Remove NuggetPhantom from PC

Easy steps to delete NuggetPhantom

NuggetPhantom is the name given to a modularized malware toolkit. This toolkit consists of three types of modules for download, deployment and function execution. The attack chain begins with the hackers scanning for and selecting computer system still vulnerable to the EternalBlue exploit. Its presence of PC allows hackers to recruit the hosts to a worldwide botnet network, spy on the victims, install other viruses and perform other malicious activities.

Like other threat of this category, this malware will remain hidden and may also disable deployed security software. According to the researchers, NuggetPhantom is used for DDoS attacks and cryptohijacking. Usually, Cryptocurrency mining process uses computer’s processor and other hardware that significantly affects system performance. However, the attackers behind this take complete control of resource usage. They can adjust mining parameters to keep the CPU comparatively low relating to cryptomining module.

Moreover, it is also known that NuggetPhantom is used to mine Monero. Apart from this, this malware has cryptohijacking module which is used for bandwidth resources to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks are used for purpose to make an online service unavailable by overloading it with a large number of requests. If there is any delay in NuggetPhantom removal, this may result in data loss, random windows shut and start up and even permanent system damage.

How did NuggetPhantom infiltrate on my PC?

In this particular case, NuggetPhantom malware is distributed via EternalBlue exploit that allow attackers to compromise the entire network and all devices connected to it. Cyber criminals exploit this to send downloader payload to the victim computer. Just after that, payload downloads malware and commands it to deploy its own modules. Despite this, users infect their system with malware via malspam campaigns, unofficial software activation tools, fake software updater’s, unreliable software download sources or certain Trojans.

Among all, malspam campaigns are the most common malware distribution methods. Users get tricked into installing malware via malicious attachments or website links attached in them. They install malware when they download and execute file that they have received through email. Such files include PDF documents, JavaScript files, archive files and so on. So, be careful before opening any emails especially if the files present in them seem suspicious or received from unknown addresses.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Files attached to irrelevant emails should not be opened. It is common that such emails are part of spam email campaigns. Software should only be downloaded by using official and trustworthy websites and direct links. Any other sources like third party installers, p2p file sharing, freeware download etc should not be used as such tools can be used to proliferate malware. Installed programs must be activated/updated (if required) using tools provided by its official developers. Third party tools should not be used. Moreover, users are highly advised to install dependable antivirus software and keep up to date to perform regular computer scan. If you believe that PC is already infected with NuggetPhantom, then we recommend our users running a scan with reliable antivirus tool such as Spyhunter that has ability to delete infiltrated malware immediately from the system.

Quick Glance

Name: NuggetPhantom

Type: Trojan, information stealer

Short Description: Aims to steal data from your computer and run different malware actions.

Payload: DDoS and cryptominers modules

Symptoms: Higher CPU and/or network bandwidth usage

Distribution methods: EternalBlue exploit

Damage: Computer added to a botnet and/or its hardware used to mine cryptocurrency.

Removal: Both automatic and manual removal guide have been discussed below under this article.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows Click Here For Mac

Important Note: This malware asks you to enable the web browser notifications. So, before you go the manual removal process, execute these steps.

Google Chrome (PC)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the Menu button
• Select “Settings”. Scroll the mouse downward to choose “Advanced” option
• Go to “Privacy and Security” section by scrolling downward and then select “Content settings” and then “Notification” option
• Find each suspicious URLs and click on three dots on the right side and choose “Block” or “Remove” option

Google Chrome (Android)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the menu button and then click on “Settings”
• Scroll down further to click on “site settings” and then press on “notifications” option
• In the newly opened window, choose each suspicious URLs one by one
• In the permission section, select “notification” and “Off” the toggle button

Mozilla Firefox

• On the right corner of the screen, you will notice three dots which is the “Menu” button
• Select “Options” and choose “Privacy and Security” in the toolbar present in the left side of the screen
• Slowly scroll down and go to “Permission” section then choose “Settings” option next to “Notifications”
• In the newly opened window, select all the suspicious URLs. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Block”

Internet Explorer

• In the Internet Explorer window, select the Gear button present on the right corner
• Choose “Internet Options”
• Select “Privacy” tab and then “Settings” under the “Pop-up Blocker” section
• Select all the suspicious URLs one by one and click on the “Remove” option

Microsoft Edge

• Open the Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots on the right corner of the screen to open the menu
• Scroll down and select “Settings”
• Scroll down further to choose “view advanced settings”
• In the “Website Permission” option, click on “Manage” option
• Click on switch under every suspicious URL

Safari (Mac):

• On the upper right side corner, click on “Safari” and then select “Preferences”
• Go to “website” tab and then choose “Notification” section on the left pane
• Search for the suspicious URLs and choose “Deny” option for each one of them

Manual Steps to Remove NuggetPhantom:

Remove the related items of NuggetPhantom using Control-Panel

Windows 7 Users

Click “Start” (the windows logo at the bottom left corner of the desktop screen), select “Control Panel”. Locate the “Programs” and then followed by clicking on “Uninstall Program”

Windows XP Users

Click “Start” and then choose “Settings” and then click “Control Panel”. Search and click on “Add or Remove Program’ option

Windows 10 and 8 Users:

Go to the lower left corner of the screen and right-click. In the “Quick Access” menu, choose “Control Panel”. In the newly opened window, choose “Program and Features”

Mac OSX Users

Click on “Finder” option. Choose “Application” in the newly opened screen. In the “Application” folder, drag the app to “Trash”. Right click on the Trash icon and then click on “Empty Trash”.

In the uninstall programs window, search for the PUAs. Choose all the unwanted and suspicious entries and click on “Uninstall” or “Remove”.

After you uninstall all the potentially unwanted program causing NuggetPhantom issues, scan your computer with an anti-malware tool for any remaining PUPs and PUAs or possible malware infection. To scan the PC, use the recommended the anti-malware tool.

How to Remove Adware (NuggetPhantom) from Internet Browsers

Delete malicious add-ons and extensions from IE

Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of Internet Explorer. Select “Manage Add-ons”. Search for any recently installed plug-ins or add-ons and click on “Remove”.

Additional Option

If you still face issues related to NuggetPhantom removal, you can reset the Internet Explorer to its default setting.

Windows XP users: Press on “Start” and click “Run”. In the newly opened window, type “inetcpl.cpl” and click on the “Advanced” tab and then press on “Reset”.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Press the Windows logo, type inetcpl.cpl in the start search box and press enter.  In the newly opened window, click on the “Advanced Tab” followed by “Reset” button.

For Windows 8 Users: Open IE and click on the “gear” icon. Choose “Internet Options”

Select the “Advanced” tab in the newly opened window

Press on “Reset” option

You have to press on the “Reset” button again to confirm that you really want to reset the IE

Remove Doubtful and Harmful Extension from Google Chrome

Go to menu of Google Chrome by pressing on three vertical dots and select on “More tools” and then “Extensions”. You can search for all the recently installed add-ons and remove all of them.

Optional Method

If the problems related to NuggetPhantom still persists or you face any issue in removing, then it is advised that your reset the Google Chrome browse settings. Go to three dotted points at the top right corner and choose “Settings”. Scroll down bottom and click on “Advanced”.

At the bottom, notice the “Reset” option and click on it.

In the next opened window, confirm that you want to reset the Google Chrome settings by click on the “Reset” button.

Remove NuggetPhantom plugins (including all other doubtful plug-ins) from Firefox Mozilla

Open the Firefox menu and select “Add-ons”. Click “Extensions”.  Select all the recently installed browser plug-ins.

Optional Method

If you face problems in NuggetPhantom removal then you have the option to rese the settings of Mozilla Firefox.

Open the browser (Mozilla Firefox) and click on the “menu” and then click on “Help”.

Choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the newly opened pop-up window, click “Refresh Firefox” button

The next step is to confirm that really want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to its default by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” button.

Remove Malicious Extension from Safari

Open the Safari and go to its “Menu” and select “Preferences”.

Click on the “Extension” and select all the recently installed “Extensions” and then click on “Uninstall”.

Optional Method

Open the “Safari” and go menu. In the drop-down menu, choose “Clear History and Website Data”.

In the newly opened window, select “All History” and then press on “Clear History” option.

Delete NuggetPhantom (malicious add-ons) from Microsoft Edge

Open Microsoft Edge and go to three horizontal dot icons at the top right corner of the browser. Select all the recently installed extensions and right click on the mouse to “uninstall”

Optional Method

Open the browser (Microsoft Edge) and select “Settings”

Next steps is to click on “Choose what to clear” button

Click on “show more” and then select everything and then press on “Clear” button.

Conclusion

In most cases, the PUPs and adware gets inside the marked PC through unsafe freeware downloads. It is advised that you should only choose developers website only while downloading any kind of free applications.  Choose custom or advanced installation process so that you can trace the additional PUPs listed for installation along with the main program.

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