Imagine opening what seems like a routine email attachment, only to unleash a silent thief inside your network. That’s exactly how XDigo operates: a sleek, Go-based data stealer slipping past defenses, then quietly siphoning sensitive files. First spotted in March 2025, XDigo has struck government offices across Eastern Europe, using cunning shortcuts to run undetected.
Threat Overview
XDigo isn’t your average malware—it belongs to the data-stealer family, designed to grab documents, credentials and even screenshots. Its targets are high-value: government agencies, diplomatic corps, and any network holding secrets worth selling or exploiting. When files vanish without a trace, that’s XDigo at work, leaving victims wondering how their data slipped through.
In-Depth Analysis
Infection Vector
Phishing emails carry ZIP files that look innocent—inside lie Windows shortcut files (LNK) exploiting a known flaw. A double-click, and a legitimate app loads a hidden DLL loader, which in turn installs XDigo.
Behavioral Profile
Once unleashed, XDigo:
- Creates a registry entry for persistence.
- Scans local drives for Office docs, configs, and more.
- Takes screenshots and grabs clipboard data.
- Connects to a remote server, sending stolen files and awaiting new instructions.
Risk Assessment
What happens if state secrets land in the wrong hands? In past campaigns, similar tools stripped classified reports, halted operations, and sowed distrust among allies. XDigo’s lightweight design makes it hard to spot—by the time alerts fire, critical data may already be gone.
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
Don’t wait for the next breach. Patch Windows to block LNK exploits, train teams to spot suspicious attachments, and run a deep scan with SpyHunter to root out any lurking ETDownloader or XDigo files. Catch it early, and you stop espionage in its tracks.