Octalyn Stealer is a sophisticated information-stealing Trojan that has recently emerged as a significant threat to Windows users. Written in Pascal/Delphi, this malware is designed to exfiltrate sensitive data, including login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and personal information. Its distribution through seemingly legitimate platforms and use of Telegram for data exfiltration make it particularly insidious and difficult to detect.
Threat Overview
Octalyn Stealer operates silently in the background, targeting a wide range of applications and data types. It is compatible with Windows XP through Windows 11, putting a vast number of systems at risk. The malware’s capabilities include extracting data from browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and VPN services. It leverages Telegram’s bot API to exfiltrate data, allowing attackers to evade detection by masquerading data theft as normal, encrypted traffic.
Octalyn Stealer Threat Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Trojan, Information Stealer |
Detection Names | Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Heur.MSIL.Krypt.12), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Agent.VJC), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml) |
Symptoms of Infection | Typically silent; users may not notice any immediate symptoms. |
Damage | Theft of passwords, banking information, cryptocurrency wallets; potential identity theft; compromised accounts; system added to botnets. |
Distribution Methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering tactics, software ‘cracks’, and tools hosted on code repositories. |
Danger Level | High |
Removal Tool | Download SpyHunter |
In-Depth Analysis
How Did I Get Infected?
Octalyn Stealer is typically spread through deceptive tactics designed to trick users into downloading and executing the malware. Common infection methods include:
- Opening phishing emails with malicious attachments
- Downloading pirated software or cracked applications
- Clicking on malicious advertisements
- Downloading tools or programs from public code repositories and forums
The malware disguises itself as legitimate software or tools, often shared in tutorials or promotional content to increase its reach.
What Does It Do?
Once installed, Octalyn Stealer silently collects and transmits a wide range of personal and system data, including:
- Browser Data: Extracts saved passwords, cookies, history, bookmarks, and autofill data from Chromium-based browsers.
- Cryptocurrency Wallets: Targets browser extensions and desktop wallets such as MetaMask, Phantom, BitPay, TrustWallet, Exodus, and Atomic.
- Messaging Apps: Steals data from Discord, Telegram, Signal, Skype, Viber, and QTox.
- Gaming Platforms: Collects login sessions and account info from Steam, Epic Games, Minecraft, UbiSoft Connect, and Growtopia.
- VPN Credentials: Extracts login and configuration data from Surfshark and similar VPN software.
Data is sent to the attacker through Telegram’s bot API, which allows encrypted exfiltration of data while avoiding suspicion from firewalls or intrusion detection systems.
Should You Be Worried?
Yes. Octalyn Stealer poses a high risk to any system it infects. The data it steals can be used for:
- Identity Theft: Exposed personal information can be used to impersonate victims or commit fraud.
- Financial Theft: Direct access to online banking and crypto wallets can lead to serious financial losses.
- Account Compromise: Access to email, social media, or work accounts can lead to data breaches and loss of reputation.
- System Exploitation: Infected systems can be repurposed for botnets or other criminal activity.
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.
- 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.
- Windows 7/8:
- Restart your PC and keep pressing F8 before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
Step 2: End Malicious Processes in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., randomized names, high CPU usage, or unknown apps).
- 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.
Step 3: Uninstall Suspicious Programs
- Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Look for unknown or recently installed suspicious software.
- Right-click the suspect entry and select Uninstall.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files and Registry Entries
Info-stealers leave behind hidden files and registry keys to ensure persistence.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
C:\ProgramData
C:\Windows\Temp
- 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.
Step 5: Clear Browser Data and Reset DNS
Since info-stealers target browsers, you need to clear stored credentials.
Clear Browsing Data
- Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Passwords, Cookies, and Cached files and click Clear Data.
Reset DNS
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:bashCopyEdit
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
- Restart your computer.
Step 6: Scan for Rootkits
Even after manual removal, some info-stealers may hide as rootkits.
- Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit or Microsoft Safety Scanner.
- Run a deep scan and remove any detected threats.
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.
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
- Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click to start the installation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and launch SpyHunter after installation.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click “Start Scan” to analyze your system.
- SpyHunter will detect any info-stealers, trojans, or keyloggers.
- 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.
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.
Conclusion
Octalyn Stealer is a dangerous Trojan that steals a wide range of sensitive data without alerting the user. Its method of data transmission through encrypted Telegram API channels and its broad compatibility across Windows versions make it a formidable threat. If you suspect your system may be infected, immediate malware removal is essential. Use a reputable tool like SpyHunter to eliminate the threat and secure your system.