Baldr malware: what it is and how to remove it
Baldr malware is a new, cross-platform information-stealing trojan that captures valuable information including passwords and important files. The virus is offered on the black market forums for as low as $150.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Baldr malware: summary
| Distribution | Fallout EK, fake updates and software cracks, spam email attachments |
|---|---|
| Name | Baldr malware |
| Type | Info-stealer |
| Category | Trojan |
| Symptoms | Affects performance of the machine, infiltrates other programs |
| Main danger | Steals information like passwords, credit card information, valuable files. Can lead to privacy issues or money loss |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 6 more facts
| Price online | $150 |
|---|---|
| Detection names | HEUR/AGEN.1037256; Microsoft: TrojanPSW:Win32/Fareit.425cf681; Trojan.PWS.Stealer.25949; Artemis!9F031BA9A4E4; etc.[3] |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| First seen | 19 April 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What Baldr malware does
From our report of Apr 2019 · not reviewed since
Baldr malware – a trojan that is linked to Russian underground hackers
Baldr malware is a new, cross-platform information-stealing trojan that captures valuable information including passwords and important files.
The virus is offered on the black market forums for as low as $150. The data this malware steals mainly includes profiles, cryptocurrency wallets, text documents and Telegram sessions or records from VPN clients. It was spotted back in 2018, and in 2019 more information was published by cybersecurity researchers.
Security experts link this Trojan to at least three Russian hacker groups: Agressor is responsible for the distribution of this malware, Overdot manages sales and promotion, and LordOdin takes over its development. The reports on this malware state that the Baldr trojan appears skillfully crafted and persistent.
Baldr malware is an information-stealing tool that can be purchased online by anyone for $150, meaning that even novice hackers can use it. On the other hand, more advanced malicious actors might take up the development and expand the range of capabilities this malware can offer.
While lesser threats like potentially unwanted programs mainly focus on harvesting non-personally identifiable information, the Baldr virus can access and steal personal and even financial information:
As any other trojan, Baldr malware is designed to infiltrate a targeted system and remain running in the background unnoticed. However, this is a virus that targets every victim individually it has no automatic spreading mechanism, as far as reports show. It is pushed and promoted by his authors and distributors.
There is no effort to hide the exfiltration process, and the trojan sends all the data in one network transfer that becomes obvious and noticeable no matter how little files it involves. Baldr malware searches for particular files on the machine and steals data stored on them:
Baldr malware virus first appeared in January and right now malicious actors distribute 2.2 version of the trojan. Many cybercriminals reviewed this product of Russian hackers positively in hacking online forums. The virus often operates in a grab-and-go mode which means that it gathers data from the computer and sends to an attacker.
You need to remove Baldr malware as soon as you noticed because this threat infiltrates the targeted system, grabs all the needed data and packs it in the zip file to send it back to the developer. It can auto-delete itself after this process, and it makes much more difficult to know whether you've been affected by this it or not.
Baldr malware removal, later on, may only reveal traces of the damage and additionally installed malware not traces of this info-stealer. If the damage is already made, you need a professional tool like and remove all programs, files, malicious processes or even fix issues with your operating system.
Many experts comment on the Baldr virus popularity and state that information stealers have been developed more powerful and efficient. Developers push new features and functions, make small threats that can affect everyday users and businesses.
People think they are downloading software, updates or free cracks, or gets Bitcoins for free but the only thing they get is this Baldr info-stealer. It may even lead to stolen cryptocurrency since the trojan exfiltrates data regarding various cryptocurrency wallets.
- cryptocurrency wallet data;
- messaging application data;
- information from VPN clients;
- records from the computer directly;
- auto-fill passwords.
- Doc;
- Docz;
- Log;
- Txt.
From our report of Apr 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Baldr malware
- Use for Baldr malware removal.
- Make sure to clean the system and get rid of the virus damage and additionally installed threats
How Baldr malware got on your PC
From our report of Apr 2019 · not reviewed since
Russian hackers operate this info-stealer and distributed mainly in underground forums with the help of Agressor.
It also is distributed via campaigns involving exploit kits or social engineering campaigns when fake Bitcoin generator application is promoted on YouTube and other platforms.
FallOut exploit kit in particular reported as one of the methods used to deliver this trojan. Trojanized applications disguised as cracks or hacking tools deliver this malware instead of the wanted app or tool.
Another more common way to spread this type of threats is spam emails and file attachments containing malicious scripts of harmful viruses like Trojans, malware, and keystroke loggers or even ransomware. Once the email is received and opened, it takes a few clicks of the mouse, and the machine gets infected.
You can avoid this infiltration if you pay more attention to these notifications, avoid opening and downloading ransom documents, executable files or archives attached to the email. Keeping anti-malware software running on the PC can also create the advantage of blocking the malicious content before initial infiltration.
How to remove Baldr malware
How to remove Baldr malware and secure your accounts
A stealer usually takes what it wants within minutes and may already be gone.
The scan comes first, then the accounts.
Step 1: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of Baldr malware that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 2: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
Baldr malware can copy saved passwords, cookies and session tokens and send them out in seconds, so cleaning the PC does not undo the theft.
Change your passwords on a device that was never infected, starting with the e-mail account, since every other reset goes through it. On each account, end all other sessions and check the recovery e-mail, phone number and forwarding rules.
Then turn on two-step verification. Sign in on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC again only after the offline scan is clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Step 3: Delete the folders left behind
Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.
Press Windows + R, type
%LocalAppData%and press Enter, then do the same for%AppData%and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after Baldr malware, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.Delete those folders, and check
C:\Program FilesandC:\Program Files (x86)too.If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
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There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Apr 2019 · not reviewed since
Baldr malware damage elimination requires a thorough system cleaning
Given that Baldr malware virus is distributed using various campaigns, including exploit kits, keeping your machine up-to-date and all issues with the OS fixed can give you the advantage.
It is especially crucial for businesses and companies because reducing the attack surface by removing unnecessary plugins and fixing system issues can help to keep the network safe.
However, when the trojan is already affecting the machine or a whole network, Baldr malware removal requires professional tools and proper help. , , or can clean the machine after the virus attack and possibly fix the damage or remove unwanted additional installs and intruders.
Make sure to remove Baldr malware and programs installed without our permission and consent. Based on malware distribution ways, this trojan can come with other threats or deliver a secondary payload of the cryptovirus or ransomware, so your machine may be at much more significant risk besides this info-stealer.
[GI=method-1]Try rebooting to Safe Mode and then scan the computer with anti-malware, since Baldr malware can disable some security functions. This way trojan can be terminated properly:
[GI=method-2]System Restore may also help when removing Baldr trojan because this feature can restore the computer to a state when the malware was not running on the machine:
Questions about Baldr malware
Is Baldr malware a virus?
Most programs that appear the way Baldr malware did are not viruses in the strict sense. They are potentially unwanted programs:
- real software that arrives bundled with other downloads and then shows offers
- changes browser settings
- starts with Windows
Some are harmless, some are annoying and a few carry adware. What makes it worth removing is that you did not choose it.
Uninstall it from Installed apps and check the startup list and the browsers for anything added the same day. If it refuses to uninstall or returns after a restart, treat it as more serious and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan.
Baldr malware will not uninstall. What can I do?
First restart the PC and try again, because the program may have been running and locked its own files. If the uninstaller is missing or fails, start Windows in Safe Mode, where most third-party programs do not start, and remove Baldr malware from Installed apps there.
If it still refuses, delete its startup entry and its scheduled task, restart, and try once more. A program that actively prevents removal is behaving like malware, so finish with a Microsoft Defender offline scan. Avoid third-party uninstallers offered on search ads; several of them are unwanted programs themselves.
I have two-step verification. Am I protected?
Partly. Two-step verification stops an attacker who has only your password. But stealers also take session cookies, which represent a login that already passed the second step.
With a cookie, an attacker can open the account until the session expires or you sign out of all devices. So, after an infection, end all sessions as well as changing passwords.
Passkeys and hardware security keys resist phishing better, but a stolen session still needs to be ended. Review trusted devices and remove any you do not recognise.
Do I need to tell my bank about Baldr malware?
Yes, if any card was saved in a browser on the affected PC or if you did online banking there while baldr malware in the list of installed apps was going on.
Call the number on the back of the card, explain that malware may have copied the card details, and ask for a replacement and a check of recent payments. Banks act faster when you call early. Also change the online banking password from another device and look for new payees, changed contact details or unfamiliar devices in the banking app.
Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of Baldr malware?
Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see baldr malware in the list of installed apps again. A reset is the safer choice if an attacker had remote control, if security tools were switched off, or if detections come back after every clean-up.
Windows 11 can reset itself without a USB stick under Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Copy documents and photos out first and scan the copies. A reset does not change passwords or undo stolen data, so the account steps still apply.
Nothing has happened yet. Do I still need to change passwords?
Yes. Stolen logs are often sorted and sold before anyone uses them, so the quiet period can last weeks.
The criminals look for the most valuable accounts first, usually crypto, banking and e-mail, and may only reach yours later. Changing passwords and ending sessions now makes the copy worthless whenever it is used.
It takes an evening. Start with e-mail, then money, then everything else saved in the browser, and turn on two-step verification as you go. Watch for login alerts over the following months.
Can I change my passwords on the infected PC?
Not while the spyware may still be running. A keylogger or stealer would capture the new passwords too. Use a phone or another computer that was never infected, or wait until the Microsoft Defender offline scan on this PC comes back clean.
Start with your main e-mail account, because it can reset every other password, then banking and payment accounts. When you return to this PC, sign in to the browser again only after the scans are clean and you have ended old sessions.
Is Baldr malware a known stealer?
Not as a named family yet. The sign, baldr malware in the list of installed apps, is typical of information stealers, keyloggers or clippers, but no analysis links Baldr malware to a specific one. That is common:
- victims notice the effects
- such as lost accounts or swapped addresses
- before anyone sees the file
You do not need the family name to act. Change passwords from a clean device, sign out of all sessions, move crypto to a new wallet and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan on the PC. If a scan gives a detection name, note it for the report.
Who should I tell about Baldr malware?
Start with the companies that can act quickly:
- your bank
- card issuer and payment services if money is involved
- crypto exchanges if coins were moved
- the providers of any account that was taken over
Each has a fraud or account-recovery process. Then file a police or national cybercrime report if you lost money or your identity was misused. If the PC is used for work, tell your employer's IT team, because work accounts and data may be affected as well.
Will Fortect remove Baldr malware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Baldr malware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Experian: Here's how much your personal information is selling for on the Dark Web (read October 7, 2026)
- ZDNet: Grab-and-go Baldr malware enters the black market (read October 7, 2026)
- Virustotal: Private_Cheat by pc_Ret v8.exe analysis (read October 7, 2026)
- Usunwirusa: Usunwirusa (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)