Monthly Archives: March 2018 - Page 8

SearchsmartDS Search

SearchsmartDS Search

SearchsmartDS Search (http://search.searchsmart.bid/) is a search engine promoted by the browser extension SearchsmartDS. This add-on is presented as useful software that allows searching for music, movies, and articles for free. Also, if we believe the information provided at the Chrome Web Store, it should help users stay anonymous by preventing the tracking of their web searches. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm that it is extremely beneficial software, but we are sure of one thing – it is a potentially unwanted program. Potentially unwanted applications are not real malware, but we do not let users keep them installed because they might act in an undesirable way. On top of that, in most cases, such applications are installed on users’ computers without their knowledge. If the presence of the SearchsmartDS browser extension is a surprise for you too, delete it without further consideration. It is the only way to get rid of SearchsmartDS Search which was set as a new default search tool on your browser. You will find more information about the removal of the undesirable browser extension provided in the last paragraph of this report. Read more »

Stop Ransomware

Stop Ransomware is a relatively new threat that first surfaced around two months ago and it already seems to have a second version. Our malware experts at anti-spyware-101.com say that this infection can show up on your system without your knowledge and encrypt all your important files in a short time. All this to extort money from you for the decryption key and software. We do not think it is worth risking hundreds of dollars when there is no guarantee that you will get anything for your money. Unfortunately, experience shows that such attackers rarely care about their promise; once they get your transfer, they will be gone or they may attack you again in hope of more money from you. If you do not have a backup stored somewhere safe, you may lose all your encrypted files in this malicious attack. We strongly recommend that you remove Stop Ransomware immediately. Read more »

You Are Using An Older Version Of Chrome fake alert

You Are Using An Older Version Of Chrome fake alert can show up in your Google Chrome browser all of a sudden when you land on a compromised web server or when your computer has been infected with malware infections. Our malware specialists at anti-spyware-101.com say that you should not fall for this trick because once you click on the update button, you may install questionable, potentially unwanted programs like Browser Updater and NetSupport Manager RAT as well as adware applications or worse. This fake alert is similar to "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer fake alert" and " Virus Alert From Microsoft fake alert"; although, most of these are usually technical support scams to push you to call a provided phone number to scam you with a useless system fixer tool. In this case, you would simply let infections onto your system, which could pose a threat to your system security. Therefore, we recommend that you remove You Are Using An Older Version Of Chrome fake alert from your browser as soon as possible. Read more »

Hrhr Ransomware

Hrhr Ransomware is practically another name malware researchers seem to have given to refer to ".leenapidx@snakebite.com.hrhr File Extension" Ransomware. Our malware experts at anti-spyware-101.com say that this malware threat is the new version of Yyto Ransomware, which emerged last summer. If this vicious program manages to slither onto your system, you may have to say goodbye to your  precious files because this beast can encrypt them and thus render them unusable. Although your attackers offer you a way out by paying them money for the decryption key, we do not believe it is the best thing to do. In fact, it is always risky to contact such cyber criminals and send them money, too. It is quite possible that they will infect your again if they see a potential "gold mine" in you. We recommend that you act immediately and remove Hrhr Ransomware from your PC. Read more »

Ranion 1.08 Ransomware

Ranion 1.08 Ransomware

Ranion 1.08 Ransomware, according to our Anti-Spyware-101.com research team, is an upgrade from the previously reported Ranion 1.07 Ransomware. Both infections were created using a builder that is available to anyone who is willing to pay some money. The previous version; however, was incapable of encrypting files, and the 1.08 version can do that. When it corrupts the files, it also creates a ransom note to introduce the victim to a ransom demand. Without a doubt, this infection was built for financial gain only, and, unfortunately, the cyber criminals behind it do not have any reservations when it comes to reaching their goal. If you have let in this dangerous malware in, the first thing you want to do is check which files were corrupted. It is easy to identify them by the “.ransom” extension that is added to their names. Unfortunately, this malicious threat is likely to corrupt documents, personal photos, and other sensitive data. Hopefully, you have backup copies of these files because restoring the originals is likely to be impossible. What is not impossible is removing Ranion 1.08 Ransomware, and we have created a guide that shows how to do it successfully. Read more »

ID SafeXpress

ID SafeXpress

ID SafeXpress is a potentially unwanted program that could be associated with a variety of undesirable behavioral patterns. Computer security experts would definitely urge you to remove ID SafeXpress from your system, especially if you did not intend to have this application in the first place.

In our description, you will find more information on this program. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you will also find the manual removal instructions. The most important thing is to keep your calm even if the sudden appearance of this application surprises you. It is not a malicious infection. Read more »

Swift PC Optimizer

Swift PC Optimizer

Swift PC Optimizer is a desktop application aimed at users who believe, or suspect, that their computers will start operating faster if some registry junk and unnecessary files will be removed from the computer. Swift PC Optimizer offers users a range of options for enhancing the computer, and these options include registry cleaning, software removal, and temporary files removal, to mention just a few. The optimizer enables users to have its all properties at $19.99; however, we advise you against investing in this program because it is not clearly sure whether the changes made on your computer will have any effect.

Instead of spending money on this questionable program, you should remove it from the computer, because this program falls into the category of potentially unwanted programs (PUP), which are usually distributed as bundled setups, and which have some hidden intentions. Read more »

MovieFlex

MovieFlex

MovieFlex is a potentially unwanted program. A potentially unwanted program is a type of application that may have certain undesirable functions or features. These features could be annoying or downright dangerous, depending on the program and what it can do. This application in question does not seem to be an extremely dangerous system security threat, but it would be a good idea to remove MovieFlex from your system as soon as possible. If you do not remember adding this extension to your browser, it would be a good idea to scan your PC with a licensed antispyware tool because there might be more similar applications on-board. Read more »

Windows Warning Alert

Windows Warning Alert

Windows Warning Alert has nothing to do with the Windows OS or Microsoft Corporation. It is just a fake warning that users might find opened on their screens. Researchers say that users are usually redirected to the domain hosting the scam after they open some kind of dubious website or click on a malicious link, but, theoretically, some users might also see it because they have some kind of untrustworthy application installed on their computers. Specialists say that advertising-supported applications (adware) are usually the ones that are responsible for the periodic appearance of fake alerts on users’ screens. They affect users’ browsers and, because of this, users get redirected to the domain with the scam periodically. No matter what the reason you see Windows Warning Alert on your screen is, make it disappear. It might reappear on your screen if untrustworthy software is directly associated with it, but you should be able to get rid of it by simply closing your web browser. Do not let it restore the previous browsing session! If you cannot close the fake warning because it has gone full-screen, press F11 on your keyboard. You might also need to close your web browser by killing its process because fake alerts usually do not have X in the corner and thus cannot be closed normally. Read more »

Korean AdamLocker Ransomware

Korean AdamLocker Ransomware

If you live in Korea, you need to beware of the malicious Korean AdamLocker Ransomware. This dangerous threat is capable of encrypting the personal files stored on your operating system, and, once they are encrypted, you are unlikely to be able to recover them. The creator of the infection suggests paying a ransom of $50 in return of a decryptor, but no one can tell whether or not a decryption tool or key would be provided to the victim who is willing to pay the ransom. Needless to say, Anti-Spyware-101.com research team does not recommend making any payments, but if you do, and your files are restored, you still need to delete Korean AdamLocker Ransomware. Erasing this threat manually can be challenging if you do not know where the launcher file is. If you are aware of its location, removing the threat should not be difficult, and we have created a guide with a complete list of components that require elimination. Before you get rid of the infection, read this report to learn all about it. Read more »