Ads by Sale Clipper won’t show up on sites unless there is adware sitting in the specific computer, so it’s about time to bust some virus activity red-handed.

Advertisements displayed on websites can be split into two principal groups. Although they all look basically the same, the conventional demarcation goes along the distinct line between one’s PC and the open Internet. Most ads originate on the web page level, and these are perfectly passable from a legal viewpoint as long as the site administrators allow this content to be presented by interested parties. But there is another category, which is strictly workstation-related. It relies on software rather than some HTML scripts and the like. Now, most of the applications representing this cluster tend to be flagged as adware, because their operational cycle – ranging from installation to the vile “malvertising” effect – does not take the user’s computer management role seriously.

Sale Clipper home site

Sale Clipper is the self-explanatory name of an app that purports to ease and otherwise enhance one’s online shopping experience. Very few people who run into it are aware, though, that its functioning fits into the generic adware scheme. This product’s ultimate goal being all about serving ads to victims, its way into a computer is equivocal as the users hardly ever participate in the setup authorization process. The spreading of some cheesy freeware and shareware is secured by installation clients, whose peculiarity is that random items can be additionally included as part of the package. As a result, the infection is dropped onto the system while the users think they have installed something different, for example, the jDownloader tool or a new movie player.

ads-by-sale-clipper

The day this intrusion takes place becomes a bad day for the person who’s browsing the web on that computer. This is because Chrome, FF and IE get a new helper object attached to them, the onset of which co-occurs with the appearance of Sale Clipper virus. The extension displays tons of comparison shopping information and coupons on every website, including search engines and social networks, and it’s not the sites to blame for this. As mentioned, the instigator of these events should be looked for in the PC. Overcoming this malicious effect by simply uninstalling the imposed add-on is impracticable, so it’s recommended to adopt a smarter approach.

Automatic removal of the Sale Clipper virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Ads by Sale Clipper removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Sale Clipper automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate Sale Clipper or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove Sale Clipper Ads virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the Sale Clipper infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Sale Clipper can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Sale Clipper scanner and remover

The post Remove Sale Clipper ads from Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer appeared first on Keone Software.

Effectively removing Jabuticaba virus from an infected machine is a matter of a specially tailored adware handling routine, so proceed with the cleanup now.

Jabuticaba app is a somewhat non-standard example of a PUP, which is a security buzzword that stands for “potentially unwanted program”. Its originality consists in the fact that its malicious features merge with some fairly commendable ideas such as the ability to earn V-Coins while shopping, which are points allowing people to redeem their rewards later on. The bad stuff, however, outweighs the good by far. The proliferation of Jabuticaba is backed by a whole network of affiliated free products that cannot be installed unless the user opts into concurrently getting the troublemaking software. This would be a relatively ethical procedure if it weren’t for the concealment of the bundle’s presence. It’s usually a tiny, inconspicuous checkbox that should be un-ticked during the third-party installation otherwise the user’s consent is believed to have been automatically granted. So, security tip of the day is to be really careful when installing software, especially if it’s free.

One of the various ads displayed by Jabuticaba virus

Once Jabuticaba has snuck into the computer via the intricacy described above, it’s only half-way done. What the virus also needs to do is add a new plugin to the browser surreptitiously enough for the user to overlook this event, which it successfully does in most cases. This integrated component makes the victim’s Internet experience go steadily down the drain. From that moment on, any web page accessed via Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer will look different than the exact same page visited on a non-infected workstation. That’s because the adware serves redundant advertising during its stay on a PC, displaying a lot of banners, coupons, transitional pages and text ads.

Some of these objects are actual discounts, but some might contain deceptive recommendations to download software that may harm the computer. As an example, the ads may deceptively state that Java version in the system is out of date, while in fact it’s not. These downloads can carry other adware and more dangerous infections under the guise of something useful. Furthermore, some sites are going to appear so crooked that reading the text, as well as viewing images and watching videos, will be barely practicable. The bad effect of Jabuticaba isn’t ephemeral and it won’t discontinue until targeted countermeasures are adopted, so start implementing the fix right away.

Automatic removal of the Ads by Jabuticaba virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Ads by Jabuticaba removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Jabuticaba automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate Jabuticaba, V-Bates, PriceMinus or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove Ads by Jabuticaba virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the Jabuticaba infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Ads by Jabuticaba can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Jabuticaba Ads scanner and remover

The post Remove Ads by Jabuticaba adware from Chrome, Firefox and IE appeared first on Keone Software.

Implement this fix for the collateral effects of DNSUnlocker software, in particular the advertisements that it serves on websites without being permitted to.

A variety of proxy services available on the e-market allow exploring and enjoying the multimedia services that use blacklisting techniques for certain categories of users. Sites like Crackle, Netflix and HBO, for instance, employ traffic filtering so that people cannot visit them from quite a few places across the globe. This take on treating customers is presumably a countermeasure for the violation of copyright and spreading illegally obtained media content without consent of the proprietor. Virtual private networking tools can dodge this blocking by imitating the client’s server location that won’t raise any red flags. While this approach might have a flavor of cheating in certain circumstances, it is undoubtedly also a useful instrument to maintain anonymity on the Internet. DNSUnlocker is a brand that takes advantage of this positive perception, but the things it does to one’s computer reduce the good part down to zero.

User interface of DNSUnlocker

DNSUnlocker has an official web page, where the claimed benefits are presented in a good light only. According to the vendor, this tool is better and faster than the regular VPNs because its effect only covers the geolocation-related attributes of one’s web traffic. So, the users supposedly get a lightweight app that enables them to visit geo-restricted domains without having to sacrifice their connection speed and pay anything. After this product is installed, though, it’s going to make web browsers freak out by injecting huge amounts of sponsored data into sites. User experience, therefore, will definitely be affected as well.

Text ad injected by DNSUnlocker

One of the things DNSUnlocker does to the computer system is it makes changes to the local area connection parameters, which is part of the server imitation routine that’s necessary to make restricted web pages accessible. However, these changes and other software-level interferences let the program perform unwanted actions on the browsers. All websites will be henceforth filled with in-text ads, price comparison objects, coupons and popups with the inscription “Ads by DNSUnlocker”. Interstitial advertisements will be encountered as well.

Another must-mention fact about this malicious program is that users never install it in a regular way. Tens of freeware offers downloadable from software repositories have DNS Unlocker included in their installation by default so that it gets into PCs alongside these tools. Overall, when looked at from different angles, this application is a fraud that should be avoided. If it has already attacked a computer through the covert spreading hoax, removal should be immediately carried out in accordance with special instructions.

Automatic removal of the DNSUnlocker virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Ads by DNSUnlocker removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get DNSUnlocker automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate DNS Unlocker version 1.3 or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove DNSUnlocker ads virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the DNSUnlocker infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like DNSUnlocker can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download DNSUnlocker scanner and remover

The post Uninstall Ads by DNSUnlocker and ‘DNS Unlocker version 1.3’ from Windows appeared first on Keone Software.

ExtTag.exe can pose risk to a PC because it intervenes with critical OS processes, causes system errors and enhances malware activity in web browsers.

Smooth operation of a Windows machine can be significantly hindered by third-party processes associated with malicious software. One of such executables, called ExtTag, leads to system performance deterioration and possible hazards to one’s personal data. It is known to be related to the Linkury Smartbar adware, constituting the structure of said infection’s file architecture. This pest hijacks browsers running on the target machine and sets search.safefinder.com as the homepage and default search engine. Regretfully, many antiviruses miss ExtTag during scanning and in the course of real-time protection, but the most dependable ones do catch the bug, flagging it as PUP.Optional.Linkury.PrxySvrRST, Adware.Smartbar.AD, Artemis, Win32/Toolbar.Linkury.S, or Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT.

ExtTag executable listed among running processes

To check whether or not ExtTag.exe is running in the system, the easiest way is to open Task Manager, hit the Processes tab and look at the entries listed. The culprit executable tends to consume a great deal of CPU resources and usually won’t stop even if the user chooses to end the task. This is characteristic of adware programs – they are coded to persist. Some of the issues occurring because of this virus include annoying error notifications, computer slowdown, problems launching random programs, and the harvesting of user-specific data. The most apparent symptom, though, is the browser hijack that results in repeated redirects of web traffic to a malicious landing page.

Landing page sustained by the adware

In this particular case, the custom settings for Chrome, Firefox and IE will most likely start defaulting to search.safefinder.com site. It is a search provider designed by Linkury, with the basic idea being to advertise different services via ads above the fold in search results. Therefore this attack, in essence, pursues the goal of redistributing traffic in a malicious way so that a pre-defined page gets user hits, which are eventually transformed into money. Removing ExtTag bug is only a part of the fix, with quite a bit of additional cleanup remaining on the victim’s agenda. The Linkury adware won’t give in to the standard uninstall techniques, so be sure to read the part below and follow the instructions for resolving the matter.

Automatic removal of the ExtTag virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download ExtTag.exe removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get ExtTag automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate Linkury Smartbar or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove ExtTag virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the ExtTag infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ExtTag can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download ExtTag scanner and remover

The post Remove ExtTag.exe virus from Windows computer appeared first on Keone Software.

Adware applications like Magic Find should not be underestimated in terms of their unfavorable effect, so it’s about time to get rid of it if it’s aboard.

Undesired is a forbearing word to characterize Magic Find software. Its impact upon a computer leaves quite a few question marks behind, even after the evident adverse effects have been taken into account. The users are bound to endure frustrating objects called Ads by Magic Find, which flood every web page regardless of the browser it’s visited on. That’s merely the apparent, conspicuous part. Another ponderable fragment of the flip side has to do with potential privacy risks that may occur while this app is running on a machine. Collecting one’s PID (personally identifiable data) is a manageable task for the adware as it has access to and looks at the sites being surfed to as well as the online searches being made. Browser slowdown is probably the least significant, yet irritating side effect, too.

Magic Find site provides hardly any info about the product

Not only does Magic Find serve ads without the user’s consent, but it also installs on a machine without being clearly allowed to. Interestingly, it doesn’t leverage super-smart techniques to bypass PC defenses, nor does it use stealthy exploit kits to get in. Instead, the program manipulates a person into authorizing its setup. A cunning mix of social engineering and the present-day freeware spreading trends makes the bad guys’ day, because users get the infection while thinking they are only installing something else. Open source products like low-reputation media players, game crack solutions, various audio and video codecs, as well as customized variants of Flash Player or Java may quite possibly have Magic Find under the hood. The adware usually poses as a featured offer that’s built into the express setup option, which people hardly ever opt out of.

Ads by Magic Find may promote harmful software

Magic Find ads can take a variety of shapes. Some of them are popups with annoying recommendations to scan the system under false pretenses; some are transitional ads triggered in the background in between new tabs; and many are advertisements injected into keywords on websites. The infection can display this excessive content due to a virtual layer it adds to one’s browsing environment. Ads by Magic Find tend to override the original elements of web page structure, which is a tremendous nuisance and obstacle to the victim’s regular browsing. Although the conventional program uninstall method is of no avail with adware, the malicious advertising activity can be halted altogether by means of an easy-to-follow workaround.

Automatic removal of the Magic Find virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Ads by Magic Find removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Magic Find automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate Magic Find or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove Magic Find ads virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the Magic Find infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Magic Find can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Magic Find Ads scanner and remover

The post Remove Magic Find ads from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer appeared first on Keone Software.

Since some users are encountering Startzentrale.de replace their browser homepage and search defaults, it is sustained by adware which should be removed.

According to automatic tools analyzing domains against known virus databases, Startzentrale.de is a clean site in that it does not host malware, nor does it implement any type of phishing activity. The page appears to be a unified resource for keyword and product look-up, with search boxes for Amazon, eBay, YouTube, Bing and other popular services incorporated in one place. In spite of this overall normality, a lot users, Germany-based mostly, have been discussing it on security boards in an adverse context, reporting browser issues accompanied by frequent visits to the website in question. It turns out there is a PUP, or Potentially Unwanted Program, that sets Startzentrale.de as one’s start page, default search and new tab in all web browsers that are used on the computer. The event of these modifications taking effect is not preceded by permission granting on the user’s end, which is an indicator of a blatant adware routine.

Startzentrale.de obtrudes itself on users without being permitted to

The way this hijack takes place is a clandestine process. The settings-switching infection usually crawls into a PC alongside other products, most of which are absolutely harmless. The undesired payload can be presented as a ‘special’ or ‘featured’ offer complementing the installations of some open source software, including movie players, streaming video grabbers, hardware drivers, games, and even utilities like Java and Adobe Reader. The catch is in the setup client rather than the product itself, where the drive-by poses as part of the recommended installation. Selecting the Custom option in these circumstances can work wonders, because it allows opting out of random digital garbage.

The system pollution results in the appearance of a plugin or other type of web enhancement, which overrides basic preferences configured by the administrator on the machine. No approval is requested by the adware for making these changes, therefore the victim only finds out that the attack has happened when Startzentrale.de starts popping up all at once. Although the embedded search resources aggregation feature may theoretically stand some people in good stead, it is all smeared by the tactics for promoting it. Naturally, the affected users begin taking troubleshooting effort as early as the first couple of browser redirects, but the fix proves to be more complicated than uninstalling the unwelcome add-on or plugin. This entry provides the totality of Startzentrale.de removal techniques that allow addressing the problem in a few minutes.

Automatic removal of the Startzentrale.de virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Startzentrale.de removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Startzentrale.de automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully down the list and locate Startzentrale or other unfamiliar programs, especially ones that appeared on the machine recently. Select the likely bug(s) and click Uninstall/Change for those

Remove Startzentrale.de homepage from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that this virus made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Startzentrale.de can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Startzentrale.de scanner and remover

The post Remove Startzentrale.de homepage from Chrome, Firefox and IE appeared first on Keone Software.

Learn how to recover files blatantly encrypted by Helpme@freespeechmail.org virus and completely remove this ransomware from the infected computer.

Security professionals have by now confronted ransomware samples that feature a robust infrastructure, automatic links to the file decryption service and other C2 components, as well as sleek graphics accompanying the assault. In the case of Helpme@freespeechmail.org plague, things are a little bit off the fancy path, though. The email above denotes part of the file extension which is added to regular extensions of the objects that the ransomware has encrypted. More specifically, if a victim’s Microsoft Word file gets processed by the infection, its extension string will look like this: “.doc.id-{10 random digits}_helpme@freespeechmail.org”. Not only do these items appear weird on the outside, but they also cannot be opened using the default programs or alternative software, which is the most unfortunate effect of ransomware hoaxes.

The no longer accessible files encrypted by Helpme@freespeechmail.org virus

This ransom trojan attack also involves the emergence of a .txt file with an indiscreet name of “VIRUSFUCKEDYOURFILES”. This entity tends to be created in every folder with illicitly encrypted information and it contains details of the hijack. In particular, the user is informed that they have fallen victim to the type of compromise where data recovery presupposes submitting a payment. Alternatively, the targeted person can shoot an email to Helpme@freespeechmail.org, which will be followed by an incoming message from the virus publisher. It says that 3 BTC must be paid otherwise the personal documents, images, videos and presentations will stay inaccessible. As a “bonus”, the fraudsters provide an option of test decryption, where the user can send them one file and get its decoded copy back.

It’s fairly ironic but getting infected with this email-involving virus usually takes place through contagious email attachments. The would-be cyber prey receives a fake message masqueraded to resemble an official notification from a law enforcement agency or delivery company. Once the attachment gets opened, the trojan will be immediately executed on the system. Then goes a scan of the hard drive in search of personal files, which is a sneaky workflow that shouldn’t be noticed by the PC admin. The spotted data undergoes encryption, and the extortion proper begins. Helpme@freespeechmail.org is by all means a nasty ransomware that targets one’s most precious information stored on the machine. Reputable security tools can cope with the infection itself, but making the encrypted files accessible again is a matter of separate effort on the victim’s end.

Automatic removal of the Helpme@freespeechmail.org virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Helpme@freespeechmail.org removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Helpme@freespeechmail.org ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted files.

Recover files locked by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools
The research of Helpme@freespeechmail.org virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Helpme@freespeechmail.org scanner and remover

The post VIRUSFUCKEDYOURFILES: how to remove helpme@freespeechmail.org file encrypting virus appeared first on Keone Software.

The right way to deal with Monarch Find adware is uninstall it from the computer which has been infected and is heavily exploited for malicious advertising.

The entirety of unwanted effects incited by Monarch Find application includes redundant ads serving and imperiled user privacy. When looked into superficially, that is, based on the official features as presented on its website, the program is intended to deliver data about online deals that should supposedly help the user find best buys at reasonable prices. The reality, however, is not quite so unclouded. This app does display e-shopping content like coupons, but this is hardly ever an opt-in experience. The only reason why Ads by Monarch Find are displayed in a browser is because adware code injection took place earlier. Taking the shape of an extension that seems innocuous at first sight, the infection reconfigures a number of browser properties so that arbitrary visual elements can be added to the underlying web pages without let or hindrance.

The crudely designed website of Monarch Find

Distinguishing between site-specific adverts and the ones embedded by this adware doesn’t tend to be difficult. Authorized e-commerce items like AdSense are localized in places that web page administrators provide wittingly for this particular purpose, so they don’t cause issues like preventing visitors from seeing the rest of the information. Monarch Find Ads, on the contrary, can float over important postings and do not vanish unless every single one is closed manually – by the way, hitting the X button is a short-term measure that only helps until the next auto-refresh of the page. The malicious ads can be shown in groups, such as comparison shopping sections, or they become implanted into the site’s textual content, with random keywords being underlined and most likely appearing in different font color.

The user’s indefeasible PC management prerogative is violated by Monarch Find multiple times throughout the compromise. First off, its infiltration happens in an undeclared fashion, since the unwanted code parasitizes third-party programs as they are being installed. Indeed, a lot of utilities downloadable both on shady resources and generally trusted portals like CNET and Soft32 can be furtively appended with the payload, and the would-be victims are scarcely capable of noticing the trick. Secondly, Monarch Find changes critical parameters in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and other popular browsers in a way which presupposes no consent of the user.

This troublemaking piece of software also poses a privacy risk, because it accesses and records such data as search terms and site visiting history. It’s due to this misdemeanor that it can come up with targeted discounts, price comparisons and the like. Overall, the constant bombarding of web pages with ads, as well as the privacy-related jeopardy, are strong reasons to get rid of Monarch Find virus.

Automatic removal of the Monarch Find virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Monarch Find ads removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Monarch Find automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate Monarch Find or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove Monarch Find ads virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the Monarch Find infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Monarch Find can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Monarch Find scanner and remover

The post Remove Monarch Find ads from Chrome, Firefox and IE appeared first on Keone Software.

Get exhaustive details on the scenario where extensions of files on a PC are replaced with .ccc string and find out how to make the data accessible again.

Symptoms of a ransomware assault depend on the trojan’s type as well as the gang distributing it. Though it certainly sounds strange, this filthy business has turned into an affiliate model where the creator of the virus might not even be involved in the spreading process. Interested parties can purchase the turnkey malicious service on underground resources, customize it and deliver the payload to computers. One of these rings has been pushing a version of the CryptoWall ransomware that assigns “.ccc” extension to the files it encrypted and displays ransom demands in a TXT or HTML document titled “howto_recover_file”. Be advised this is a sign of a specific build of the infection as CryptoWall is more commonly known to come up with Help_Decrypt ransom notes instead.

Files with .ccc extension can no longer be accessed

What this attack usually starts with is a new message appearing in one’s webmail inbox. It could look like a traffic rules violation notice, a delivery notification, a job offer, whatnot. The ZIP or PDF attachment to this email, when opened, will instantly execute the harmful process on the PC. The malware then scans all sections of the hard drive for data that matches a hard-coded extensions list. This way, it spots the victim’s personal files such as Microsoft Office docs, different image formats, videos and many more sorts of items that are likely to be important to the user. The RSA-2048 crypto routine implemented afterwards makes it impossible to open these files, moreover, the filenames are followed by .ccc string instead of the valid extensions.

Ransom instructions provided by the virus

As mentioned, a document named “howto_recover_file” is created inside every directory that encompasses encoded information. Its HTML version will be automatically opened off and on, explaining what happened to your files and recommending the paid CryptoWall decrypt service to decode the data. All connections with the cyber-racketeers’ Command and Control server are established via The Onion Router, namely using the Tor Browser Bundle, so it’s highly anonymous all the way. The victims are required to pay in Bitcoins, which ensures an additional layer of anonymity and keeps the bad guys from being tracked down. Unless the payment deadline of 7 days is followed, the sum will increase.

RSA-2048 is not possible to crack, so the attacked user has two options: to pay the ransom or try the recovery methods below.

Automatic removal of the .ccc file extension virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download .ccc file virus removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get the .ccc file ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted files.

Recover files locked by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools
The research of .ccc file extension virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download .ccc files scanner and remover

The post .CCC extension virus removal: get rid of howto_recover_file ransomware appeared first on Keone Software.

Discovery App leverages devious methods to be installed and displays undesirable advertisements in the web browser, which are strong reasons to uninstall it.

As long as the Discovery App software is running on a PC, surfing the Internet without piles of ads is wishful thinking rather than the factual state of things. The unequivocal identification of this program is entirely in the range of adware attributes whichever way you turn it. Users don’t opt into the setup of this junk, nor do they sanction the new disruptive extension to be added to the browsers. Regular adverts on the web are close to pervasive these days, but with Discovery App on board a computer their amount is going to exceed all reasonable bounds. No matter what pages are viewed on the infected system and what browser is used to open them, the coupons, freebies, deals, banners and text links generated by the tool in question will prevent the victim from reading the information and looking over the graphics provided.

Discovery App’s site is just a user-unfriendly technicality

Unlike most of the known unwanted ad-embedding programs, Discovery App boasts a website that vaguely explains the software’s mission. This fact alone doesn’t make it any safer or better, though, and it obviously pursues some legal objectives in the first place: the End User License page contains “disclaimers of third-party ads, content, and offers”, and the Privacy Policy largely focuses on “collection of information from software users”. In plain language, all of this means that privacy violation and the display of sponsored content by this product shall not be subject to legal action.

With the above-mentioned live website in place, that’s not where users download the application. The adware developer is using a controversial channel based on software bundling instead. People therefore get in trouble with Ads by Discovery App after they have downloaded and installed some affiliated solution, typically an open-source program, on portals that host freeware and are generally known to welcome interested parties’ promotions along the way. A free media player, hardware driver, disk cleanup tool or a customized installation of Adobe Flash Player may assist the adware in PC trespassing. Once this happens, the new multi-browser add-on will take effect so that banners, inline text, popups, comparison shopping and full-page interstitial ads accompany the user’s web surfing. There is no way to get rid of all these annoying items other than removal of the Discovery App program, which is a process that’s sorted out in the next chapter of this guide.

Automatic removal of the Ads by Discovery App virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Discovery App ads removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Discovery App automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully through the list and locate Discovery App or other suspicious program that shouldn’t be there. Select the bug and click Uninstall/Change

Remove Ads by Discovery App virus from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the Discovery App infection made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Discovery App can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Discovery App scanner and remover

The post Remove Discovery App ads from Chrome, Firefox and IE appeared first on Keone Software.

The ransom trojan known as TeslaCrypt got a new feature in the course of the latest upgrade, now assigning a ‘.vvv’ extension to all encrypted filenames.

The basic symptoms of a ransomware assault are quite uniform regardless of the infection breed: the victim’s files get frozen due to crypto that’s applied to them; the ransom note documents get displayed to instruct the person on recovery steps; and a certain amount of Bitcoins is extorted in exchange for the data. With that static set of characteristics in place, each sample involves a number of variable values when going this well-trodden path, such as the type of encryption algorithm, the name of docs holding the payment directions, and the way encoded files’ look is modified. The recent, eighth iteration of TeslaCrypt ransomware distorts all affected documents, spreadsheets, images, movies and archives by altering their extensions to .vvv, which follows the original format marker.

The .vvv files cannot be opened by regular means

The aftermath of this contamination also presupposes the dropping of ransom directions in the form of how_recover+*.txt and .html objects into the folders whose contents have been encrypted and onto the desktop. As opposed to the vast majority of its counterparts, TeslaCrypt uses the AES standard to make data inaccessible, while the more widespread viruses like CryptoWall and Crypt0L0cker have been employing RSA-2048 instead. Although the Advanced Encryption Standard is considered to be weaker than the latter public-key cryptosystem, it is still strong enough to ensure the victims aren’t able to bypass it. The ransom sum is currently around 500 USD or, to be more specific, the Bitcoin equivalent of this amount. In order to submit it, the user needs to click the personal TOR link which redirects to the Decryption Service site with the respective processing functionality.

TeslaCrypt payment processing window

The malware might allow the victim to perform a one-time test of the decrypt service for free, but that’s not the case with all versions. What makes the whole campaign yet more confusing is the fact that some variants of TeslaCrypt can be masqueraded as the aforementioned CryptoWall, while the tech stuffing remains basically the same. From where the user stands, though, this discrepancy doesn’t make much of a difference as they are still forced to either pay the crims or look for workarounds.

The distribution of this sample is still backed by social engineering. Users unknowingly activate the payload when opening an attachment that goes with a phishing email. These messages look like real traffic violation reports, invoices, resumes or shipping notifications. The ZIP files enclosed in them host an obfuscated routine that furtively infects the computer. The hard drive then gets scanned against a list of file extensions so that everything meeting the pre-set criteria is processed with the crypto algorithm. A couple of must-try troubleshooting techniques are provided in the next part of the post, quite likely assisting the infected users in restoring their information.

Automatic removal of the .vvv file virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the ransomware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download .vvv file virus removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get the .vvv file ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted files.

Recover files locked by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools
The research of .vvv file extension virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download .vvv files scanner and remover

The post Remove .vvv extension files encrypted by TeslaCrypt ransomware virus appeared first on Keone Software.

PC users have been reporting a breed of ransomware that encrypts their files and adds av666@weekendwarrior55.com to the extensions, so get the fix here.

Different strains of file encrypting viruses proved to be diverse in their interaction with the victims, infrastructural characteristics and effects on a deep system level. Most of them are elaborately designed, cutting-edge threats featuring sleek interfaces, advanced antivirus and firewall evasion, as well as robust ransom payment and decryption services. Some, however, go a more primitive path, where the infected users have hardly anything but an email address to reach the criminals and try sorting things out. The trojan conventionally named after the ‘av666@weekendwarrior55.com’ address represents the minority of these not-so-sophisticated samples, and yet the problems it causes are critical enough for the predicament to be extremely hard to resolve.

Having been processed by the trojan, files look like this

The pest in question scans for and detects files that are most likely to be important for the computer user. To this end, it processes data against an array of format identifiers, ultimately locating objects like JPG and BMP images, Microsoft Office documents (DOC, XLS, etc.), AVI videos, PDFs and many others. Due to the asymmetric cryptographic standard it uses, these files become unfeasible to open without the private key at the victim’s disposal. The problem is, this portion of data is kept outside the machine and it can only be provided upon condition that the user pays a ransom in Bitcoins.

As a result of this digital onslaught, the filenames are complemented with the following string of characters and numbers: “.id-(10 digits)_av666@weekendwarrior55.com”, where the digits are unique to the victim. For troubleshooting, therefore, the person needs to send a message to this email so that further directions can be received. In the response, users find out the amount of ransom to be paid and get Tor links to visit the payment site. According to the scammers, the recovery of numb personal data will be performed within several hours after the Bitcoins have been submitted. This is because the ransomware authors need to verify the payment and initiate the decryption if it’s confirmed.

However, taking the truthfulness of these statements for granted isn’t a good idea. What’s more, there are file restoration methods that shouldn’t be neglected as they may save the contaminated computer owner a tidy sum of money.

Automatic removal of the av666@weekendwarrior55.com virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download av666@weekendwarrior55.com removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get av666@weekendwarrior55.com ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted files.

Recover files locked by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools

The research of av666@weekendwarrior55.com virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download av666@weekendwarrior55.com scanner and remover

The post Remove av666@weekendwarrior55.com ransom virus appeared first on Keone Software.

The unguided browser behavior redirecting users to Yoursites123.com stems from an adware attack that requires prompt removal action on the victim’s end.

It’s not a one-of-a-kind computer infection that this article is going to describe and help eliminate, but the current escalation of the problem can’t possibly leave security experts and enthusiasts indifferent. Again, there are tons of browser hijacking threats roaming around the Internet, but few reach the scope as expansive as in the case of Yoursites123.com. Though the site itself is technically safe, its entire lifecycle is inseparable from a malicious application that gets seeded into PCs by means of a covert drive-by procedure. The ultimate effect is as follows: the custom settings of both the default web browser and other browsers that are installed on the infected system get replaced by Yoursites123.com, and that’s not due to the user’s decision.

Mozilla Firefox defaults taken over by Yoursites123.com malware

These drastic changes result from the specificity of a newly installed plugin, which literally turns the settings for preferred start page, new tab page and web search upside down. Multiple shortcut associations are usually affected as well, making the launch routine for random Windows apps an additional trigger of redirects to the unwanted web page under consideration. In other words, the .exe part of these programs’ shortcut properties gets supplemented by Yoursites123.com value so that this site is opened every time the user runs the application. Regarding the adware writers’ motivation for implementing this sort of artifice, it is most likely an Internet traffic monetization scheme. Users can’t really benefit from the imposed service proper as it forwards every query to another search engine, so it’s nothing but an intermediary layer between target computers and the third-party provider.

The most common way people get in trouble with Yoursites123 is through bundle-carrying installation clients. Over the course of these setups, the user unwittingly opts into the complementary offer which is enabled in advance. The optimal measure to keep this from happening is deactivate all featured items that may be built into freeware installations – by and large, this simple tip can thwart pretty much any adware intrusion.

Automatic removal of the Yoursites123 virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Yoursites123.com removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Yoursites123.com automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully down the list and locate Yoursites123 or other unfamiliar programs, especially ones that appeared on the machine recently. Select the likely bug(s) and click Uninstall/Change for those

Remove Yoursites123.com homepage from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that this virus made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Yoursites123 can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Yoursites123 scanner and remover

The post How to remove Yoursites123.com search from Chrome, Firefox and IE appeared first on Keone Software.

Learn the best techniques to prevent popup ads from appearing in popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera.

When it comes to hassle-free web surfing, it’s critical to differentiate between interruptive maintenance messages that originate on the level of the regular software installed, such as Flash Player or Java, and the content stemming from PUPs, which is a term for ‘Potentially Unwanted Programs’. It’s the latter that’s the subject matter of this article. The ubiquity of offending applications tasked with peddling various services and products via popup ads has made ad-free Internet a wishful thinking concept rather than the objective reality. The online facet of marketing is a profitable business that cybercriminals couldn’t possibly pass by, consequently millions of users are constantly facing redundant third-party information displayed by malware on random websites that are accessed from the infected computers.

Deals section displayed by an adware program without user’s consent

By the way, even such organizations as ISPs (Internet service providers) are known to abuse their connection privileges on their customers’ boxes, triggering splash screens with a variety of offers. The fact that these companies aren’t illegal doesn’t make this type of content any less obtrusive and annoying. The overall share of these occurrences, however, is negligible as compared to the effects caused by apps that are strictly malicious. An arbitrary adware program, once installed on a PC, generates obnoxious sponsored content on every single web page, so it’s not selective at all and hence makes the victim’s web navigation experience go down the drain. These unwelcome objects are typically labeled according to the troublemaking PUP’s name, for instance “Ads by Magical Find”, “Brought to you by BuyNSave”, etc.

A prime example of in-text ad

Popup advertisements spawned by malware aren’t homogeneous in their form and shape. They may include the more customary splash objects with deals, offers, coupons and freebies. Also, the infected users encounter interstitial and transitional ads in between web pages. In-text ads, or inline text, are hyperlinked keywords across a site that expand into large boxes if the mouse cursor ends up on them. In some cases, the influx of these items is so big that the page rendering speed gets reduced.

A side effect of adware activity that’s not explicit but poses a significant risk is data harvesting. Ever wonder how come the ads are targeted and reflect one’s interests? When operating on a machine, these viruses track the user’s browsing patterns, which results in sensitive information being captured, recorded and transmitted to the malefactors. This privacy peril combined with blatant intrusiveness are the main reasons to get rid of adware if it happens to have attacked the PC. There are popular extensions like Adblock Plus that can be installed and enabled in the browser, but they only address the symptoms, not the cause. The thoroughgoing, hence efficient fix below is tailored in compliance with the best practices of adware obliteration, so rest assured the adverts will be no longer popping up if they currently are.

Automatic removal of unwanted popup ads

When it comes to handling infections like adware, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the contagion gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download popup ads removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get the ad-injecting program uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Manual way to prevent popup ads from being displayed

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that the ad-serving infection made to Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

How to stop popup ads in Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

How to stop popup ads in Mozilla Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button as shown
• Confirm to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

How to stop popup ads in Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

How to stop popup ads in Opera

• Open your Opera browser. Go to Customize and control Opera and select Settings
• Select Privacy & security option and click the Clear browsing data button
• Make sure all checkboxes are enabled, select the beginning of time in the drop-down list, and click Clear browsing data at the bottom
• You are done resetting Opera to its original defaults. Do some test browsing to see if things are okay now and whether the malware is gone.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Adware may turn out stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating its components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download popupads scanner and remover

The post How to stop popup ads in Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, IE and Opera appeared first on Keone Software.

Since the effects of GWXUX.exe file can range from annoyance to computer performance disruption, it makes sense looking into the issue and resolving it.

GWXUX is generally referred to as a benign process. Technically, its objective is to ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 10 in the situations where the user qualifies for it based on the current operating system build. More specifically, this applies to all Windows 7 and 8 customers as long as their version is official and properly activated. The update is an opt-in. In order to launch the transition procedure, the person needs to click the ‘Get Windows 10’ icon located in the taskbar and then follow the fairly intuitive directions. This, however, is the ideal scenario that may have a few shady facets. First off, not everyone welcomes the upgrade, for whatever purposes. Some people discover that one or a few of their important applications are not compatible with the new OS. Others have read plenty of IT forums discussing the related bugs, crashes and privacy concerns. Anyway, there are cases when users wish to opt out and never receive the reminders.

GWXUX crash alert

Furthermore, even those who are willing to try the new experience and activate the upgrade wizard may stumble upon error messages along the way. They say “GWXUX has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.” The only thing available on this dialog is to close the program. Since the above event is recurring, it shortly turns into a nuisance that the users want to stop.

GWXUX is actually a part of the routine added by Microsoft to the Task Scheduler, which explains its persistence. Every time a new Windows session starts and in the further course of it, the process in question triggers the notifications with non-functional controls that end up causing the obnoxious popup alerts. Microsoft has provided a questionably useful recommendation for those who are reluctant to keep seeing the GWX icon: they advise hiding the notifications. This is a temporary measure because it all comes back the next time the PC is started up. Yet another nuance of the matter is a possible malware attack that results in the malfunction under consideration. It’s common knowledge that malicious software can prevent critical operating system routines from being deployed. Overall, the right course of action in case you are experiencing issues with GWXUX.exe is to eliminate the respective update altogether and make sure you aren’t facing a covert virus onslaught.

GWXUX.exe error troubleshooting

Remove KB3035583 update

• Click the Start button and type update in the search box. Select Windows Update on the results list. Click Installed Updates in the left-hand pane of the interface
• Sort the list of installed updates by name in order to make it easier to locate KB3035583 pack. Once it’s found, rick-click on it and select Uninstall
• The operating system will come up with a dialog saying you must restart the computer to apply the changes. Click Restart Now

Further instructions if the issue persists

• Although it seems somewhat strange, the update may be reinstalled shortly unless you hide it. To do this, go back to the Windows Update pane, find KB3035583, right-click on it and select the Hide update option

GWXUX keeps reappearing regardless?

• Editing Windows registry is the last resort if none of the above did the trick. Again, go to Start and type regedit in the search field. Click on the Registry Editor icon to execute the command
• Navigate to the following entry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Gwx. Right-click anywhere on blank space in the right-hand part of the interface, go to New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value
• Create a new object, naming it DisableGwx. Assign it the value of 1
• Exit the Registry Editor. Reboot the machine if requested.

Check the computer for malware

Some viruses are chameleons and masquerade themselves as legitimate processes. To make sure your instance of GWXUX.exe issue isn’t caused by malicious code, consider running a scan with a reliable security suite that will report the infection if it’s on board and remove it.

Download GWXUX.exe scanner and remover

The post Remove GWXUX.exe error “GWXUX has stopped working” appeared first on Keone Software.

Ransomware being today’s dominating cyber threat, infections like TeslaCrypt 3.0 are defiantly extorting money from users and organizations on a large scale.

A trojanized computer is a major headache for the victim. The severity of contamination, though, tends to vary based on the type of malicious code that’s encountered. While some trojans run silently in the background and monitor the user’s activity, pests like ransomware cause a lot more appreciable damage. They make one’s files inaccessible and extort a recovery fee afterwards. TeslaCrypt 3.0 is currently at the very top of the malware ‘food chain’. It is one of the prevalent ransom infections targeting both individuals and enterprises. The HDD volumes, USB drives and mapped network disks get scanned for hundreds of popular file extensions, with the spotted matches being encrypted with AES. This algorithm isn’t the most complex one in the cryptographic domain, but it’s still nearly impossible to crack.

TeslaCrypt 3.0 replaces the original desktop wallpaper

TeslaCrypt 3.0 exploits human vulnerabilities rather than loopholes in software to infect computers. The entry point most frequently used is spam webmail. In particular, people receive messages pretending to be someone’s CV, a bill, prize win congratulations, a traffic violation notice or delivery tracking details. The email itself is harmless, unlike the attachment that goes with it. It’s typically a ZIP archive that self-extracts once double-clicked, which means that the ransom code will be executed instantly and unnoticeably. Another vector of infecting workstations is the use of exploit kits such as Neutrino, but it’s quite rare at this point. So it’s strongly recommended to think twice before opening documents attached to messages from unknown senders or even suspicious ones from your contacts whose mail accounts may have been hacked.

TeslaCrypt 3.0 Decryption Service site linked-to in the ransom instructions

The personal file encryption process is followed by a ransom screen appearing out of the blue. TeslaCrypt 3.0 uses several components to communicate with the infected person. First off, it’s the application GUI proper, which says “All your important files are encrypted” and contains built-in buttons to show files, decrypt them or click to copy the Bitcoin address to clipboard. The virus also creates ransom note files on the desktop: Howto_Restore_FILES.HTM, Howto_Restore_FILES.TXT and Howto_Restore_FILES.BMP. These hold basically the same details as the main console. Furthermore, some variants of the trojan modify the desktop wallpaper to constantly remind the user of itself.

Not only do the affected files get encrypted, but they are also changed in terms of the extensions. Every object gets .micro, .ttt or .xxx added to its original name. In order to make the information available again, the victim is told to pay 1.5 BTC or more, which is usually an equivalent of $500. So far, there is no foolproof way to restore files without submitting this ransom, although there can be no certainty that even paying up is going to get the data back. What’s worthwhile, however, is a number of alternative methods covered below. Please be advised the efficiency of remediation depends on several factors, such as whether or not System Restore was enabled on the PC at the time of the attack, as well as the specific build of the trojan.

Automatic removal of TeslaCrypt 3.0 virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the ransomware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download TeslaCrypt 3.0 removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get the ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted .micro (.ttt, .xxx) files.

Decrypt .micro files locked by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools
The research of TeslaCrypt 3.0 virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware may be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download TeslaCrypt 3.0 scanner and remover

The post Remove TeslaCrypt 3.0 virus and decrypt .micro files appeared first on Keone Software.

Primarily targeting German users, Startseite24.net redirect malware takes over Google Chrome and other browsers on infected computers, so it must be removed.

Both the distribution of the threat in question and its operation patterns are quite similar to those exhibited by most browser hijackers that the security community has seen in the wild. The only reason why people may be visiting Startseite24.net is because their PCs got hit by malign code tasked with twisting web surfing defaults. Therefore, instead of opting into this service, users are forced to use it. The page is titled “Websuche”, which is the German for “Web Search”. On the face of it, one may get the impression that it’s a well-structured portal incorporating Bing-powered data lookup and useful links grouped by sections, including Shopping, Email, News, and Miscellaneous (social networks, gas price comparison, insurance, etc.). However, all of these features are of little value given the intrusive strategy the author adopts.

Chrome homepage dominated by Startseite24.net

The homepage and preferred search provider settings are the ones that the hijacker affects in the first place. It also meddles with Windows Task Scheduler by making a new job execute once in a while. This helps the infection persevere even in case the victim manually reconfigures the skewed browsing values. The functioning of Startseite24.net hijacker is backed by an extension that appears in popular browsers that may be running on the system. The bad part is that the add-on does not ask for permission to install and perform fairly serious changes. The whole upshot of this activity is the Internet navigation tools on the computer keep resolving Startseite24.net instead of the user-defined settings.

As mentioned above, the Websuche virus doesn’t present a dialog requesting the confirmation of its high privileges on a PC. How come this takeover gets through then? The entire user approval part is done earlier, during the installation process. The setup of this offending applet is tricky enough to have the user agree to random stuff without noticing it. By bundling with freeware builds of OpenOffice, Media Player Classic or VLC Player, it stealthily slithers its way into workstations. People are not likely to even take note of this hoax along the way, and they usually accept the terms without realizing how bad it all may turn out. It’s problematic to get rid of Startseite24.net malware by means of manual troubleshooting alone. Using a mix of techniques applied in a certain order is what proved to help.

Automatic removal of the Startseite24.net virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Startseite24.net removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Startseite24.net automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully down the list and locate Websuche or other unfamiliar programs, especially ones that appeared on the machine recently. Select the likely bug(s) and click Uninstall/Change for those

Remove Startseite24.net homepage from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that this virus made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Startseite24.net may be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Startseite24.net scanner and remover

The post Remove Startseite24.net Websuche from Chrome, Firefox and IE appeared first on Keone Software.

As ransom viruses are continually evolving, threats like the Locky virus end up in the spotlight because they feature enhanced extortion mechanisms.

When the .locky file extension virus emerged it instantly got a ‘special’ treatment on researcher’s end due to several unique characteristics. First off, as opposed to other ransomware, this breed is capable of encoding data stored inside network shares that aren’t mapped in the infected system’s hierarchy. This property makes the pest particularly hazardous for enterprise networks as it can rapidly propagate and freeze all corporate documents. Secondly, it’s using a mixture of Microsoft Office vulnerabilities and social engineering to run the initial instance of its malicious process. These non-standard traits set aside, Locky is a lot like the majority of crypto Trojans. Its trespass on a Windows computer is followed by a scan of the local hard drive sections and the external data repositories that the machine may be connected to.

Desktop wallpaper image set by Locky

Locky ransomware targets files with popular extensions and omits the ones that ensure stability of the operating system. As soon as the list of matching text documents, images, movies, spreadsheets, databases and presentations has been prepped, it’s time for the encryption routine proper. The virus leverages AES cipher for this purpose. Along with the encryption job, this infection also badly changes the filenames. Not only does it concatenate the .locky extension to all frozen objects, but it also replaces the original names with long strings of random digits and characters.

This being done, every folder with encoded data and the desktop get a new resident – the _Locky_recover_instructions.txt file. It holds the recovery steps that presuppose payment of 0.5 BTC, or around $200. The same directions are provided in the _Locky_recover_instructions.bmp document set as the new desktop wallpaper.

Macro decoy for executing the ransomware payload

In a nutshell, to restore files the victim must visit a TOR page through one of the links listed in the ransom instructions. Then, they are required to provide their unique personal identification code on the .onion gateway titled Locky Decrypter Page, submit the money and download the decoder. Unlike some of its counterparts, the .locky virus doesn’t allow users to restore one or a few files for free.

Now, a few words about the contamination technique. It’s not exploit-based, therefore users have a pretty good chance to avoid the problems if they are cautious enough. Locky is executed on computers through bogus invoices that go with phishing email messages. The attached Word document, when opened, looks completely illegible and recommends the person to enable macros in order to make it readable. This is how an exploit is deployed on the machine. Obviously, it won’t happen if the user ignores the macros activation prompt.

It’s impossible to circumvent the encryption by Locky ransom Trojan for the time being. However, paying the ransom isn’t an agreeable thing either. Before doing so, please try a couple of tips and tricks to learn how to get data back without messing with AES algorithm.

Automatic removal of .locky virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the ransomware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download .locky file virus removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get the ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted files.

Recover .locky files ciphered by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools
The research of Locky virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware may be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download .locky files scanner and remover

The post Locky virus removal: how to recover .locky extension files appeared first on Keone Software.

Even with significant resources on their hands, antimalware labs and law enforcement are still unable to efficiently tackle ransomware threats like Cerber.

It has been about a month since the first incidents of contamination by the Cerber file-encrypting malware were spotted. Back then, it hit the headlines due to a very unique feature built into its code – the ransomware could communicate its demands by speaking to victims. Although this may seem like a climax of sophistication, the way the audio functionality works isn’t much of a rocket science. The cybercriminals simply added a VBScript edition of the ransom notes, which generates sound when activated. Therefore, the ostensible fineness and complexity of this sample doesn’t make a whole lot of difference in terms of the crypto part of its activity as well as the recovery options for infected Windows users.

Ransom notes added by Cerber

The Cerber virus uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) to prevent its victims from opening their personal files. It targets data that’s not critical for normal work of the operating system, which is a reasonable approach on the ransomware operators’ end otherwise the contaminated users wouldn’t even get to the fee payment part. Interestingly, the pest functions with some geographic limitations, discontinuing the attack if the user is from one of the former Soviet Union countries.

When encrypting files on the local disks and mapped network shares, the Trojan also adds the .cerber extension to each one. Furthermore, the filenames are skewed as well so that the person doesn’t know where a specific file is. Inside every affected folder as well as on the desktop, it creates three documents: # Decrypt My Files #.html, # Decrypt My Files #.txt, and the above-mentioned # Decrypt My Files #.vbs. The purpose of these objects is to inform the user about the attack. For instance, the HTML version says “Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!” According to these notes, the victim must use the Tor Browser to open a specific website and follow instructions there. The demands are as follows: the user has to pay 1.24 Bitcoins or lose all files.

HTML edition of Cerber ransom instructions

Just like its counterparts, the infection runs from AppData, where it creates a random named folder after the compromise has taken place. When launched for the first time, the malicious executable triggers a command to reboot the machine into Safe Mode with Networking. Then, it toggles Windows settings so that it further launches upon boot time and runs at certain brief intervals. This part being completed, a phony shutdown alert triggers another system restart followed by the encryption process in the background and the extortion activity proper.

According to recent reports, the distribution of Cerber ransomware involves an Adobe Flash Player vulnerability. In other words, the mean hackers deposit an exploit on compromised or malicious websites, and visitors with unpatched Flash Player loophole get infected without realizing it. So it’s highly recommended to update said software regularly. As far as the troubleshooting goes, Cerber is currently impossible to decrypt. However, there are mechanisms to try and restore some files.

Automatic removal of Cerber virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the ransomware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download .cerber files virus removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get the ransom trojan automatically uninstalled from your machine. The following steps are intended to restore the encrypted files.

Recover files locked by the ransomware

Removing the infection proper is only a part of the fix, because the seized personal information will stay encrypted regardless. Review and try the methods below to get a chance of restoring the files.

Option 1: Backups
The cloud works wonders when it comes to troubleshooting in the framework of ransomware assault. If you have been keeping data backups in a remote place, just use the respective feature accommodated by your backup provider to reinstate all encrypted items.

Option 2: Recovery tools
The research of Cerber virus reveals an important fact about the way it processes the victim’s data: it deletes the original files, and it’s actually their copies that are encrypted. In the meanwhile, it is common knowledge that anything erased from a computer doesn’t completely vanish and can be dragged out of memory via certain techniques. Recovery applications are capable of doing this, so this method is surely worth a try.

Download Data Recovery Pro

Option 3: Shadow Copies
The Windows operating system incorporates a technology referred to as the Volume Snapshot Service, or VSS, which performs files or volumes backup routine automatically. One critical prerequisite in this regard is to have the System Restore feature toggled on. In case it has been active, some data segments can be successfully recovered.

You may perform this activity with the Previous Versions functionality, which is built into the OS, or by means of special applications that will do the job automatically.

• Previous Versions feature
  Right-click on a file and choose Properties in the context menu. Find a tab named Previous Versions and click on it to view the last automatic backup that was made. Depending on a preferred action, click Restore to get the file recovered to its original location, or click Copy and indicate a new directory.
• Shadow Explorer applet
  It’s remarkably easy to manage Previous Versions of files and folders with automated tools like Shadow Explorer. This program is free to use. Download and install it, let it come up with a profile of the file hierarchy on the computer, and get down to the restoration proper. You can select a drive name on the list, then right-click on the files or folders to recover, and click Export to proceed.

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like ransomware may be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Cerber scanner and remover

The post # Decrypt My Files # virus – Cerber ransomware removal appeared first on Keone Software.

It’s wise to steer clear of Piesearch.com website because it’s related to a malicious browser hijacker, so get a couple of tips to stop the redirects for good.

Though the Piesearch infection isn’t new, there has been an abrupt spike in its circulation over the past few weeks. Its authors have apparently discovered another loophole to attack lots of computers in a relatively short time span. To this end, adware developers usually resort to techniques like bundling, and that’s the case here as well. By negotiating with freeware download portal administrators, the offending marketing actors get their payloads incorporated into compound download clients. This way, unsuspecting users who think they are installing a streaming video grabber, media player, computer game, or suchlike innocuous applets end up catching a hijacker that changes their browser defaults without appropriate permission.

Redirects to Piesearch.com persevere until adware troubleshooting is performed

Once the unwelcome program is dropped into an operating system, it attaches a new extension to each one of the widespread browsers running on it. This add-on is different than regular ones as it doesn’t generate any clear requests prior to making changes to Chrome, Firefox, IE and possibly other browsers. Modifications, however, are imminent. The infection replaces the homepage, search provider and new tab page with Piesearch.com or S.piesearch.com, which is a replica of the same site. Furthermore, it alters the properties of some application shortcuts so that the unwanted site pops up every time the victim launches random programs. The adware onslaught may be accompanied by rerouting to Easydialsearch.com, another worthless data lookup provider set up by the same cyber gang.

The web page in question is not dangerous to visit and browse around. It displays exasperating advertisements and returns search results powered by a completely different engine. The whole idea is to monetize the web traffic acquired in an unethical fashion. Since this activity is deployed by a persistent add-on, manual changes of browser preferences is no go. It takes a more thorough procedure to completely eradicate the Piesearch adware and restore original web surfing settings.

Automatic removal of the Piesearch virus

When it comes to handling infections like this one, using a reputable cleaning tool is the place to start. Sticking to this workflow ensures that every component of the adware gets found and eradicated from the affected computer.

1. Download and install the cleaning tool and click the Start Computer Scan button

Download Piesearch.com removal tool

2. The wait is worth it. Once the scan completes, you will see a report listing all malicious or potentially unwanted objects detected on your PC. Go ahead and click the Fix Threats option in order to get Piesearch automatically uninstalled from your machine. This being done, you should be good to go. Just to make sure everything went smooth, consider going through the steps below real quick.

Uninstall troublesome program through Control Panel

• From your Windows menu, go to Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs (for Windows XP / Windows 8) or Uninstall a program (Windows Vista / Windows 7)
• Look carefully down the list and locate Piesearch or other unfamiliar programs, especially ones that appeared on the machine recently. Select the likely bug(s) and click Uninstall/Change for those

Remove Piesearch homepage from web browsers manually

The workflow covered below is intended to undo all changes that this virus made to Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Be advised there’s some collateral inconvenience you will encounter, namely the loss of all installed add-ons and personalized information (saved passwords, cached data, bookmarks and other content).

Reset Chrome

• Open Google Chrome. Click the Chrome menu icon as shown on the image and select Settings
• Click Show advanced settings
• Hit the Reset browser settings button
• On the warning that popped up, read everything you should know about the consequences of the reset. Click Reset if you want to complete the procedure
• Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect

Reset Firefox

• Open Firefox. Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information or type about:support in the URL field
• Click Refresh Firefox button to get the job done
• Restart Firefox for the changes to take effect

Reset Internet Explorer

• Open IE. Go to Tools > Internet Options
• Hit the Advanced tab and click Reset
• Make sure the Delete personal settings option on the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog is ticked and click Reset
• Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect

Did the problem go away? Check and see

Computer threats like Piesearch can be stealthier than you can imagine, skillfully obfuscating their components inside a compromised computer to evade removal. Therefore, by running an additional security scan you will dot the i’s and cross the t’s in terms of the cleanup.

Download Piesearch scanner and remover

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