Pirate Chick VPN virus (Free Guide) - Removal Instructions
Pirate Chick VPN virus Removal Guide
What is Pirate Chick VPN virus?
Pirate Chick VPN virus is a program that claims to be a free VPN tool, but it delivers malware on the PC
Pirate Chick VPN virus is the program set to drop trojans and other malware on the system.
Pirate Chick VPN virus is a fake VPN software that connects to the remote server immediately after infiltration, to download and install malicious payloads. It is known to distribute password stealing AZORult trojan on the system.[1] People believe the claims that this is a legitimate VPN software and downloads the tool from its official website. Also, developers promote this utility on advertisements and even delivers the program via software bundles. However, the purpose of Pirate Chick VPN is to install additional malware on the system.
This malware dropper Pirate Chick VPN virus need to look safe and legitimate, so developers offer a three-month free trial for this tool. It does nothing regarding the VPN functionalities, it works in the background, where it downloads and installs a malicious payload without users' knowledge or permission.
Name | Pirate Chick VPN virus |
---|---|
Type | Malware |
Initial purpose | To run on the system and install other viruses via a remote server |
Claims to be | The free VPN tool |
Distribution | Official download site, promotional content, software bundling |
Associated with | AZORult trojan |
Symptoms | Affects the speed and performance of the machine with additional background processes |
Elimination | Use reliable FortectIntego for Pirate Chick VPN virus removal |
Possible damage | Can lead to stolen information or money, identity theft |
Pirate Chick VPN virus is designed to infiltrate the system and then install malware while connecting to a remote server. All this happens when the user downloads an installer from the internet. Once the setup file is executed, a malicious payload gets downloaded and installed.
The payload is installed on %Temp% folder, and Pirate Chick VPN virus launches the script. AZORult is one of the Trojans delivered in recent campaigns. The password-stealing trojan that also is used to spread ransomware or more severe viruses.
It is claimed that Pirate Chick VPN virus is a useful tool allowing to reach a private network while not being on a location. Many people use such tools for connections that involve censorship, or to hide their identity from the network administration.
However, Pirate Chick VPN malware is not a proper tool used for those purposes. There is an official website that looks legitimate and offers many features resembling official software providers, so people can get this tool as a proper software, but sadly get the trojan or malware instead.
Pirate Chick VPN malware was discovered as a surprise, and researchers still are investigating different campaigns of this unique threat. However, it is discovered that malware connects to its servers and checks various information about the victim, including IP addresses. If the user is from Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine, malicious payload is not dropping on that machine.
The same thing happens when the check shows that the PC runs:
- Vmware,
- VirtualBox,
- or HyperV.
Pirate Chick VPN is the virus that claims to have legitimate VPN tool functions, but it is a malware dropper application.
Make sure to remove Pirate Chick VPN virus as soon as possible after the suspicious installation, so no malware hasn't found its way on your device. If you already installed the VPN tool yourself, try uninstalling the main program and employ professional anti-malware to clean the system further.
The best Pirate Chick VPN virus removal is automatic because this method allows users to clean the system thoroughly and remove all associated programs, files, and malware installed without your permission. You should also eliminate virus damage, for that we can recommend FortectIntego. Double-check before adding any essential files on the PC.
Pirate Chick VPN malware dropper delivers AZORult trojan in recent campaigns
The banking trojan that mainly is used to steal sensitive information like passwords, AZORult gets delivered with the help of this Pirate Chick VPN PUA. The trojan can be set to collect and steal various credentials and private details or even infect the system even further.
The particular AZORult is associated with Emotet, another threat focusing on stealing passwords. Trojans are known for running in the background without any noticeable symptoms, at first, but these types of cyber threats are one of the most dangerous and active on the web.
Current Pirate Chick VPN campaigns deliver the Sysinternals Process Monitor tool instead of AZORult trojan, but there is more aggressive malware that can get downloaded by this VPN program. Also, such tools often install ransomware as the secondary payload.[2]
Suspicious distribution of the malware-dropper
Posing as a legitimate VPN or other software creators, developers deliver their products on the official sites or promotes them on pop-up ads or banners, spreads using adware bundles. The latter is a common technique used to spreads various cyber threats, in most cases, PUP-type.
However, bundling is also used to deliver this trojan-dropper. Freeware packages include this tool as additional download and automatically installs the tool when people skip through installation setups. Commercial content like deceptive promotional advertisements and banners also push such applications. Researchers[3] always note that paying attention to processes happening on the machine can be crucial.
When it comes to trojans, deceptive advertising is not the typical technique, so people are not suspecting to get anything this malicious from the suspicious installation. Make sure to avoid falling for such offers and believing the promotional ads coming to your screen out of nowhere. At least, try choosing the Advanced or Custom options each time you get anything from the internet.
Make sure to remove Pirate Chick VPN virus properly with anti-malware tools
When Pirate Chick VPN virus is a unique threat, you should consider getting a professional anti-malware tool for the elimination. The spreading technique if this malware involves software bundling and other deceptive marketing methods, but the risk is more significant than when dealing with any traditional PUP.
Since this virus drops trojans or even more severe malware, you need to remove Pirate Chick VPN virus itself and all the related programs or files from the machine ultimately to ensure that PC is malware-free and there is no risk to your credentials and privacy. You cannot do so manually because many hidden files and processes affect the persistence of this threat.
Prepare for Pirate Chick VPN virus removal and get the reliable anti-malware program to clean the system entirely. Tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes work the best for that because these programs scan all parts of the computer and indicate possible issues, malware, PUPs. To ensure the best results reboot the machine in Safe Mode and then scan the system.
Getting rid of Pirate Chick VPN virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
You may need additional help to remove Pirate Chick VPN virus, so rely on Safe Mode with Networking.
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.
Remove Pirate Chick VPN using System Restore
System Restore feature also helps when dealing with unique malware that infiltrates the system with a few purposes like Pirate Chick VPN malware
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Pirate Chick VPN. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Pirate Chick VPN and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting malware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Fake VPN software called Pirate Chick leveraged to push AZORult info stealing trojan. Cyware. Hacker news.
- ^ New version of AZORult stealer improves loading features, spreads alongside ransomware in new campaign. Proofpoint. Leader in advanced cybersecurity solutions.
- ^ Virusai. Virusai. Spyware related news.