: Clear Browser Data and Reset DNS

Since info-stealers target browsers, you need to clear stored credentials.

Clear Browsing Data

1. Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
2. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select Passwords, Cookies, and Cached files and click Clear Data.

Reset DNS

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:bashCopyEditipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
3. Restart your computer.

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Step 6: Scan for Rootkits

Even after manual removal, some info-stealers may hide as rootkits.

1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit or Microsoft Safety Scanner.
2. Run a deep scan and remove any detected threats.

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Step 7: Change All Passwords & Enable MFA

Since info-stealers extract credentials, immediately update passwords for:

• Email accounts
• Banking and finance sites
• Social media
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Business and work logins

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access.

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Method 2: Automatically Removing DarkCloud Stealer Using SpyHunter (Recommended)

(For users who want a fast, hassle-free solution)

SpyHunter is a professional anti-malware tool capable of detecting and removing info-stealers, trojans, keyloggers, and spyware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install and Launch SpyHunter

1. Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
2. Double-click to start the installation.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and launch SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click “Start Scan” to analyze your system.
2. SpyHunter will detect any info-stealers, trojans, or keyloggers.
3. Click “Remove” to delete all detected threats.

Step 4: Enable Real-Time Protection

• Go to Settings and enable Real-Time Malware Protection to prevent future infections.

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Prevention Tips: How to Stay Safe from Info-Stealers

• Avoid Cracked Software & Torrents – They are a major infection source.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Utilize a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Reduces the risk of stolen credentials being misused.
• Keep Software & OS Updated – Patches fix security vulnerabilities.
• Be Wary of Phishing Emails – Do not open attachments from unknown senders.
• Use an Antivirus or Anti-Malware Tool – A good tool like SpyHunter helps detect and remove threats.

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Conclusion

DarkCloud Stealer is a stealthy, evolving threat that exploits phishing, obfuscation, and advanced persistence techniques to hijack your data. Swift detection and removal are essential. Use reputable anti-malware tools like SpyHunter (see link above) and strengthen defenses with behavior-based endpoint protection.

Stay vigilant—never open unexpected email attachments, especially archives, and keep your OS and security solutions updated.