GIFTEDCROOK Stealer

GIFTEDCROOK is a stealthy and dangerous information stealer written in C/C++ that has recently emerged as a serious cybersecurity threat. This malware is typically distributed through malicious Microsoft Excel files (.XLSM) sent via phishing emails. Once opened and executed, GIFTEDCROOK silently infiltrates the system, targeting widely used web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge to harvest sensitive data.

Cybercriminals utilize GIFTEDCROOK to extract cookies, browsing history, saved login credentials, and authentication tokens. With this stolen information, attackers can bypass login screens and gain unauthorized access to victims’ online accounts — including email, banking, and social media platforms. The consequences? Identity theft, financial fraud, and manipulation of hijacked accounts to propagate malware further or scam new victims.

This threat operates silently, often without noticeable symptoms, making it especially dangerous. Victims may remain unaware that their data has been compromised until it is too late. If your device has been exposed to suspicious Excel attachments or is showing unusual browser behavior, it is crucial to act immediately.

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GIFTEDCROOK Malware Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	GIFTEDCROOK Information Stealer
Threat Type	Info-Stealing Trojan
Programming Language	C/C++
Targeted Platforms	Windows
Main Targets	Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge
Data Stolen	Cookies, login credentials, authentication tokens, browsing history
Distribution Method	Macro-enabled Microsoft Excel files (XLSM) via phishing emails
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.76190777), ESET-NOD32 (PowerShell/ReverseShell.NJ), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.PowerShell.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Alevaul!rfn)
Symptoms	Typically silent; no visible symptoms
Damage Potential	Identity theft, banking fraud, social media hijacking, further malware spread
Danger Level	High
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Why GIFTEDCROOK Is Dangerous

What makes GIFTEDCROOK so insidious is its silent nature. Unlike many types of malware that slow down your device or show pop-ups, this information stealer lurks in the background. It quietly collects data and sends it back to command-and-control servers operated by cybercriminals. Once your data is in their hands, it can be sold on the dark web, used for credential stuffing attacks, or leveraged for blackmail and fraud.

Moreover, cybercriminals often recycle stolen credentials for large-scale attacks, meaning a single infection could have long-term consequences. Infected systems can also be used as launching points for malware campaigns, potentially targeting your contacts or corporate networks.

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Manual Removal of Info-Stealers (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: Automatic Removal 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.

Final Thoughts

GIFTEDCROOK is a high-risk, evasive threat that poses a severe danger to both individual users and organizations. Since it spreads primarily through phishing emails disguised as Excel documents, vigilance and caution are key. If you suspect exposure or unusual activity on your system, remove the malware immediately using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter.

Don’t let cybercriminals steal your data. Act fast, stay alert, and secure your digital life.