Beware of Clipboard Virus!

[DYING_S0UL]

WD is something you get with Windows OS and should not be considered premium protection, so even though some will tell you that all AVs are equal (useless), that is simply not true. I don't want to advertise any such product, so I leave it to anyone who wants to know more and knows how to use search engines.

If you want to change something about the problem you are constantly running into, you have to change the way you use your computer and the internet, otherwise no antivirus or operating system will protect you.

I know that Windows defender sucks. At times, I would even use scripts to disable windows defender and auto update. But with time, I realized that, we need at least windows defender, even if it sucks at it's job. You know? Like a basic defense. It's better then having nothing. Someone might say, why not just use other third party antivirus? My device is old, I try to install as minimal as possible to keep the load minimal. For me, it felt, heavy when using an antivirus. Background running services makes it more worse. That's why.

I would say the easiest out of those open source operating systems is going to be a Linux based distro that would have a good user interface and themes which will help windows users to easily get used to it. Linux distro like Linix Mint is going to be my choice if someone wants to have a safe operating system that looks similar to Windows.

I tried to shift to Linux (Mint METE latest). But eventually reverted back to Windows as I found some difficulties. There will always some things that you'll miss when using Linux. Most of us are used to Windows. Anyway, I'll try to install Linux again. to make myself more comfortable.

Another free and open-source operating system that I used in past which's very similar to Windows XP is ReactOS.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'll check if it's still running or discontinued and then decide.

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[Lucius]

I know that Windows defender sucks. At times, I would even use scripts to disable windows defender and auto update. But with time, I realized that, we need at least windows defender, even if it sucks at it's job. You know? Like a basic defense. It's better then having nothing. Someone might say, why not just use other third party antivirus? My device is old, I try to install as minimal as possible to keep the load minimal. For me, it felt, heavy when using an antivirus. Background running services makes it more worse. That's why.

Then you have a problem that is clearly detected and the solution of which you have to work on, and that is buying a new computer - by that I mean a really new one from the store, not a used one. Be sure to take into account that the computer has at least 8 GB of working memory, which is a minimum for pleasant work, and also that it has a solid processor and graphics card.

Until then, follow the advice from my previous post and don't use pirated software - and if you need a cheap license for a program, you can try to find it in Digital goods. Of course, be careful who you trade with.

[Beparanf]

And this is the third time I have gotten infected with the clipboard virus. I don't know why I always end up with the particular virus. Though I don't know how to properly define this thing as a virus or malware. I don't use any third-party antivirus, but my Windows Defender is always on. So I have no idea how I got infected.

Probably the malware is injected to the apps that you download online or from the website that usually have tons of popping ads that force you to download something once accidentally clicked. Porn sites is the number site that being use to spread this kind of malware since some user doesn’t pay much attention on the popping ads when they are watching videos in there.

WD sometimes doesn’t filter all the viruses that’s why I always have 3rd party AV for malware protection.

[DYING_S0UL]

Then you have a problem that is clearly detected and the solution of which you have to work on, and that is buying a new computer - by that I mean a really new one from the store, not a used one. Be sure to take into account that the computer has at least 8 GB of working memory, which is a minimum for pleasant work, and also that it has a solid processor and graphics card.

Until then, follow the advice from my previous post and don't use pirated software - and if you need a cheap license for a program, you can try to find it in Digital goods. Of course, be careful who you trade with.

I do have these but still it's not enough. You can say it's a decent device and it works without any problems. The only problem is it cannot handle excessive load/multi tasking. I believe if an electric device starts to show symptoms of problems, no matter how much we try to fix it, one problem after another would come. I already had to replace the HDD to SSD. After that, the colling fan started to make noises and now having problems with the sound system. It is still running but might shut down any second.

Yes, I really need to buy a new computer/laptop now.

BTW I really liked what you did with the quotes. The resizing thingy. Looks very cool. Saves up a lot of space and highlights the reply. 

Probably the malware is injected to the apps that you download online or from the website that usually have tons of popping ads that force you to download something once accidentally clicked. Porn sites is the number site that being use to spread this kind of malware since some user doesn’t pay much attention on the popping ads when they are watching videos in there.

WD sometimes doesn’t filter all the viruses that’s why I always have 3rd party AV for malware protection.

Yes, it came from an injected software. Most of the cracks comes in ZIP format. As long as it's inside the ZIP it cannot run. And I remember correctly I didn't extracted any Zip files. So yes your assumption maybe correct.

What AV you use? I don't like AV, VPN, System Healthcare etc third party software because most of them comes with bundle apps.

[Cricktor]

You should consider to separate your daily computer usage from your crypto stuff. Proper usage of a hardware wallet and always checking transaction details thoroughly before you sign a transaction also helps a lot against potentially infected computers.

I'm pretty sure a Linux box solely for crypto is worth a little hassle and you get used to it. It's very likely a safer environment than your daily Windows driver with all the software shit you use (no real judgement herewith).

Pay attention to browser extensions and only use the bare minimum if any on your crypto stuff box. Not everything that's comfortable is good for safety.


If this is the third time you run into such malware, you clearly have a safety problem and you definitely should reconsider what OS and what kind of software from what sources you use. It's not nice to acknowledge but the problem sits in front of your screen.

[LoyceV]

You can use Linux and TailOS

Tails OS isn't really convenient to use as a daily wallet, especially if OP needs to reboot to use it.

I did installed Linux Mint METE Mate. But didn't found it comfortable at first. So I had revert back to Windows. Especially the UI, how it looked, appeared. The interface, font looked like breaking, not smooth, pixels.

FTFY
The great thing about Linux is the many options you get: if you don't like one interface, try another. I'm not sure what you mean with "breaking font" though.

I was thinking about duel booting but unfortunately I don't have enough space to run both OS. Only 240GB SSD.

Luckily, SSDs are very cheap nowadays Or even spare laptops, I was actually tempted recently when I saw an offer for 12 business laptops (i5, 8 GB, SSD, about $500 in total). That would mean no more virtualization, and just a dedicated laptop for every wallet I have But I didn't want the hassle of installing and updating that many devices.

Yes, most probably I got infected using a crack version Driver updater. Since I had to fresh install everything.

Cracked drivers? The things Windows users do

It's not that bad either. Most of the time it would detect malwares.

This sounds like terrible "security".

I have a bad habit of changing distros. Not just Windows or Linux, also Android. Since I am a custom ROM user. I frequently change my OS, to test out new features and bugs etc.

Why would you test all that on the same device? Get one system for serious tasks, and another one to mess around with.

(I made a lot of quotes to multiple users. Is it ok though to quote this much?

Yes.

I don't know if USB sticks are capable enough to run this OS for a longer period of time.

Some are, some aren't. I've had USB sticks die after a few writes, and I've had sticks that last forever. To run your OS though, you'll need a fast and reliable one. Rule of thumb: don't go for the cheap sticks.

Not saying it's bad, it's just not reliable.

It's a feature, not a bug.

AFAIK, Windoes does have a similar feature as TailsOS.

No, it does not.

There will always some things that you'll miss when using Linux.

Nope. Once you're used to it, there's no reason to go back. But it takes a while to get used to, just like it took you a while to get used to what you're currently used to.

by that I mean a really new one from the store, not a used one.

I think I share my love for old laptops with philipma1957 by now. And with "old", I mean at least 8 GB RAM and SSD. Wipe the laptop and install your own software.
I guess it depends on where you live though: here, corporate laptops are replaced every few years, which makes them cheap and abundant on the second hand market. You can find a decent laptop for less money than a new hardware wallet.

[Faisal2202]

There is no way to fix this. So unfortunately, I had to reinstall Windows twice the same day to fully get rid of this virus. Such a hassle. Lucky for me, I didn't send out any funds since I remembered my original address. The moment I saw a change of address, I knew something was wrong. Here is the phishing address. The total received amount is almost $28k I wonder how many innocent people fell a victim to it.

Its really scary and I can't imagine what I will do if I lose funds to these MFs (sorry for the lingu) but why they don't use there skills for something good. I know this world is full of good and bad, if there is not bad then what will differentiate good ones (it indicates the importance of bad) but they need bridle. I hope they would met the consequences of scamming people soon.

And I am happy that you detected this issue and did not become a victim. Depending on you post and reputation, I will not say this story is imaginative even if you have a address of the hacker's wallet. And I think this might be due to the windows you are using like most of the people use unlocked windows downloaded from pirated sites, are you using a pirated activated window?, If yes then delete it and install a free version of windows from there official website.

And I think funds are more safer on phones rather than on windows.

[DYING_S0UL]

The great thing about Linux is the many options you get: if you don't like one interface, try another. I'm not sure what you mean with "breaking font" though.

How do I explain it!!!   You know, like the opposite of smooth. Like edgy, or sharp.

Cracked drivers? The things Windows users do

No worries. This time, I didn't used any single crack. Lesson learned.

Why would you test all that on the same device? Get one system for serious tasks, and another one to mess around with.

Two actually. Mostly I mess with my Android device. Like flashing custom OS or Magisk (Root access) etc.

AFAIK, Windoes does have a similar feature as TailsOS.

No, it does not.

Found it. Not quite sure if it's the same as TailsOS. But it does offers similar features as TailsOS. Such as, an isolated one time windows environment. And when the session is closed, everything is erased.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-overview

I guess it depends on where you live though: here, corporate laptops are replaced every few years, which makes them cheap and abundant on the second hand market.

Where I live it's a different story.

-DYING_S0UL

[LoyceV]

Like edgy, or sharp.

Then set a different one

Found it. Not quite sure if it's the same as TailsOS. But it does offers similar features as TailsOS. Such as, an isolated one time windows environment. And when the session is closed, everything is erased.

That's (at best) like running an OS inside a VM. If your host OS is compromised, the client gets compromised too. And, unlike Tails OS, it doesn't run all connections through Tor.

[albon]

For this reason, I don't store anything related to crypto on my device. I noticed this virus when I was trying to use an exchange. I copied the deposit address and that's when it happened. There was no funds, seedphrase, secret keys or important documents laying around on my desktop.

I made this post, so that other people may see it. Especially the newbies. Since many of us don't know there is a virus called clipboard virus that hijacks clipboards. The topic was created purely as a reminder (again). 

Thank you for sharing your story and this important warning for beginners. Indeed, clipboard hijacking is very common, and scammers have managed to steal a lot from people unaware of its malicious activities. The clipboard virus if not stealing sensitive and important data and personal information; can focus on replacing the copied address of a wallet/exchange in the clipboard with the scammer's wallet address. Many people may fall victim to this type of scam. Even most antivirus programs on Windows may not detect and remove it, and it can be challenging to determine if the device is infected or not. As everyone mentioned, the solution is to create a Linux operating system or use a non-main device if you prefer a Windows operating system that is not intended for conducting financial transactions and does not contain wallets or anything related to cryptocurrencies. It is best to avoid cracked programs, torrent files, or any programs downloaded from unknown sources.

[Myleschetty]

My opinion about how you get this is I think you may have downloaded a software that isn't downloaded from the original website and may be infected with that malware.

That could be the answer since, I recently got this device. So a lot of software had to be reinstalled.

Reinstallation of software shouldn't bother you more than your safety and the first mistake you made is not formatting the entire hard drive since the OS was bought from someone. In the crypto space, the only person you can trust is yourself.

But that's not what I'm worrying about. I worry about windows defender not detecting it.

Most detect viruses but do not always detect Clipboard malware. After having anti-virus and anti-malware on your computer you shouldn't rely on them to detect every attack because they only work the way they are programmed.

[Davidvictorson]

This kind of virus is very dangerous. I know the kind of stress the OP went through  because of this. These clipboard hijackers are there and if you are not keen on confirming your cryptocurrency and addresses, you will end up sending money to the wrong guys and you know very well the wrong guys don't give your money back. You don't want to be in this position. I recommend that you download Clipboard Fusion software to detect and prevent manipulation of the Windows clipboard.

[Lucius]

I do have these but still it's not enough. You can say it's a decent device and it works without any problems. The only problem is it cannot handle excessive load/multi tasking. I believe if an electric device starts to show symptoms of problems, no matter how much we try to fix it, one problem after another would come. I already had to replace the HDD to SSD. After that, the colling fan started to make noises and now having problems with the sound system. It is still running but might shut down any second.

Yes, I really need to buy a new computer/laptop now.

Then it's something else, the power supply or the motherboard (I assume it's a desktop computer) and maybe a professional should do diagnostics and determine what the problem is. I also have only 8 GB of RAM, but even when I open two browsers with a dozen tabs and everything else running in the background, I have no problems with slow work or freezing.

BTW I really liked what you did with the quotes. The resizing thingy. Looks very cool. Saves up a lot of space and highlights the reply. 

That was my intention, and you are the first to notice it in a positive sense. It seems to me that some others think that it is not right to minimize their words, but everyone has their own opinion.

by that I mean a really new one from the store, not a used one.

I think I share my love for old laptops with philipma1957 by now. And with "old", I mean at least 8 GB RAM and SSD. Wipe the laptop and install your own software.
I guess it depends on where you live though: here, corporate laptops are replaced every few years, which makes them cheap and abundant on the second hand market. You can find a decent laptop for less money than a new hardware wallet.

I'm one of those who don't want used things, no matter how well-maintained and in good condition they are. I like to buy new devices that have a guarantee and service provided in case there is a need for the same. I assume that there are such laptops in my environment as well, but I have never paid attention to such things.

[crwth]

It's best to triple-check when you are transacting because you can never know what you are infected with or something. It's still better to have a hardware wallet so you can check the address being sent to on the physical hardware.

Having to reformat so many times is really tiresome and still unassured that you have actually deleted that virus. Be careful.

[LoyceV]

I'm one of those who don't want used things, no matter how well-maintained and in good condition they are. I like to buy new devices that have a guarantee and service provided in case there is a need for the same.

My experience taught me warranty isn't everything. Laptop with broken case because of hinges that are too tight: blame the user. New phone that stops working: blame water damage. Don't get me wrong, I buy new stuff too, but the price quality ratio is much better for older ones. If it breaks (which doesn't happen often), I'll get another one. Disposable laptops

I also have only 8 GB of RAM

But why? RAM is cheap! If only my laptop could handle more, I'd add more

[Hyphen(-)]

And this is the third time I have gotten infected with the clipboard virus. I don't know why I always end up with the particular virus. Though I don't know how to properly define this thing as a virus or malware. I don't use any third-party antivirus, but my Windows Defender is always on. So I have no idea how I got infected. Windows defender seems to not be working regarding this virus. I guess, other antivirus programs won't work either. There is no way to fix this. So unfortunately, I had to reinstall Windows twice the same day to fully get rid of this virus. Such a hassle. Lucky for me, I didn't send out any funds since I remembered my original address. The moment I saw a change of address, I knew something was wrong. Here is the phishing address. The total received amount is almost $28k I wonder how many innocent people fell a victim to it.

It is called a clipboard malware not virus maybe that’s why windows defenders cannot protect keyboard malware attack because it has also affected me in the past.

I have to format my system and change my windows completely, and I was advices here to have two user interface so that I will have private sections for my online transactions and general user interface for my works.
Moreover, I was also advices to use Linux OS instead of windows that it’s better than windows.

[DYING_S0UL]

Then it's something else, the power supply or the motherboard (I assume it's a desktop computer) and maybe a professional should do diagnostics and determine what the problem is. I also have only 8 GB of RAM, but even when I open two browsers with a dozen tabs and everything else running in the background, I have no problems with slow work or freezing.

It's a 5 year old laptop which originally belonged to one of my relatives. But yes it's quite old. And trying to fix this might make it worse. So I rather use it how it is, until, I can effort to buy a new laptop or pc. I don't store anything important on this device, so there is nothing to worry about.

That was my intention, and you are the first to notice it in a positive sense. It seems to me that some others think that it is not right to minimize their words, but everyone has their own opinion.

I think it's totally acceptable. Since you mentioned me and resized my text, I already knew what I wrote previously. It's not that you are quoting a very old post of mine. So if it's a recent post, then yes, why not?

One place where it should be avoided, (in my opinion), is on hot topics. Because ohers might want to read all the comments there. So, making texts small might make their eyes sore. But if it is a topic like mine, where fewer comments are being made, then resizing is understable.

Another place is where a user is giving technical help or a suggestion. Apart from that, if it's a casual comment, I might resize it to my preference.

I'm one of those who don't want used things, no matter how well-maintained and in good condition they are. I like to buy new devices that have a guarantee and service provided in case there is a need for the same. I assume that there are such laptops in my environment as well, but I have never paid attention to such things.

Unfortunately, not all can effort to buy brand new devices.

It's best to triple-check when you are transacting because you can never know what you are infected with or something. It's still better to have a hardware wallet so you can check the address being sent to on the physical hardware.

Having to reformat so many times is really tiresome and still unassured that you have actually deleted that virus. Be careful.

Where I live, crypto is banned. That's why buying a hardware wallet and shipping it (clearing customs) to my place, can be quite risky. I could face legal issues. Not worth the risk.

It is. It totally wasted half of my days,  downloading 6GB windows ISO (Slow Internet speed), making a bootable pendrive, reformatting, reinstalling, updating drivers and so on. Such a headache.

[LoyceV]

It's a 5 year old laptop which originally belonged to one of my relatives.

To ask the obvious: did you clean it from dust? Dust in the fan can make it get very loud when under load.
My laptop is older than that, and currently on it's third fan.

[DYING_S0UL]

It's a 5 year old laptop which originally belonged to one of my relatives.

To ask the obvious: did you clean it from dust? Dust in the fan can make it get very loud when under load.
My laptop is older than that, and currently on it's third fan.

Nope, he was using it before giving it to me. I haven't looked inside but I'm pretty sure what you assumed is correct. Dust is the main problem, as far as I understood. First the HDD, then the sound system and now the fans. So yes, it's a kind of falling machine. So I don't wanna experiment with it any further. Let it be. Not worth the hassle.  

[Lucius]

I also have only 8 GB of RAM

But why? RAM is cheap! If only my laptop could handle more, I'd add more

For the reason that I don't feel the need for more than that, everything works flawlessly and in fact I always have a surplus of free memory. In addition, I didn't even check how much max RAM I can add, but I assume that it is more than 8 GB because the laptop is not older than 5 years.

It's a 5 year old laptop which originally belonged to one of my relatives. But yes it's quite old. And trying to fix this might make it worse. So I rather use it how it is, until, I can effort to buy a new laptop or pc. I don't store anything important on this device, so there is nothing to worry about.

Maybe it's a low-quality device or your relatives didn't take good care of it, because I have a laptop that's almost 15 years old and it's still almost as functional as when I bought it (but I paid quite a lot for it) with the note that I installed an SSD and generally cleaned it, but I couldn't find the right RAM, so it stayed at 4 GB.

What I want to say is that there is still a significant difference (or at least there used to be) between premium devices and those of lower quality. Fortunately, I can afford to buy such devices, which, combined with careful handling, can last a very long time.