Scruffy Stealer is a potent Java-based information stealer engineered to quietly pilfer a wide array of sensitive data, including hardware info, browser credentials, crypto wallet details, gaming accounts, and even screenshots. Designed to function stealthily, it poses a significant threat to privacy and system security.
Threat Overview
Category | Details |
---|---|
Threat type | Java-based information stealer |
Detection names | AliCloud Trojan[spy]:Java/Agent.h; Combo Cleaner Trojan.GenericKD.76728447; Emsisoft Kaspersky VIPRE variants |
Symptoms of infection | Typically no visible symptoms—remains silent and hidden |
Damage | Account hijacking, identity theft, financial loss |
Distribution methods | Malicious email attachments, malvertising, cracked software, social engineering, fake tech‑support scams |
Danger level | High—steals credentials and financial data across multiple vectors |
Removal tool | SpyHunter (download: https://www.enigmasoftware.com/products/spyhunter/?ref=ywuxmtf) |
Detailed Evaluation
How you get infected
Attackers often trick users via infected email attachments, flashy online advertisements, pirated software (“cracks”), or fake tech-support ploys. The payload typically arrives in zipped archives, Java executables, scripts, or cracked software installers, deployed via social engineering or exploit kits.
What it does
Once executed, Scruffy gathers:
- System info (CPU, GPU, OS, installed security tools)
- Screenshots for visual context
- Browser data from Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera (and variants), Yandex
- Crypto wallet data from wallets such as Guarda and Atomic
- Gaming account data (Minecraft, Steam, Growtopia, Craftrise, etc.)
- Discord and application credentials
It consolidates this data and quietly sends it to remote attacker servers—allowing cybercriminals to hijack accounts, steal identities, or later exploit infected systems for further attacks.
Should you be worried?
Absolutely. Scruffy’s extensive reach and stealth operation make it highly dangerous:
- The breadth of stolen data spans financial, gaming, chat, and system-level assets.
- Its silent behavior delays detection, giving attackers time to exploit exfiltrated info.
- The use of Java and multiple infection vectors increases its chances of widespread spread.
Manual Removal of Trojan Malware
Important: Manual removal is not recommended for beginners. It involves interacting with system files and the Windows Registry, which, if done incorrectly, can lead to system issues.
Step 1: Restart in Safe Mode with Networking
Booting into Safe Mode disables unnecessary startup programs, including most malware.
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot, then select Network.
- Click Apply and restart your computer.
Step 2: Terminate Malicious Processes
- Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Navigate to the Processes or Details tab.
- Identify any unusual or unrecognized processes. Be cautious—do not stop critical Windows processes.
- Right-click a suspicious process, choose Open File Location, then End Task.
- Delete the associated file from the opened folder.
Step 3: Delete Trojan Files
- Press Windows + R, type
%appdata%
, and press Enter. - Check for any unknown folders created recently.
- Repeat the same for these directories:
%localappdata%
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files (x86)
C:\Windows\Temp
- Delete any folders or executables related to the Trojan.
Step 4: Clean Up the Windows Registry
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and press Enter. - Go to these registry paths:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for registry entries with unusual names or links to suspicious files.
- Right-click and delete the unwanted entries.
Tip: Back up your registry before making changes by clicking File > Export in the Registry Editor.
Step 5: Reset Your Web Browsers
Malicious Trojans often tamper with browser settings to redirect users to unwanted sites.
Chrome
- Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Firefox
- Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
Edge
- Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
Step 6: Perform a Full System Scan with Windows Defender
- Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
- Click Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
- Choose Full Scan and click Scan now.
Step 7: Update Windows
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available patches.
Method 2: Automatically Remove Trojans Using SpyHunter
Manual removal can be effective, but it’s time-consuming and may leave hidden components behind. SpyHunter is a trusted malware removal tool that automatically detects and eliminates Trojans and other threats.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Use the official download link: Download SpyHunter
Follow these instructions for installation: SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install the Program
- Locate the downloaded file, usually SpyHunter-Installer.exe.
- Double-click it and follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.
- Launch SpyHunter when finished.
Step 3: Scan Your PC
- Click the Start Scan Now button on the SpyHunter dashboard.
- Allow the scan to complete (it may take several minutes).
- Review the detected items.
Step 4: Remove Threats
- Click Fix Threats.
- SpyHunter will quarantine and remove the detected Trojan files automatically.
Step 5: Restart Your PC
Once the cleanup is finished, restart your system to finalize the changes.
Trojan Prevention Tips
- Avoid downloading software from unofficial sources.
- Be wary of email attachments, even from known contacts.
- Keep Windows and applications updated with the latest patches.
- Use a reputable security program like SpyHunter for active malware protection.
Conclusion
Scruffy Stealer is a serious and evolving threat, capable of compromising nearly every facet of your digital life. Early detection and swift removal—using a trusted tool like SpyHunter—are essential to protect your data. If you suspect infection, scan immediately, remove the stealer, change all passwords, enable multi‑factor authentication and inspect financial accounts for suspicious activity.