What is Matarecycler?

Matarecycler is a type of malicious script that primarily affects Windows computers. It usually appears as a file named something like “Mata Recycler en PC.vbs”, where the .vbs extension stands for Visual Basic Script. At first glance, it might look harmless, but this script is actually a form of malware.

The matarecycler virus often hides in USB drives or external storage devices. When plugged into a system, it replaces your real files with shortcuts and hides the original ones. Clicking those shortcuts executes the malicious script, infecting your system further.

This infection is especially dangerous because it spreads quickly from one device to another. If you plug the infected USB into another computer, it immediately drops the matarecycler script there too. That’s why it’s known as part of the shortcut virus family.

How Matarecycler Spreads

The matarecycler malware does not spread randomly. It follows a specific pattern, using weak points in user behavior and system security. Here are the main ways it spreads:

• USB and external drives: When you copy files, the matarecycler script hides the originals and replaces them with infected shortcuts.
• Network shares: If computers are connected through a local network, the virus can jump from one machine to another.
• Email attachments: Sometimes, the virus disguises itself as a normal file sent via email.
• Autorun scripts: On older versions of Windows, it uses autorun.inf files to automatically execute when you insert a USB.

Because of this, one careless click is enough to spread the matarecycler virus to multiple devices.

Symptoms of Matarecycler Infection

How do you know if your system is infected with matarecycler? There are some clear warning signs:

• Your files are missing or appear as shortcuts.
• A strange file like “mata recycler en PC.vbs” shows up.
• USB drives contain hidden folders you cannot access directly.
• The system becomes slower, and background processes use high CPU.
• Antivirus alerts or suspicious pop-ups appear.

If you notice these signs, you need to act quickly before matarecycler malware spreads further.

Risks of Matarecycler Virus

Ignoring the matarecycler threat can cause serious issues:

1. Loss of Data – Since it hides or corrupts files, you may think your important data is gone.
2. Privacy Risks – Some variants steal login details, passwords, or documents.
3. System Damage – It can corrupt registries, startup settings, and make your system unstable.
4. Further Infections – The matarecycler virus often acts as a door for other malware.
5. Spreading to Others – If you share USB drives, you risk infecting friends, coworkers, or other systems.

How to Remove Matarecycler Virus

Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove matarecycler safely:

1. Disconnect the computer from the internet to prevent spreading.
2. Enable hidden file viewing in File Explorer. Turn off “Hide extensions” and “Hide protected files.”
3. Scan with antivirus like Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, or specialized USB cleaning tools.
4. Delete suspicious .vbs files manually, especially those named mata recycler.
5. Check the registry under
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   and remove suspicious entries.
6. Repair file attributes on infected drives using:
7. attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

8. (Replace X: with your USB drive letter).
9. Reboot and rescan until your system is clean.

How to Prevent Matarecycler

Once you clean the matarecycler infection, prevention is key:

• Keep Windows and antivirus updated.
• Disable Autorun for USB drives.
• Only use trusted USB devices.
• Scan drives before opening.
• Backup your files regularly.
• Be cautious with email attachments and unknown downloads.

By following these practices, you can keep your system safe from matarecycler and similar shortcut viruses.

Conclusion

The matarecycler virus may look like a simple script, but it can cause major headaches if ignored. It hides files, spreads through USB drives, and risks your privacy and data. The good news is that with the right tools and preventive habits, you can completely remove matarecycler malware and protect your system against future threats.

FAQs about Matarecycler

Q1: What is matarecycler?
A: Matarecycler is a malicious Visual Basic Script that hides files and replaces them with shortcuts, spreading mainly via USB drives.

Q2: Is matarecycler the same as the shortcut virus?
A: Yes, it is a variant of the shortcut virus family, often targeting Windows users.

Q3: Can antivirus remove matarecycler completely?
A: Most updated antivirus programs can detect and remove it, but manual cleanup may still be needed.

Q4: Does matarecycler delete files permanently?
A: Usually, it hides them rather than deleting. Files can often be restored using the attrib command.

Q5: How do I protect my USB from matarecycler?
A: Disable autorun, always scan before use, and avoid plugging into unknown systems.

Admin