Buy Windows Defender Essentials Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Buy Windows Defender Essentials"?
Discovered by Pieter Arntz, "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" is fake error/malware distributed as a 'cracked' software installer. Once the set-up is executed, it downloads a number of other malicious excecutables (full list below) and places them into various folders.
Following successful download, one of the executables is configured as Windows Service - it then starts automatically and modifies the Windows Registry settings, thereby disabling various system hotkeys.
Immediately following this, another executable locks the computer screen and displays a fake BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) stating that the system has detected problems caused by the "system32.dll" file. Simultaneously, it plays a beeping sound.
From this point, users are unable to perform virtually any actions. After a short time, "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" malware opens a fake Windows Troubleshooter that will supposedly resolve all "issues".
The fake Windows Troubleshooter claims that the system is missing some .dll registry files, thus leading to operating system failure (it is supposedly unable to load kernel files). Ultimately, users are encouraged to resolve these issues by clicking "Next". The troubleshooter then imitates a system diagnosis/scan and lists a number of files that are either corrupted or missing.
To restore compromised files, users are encouraged to click the "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" button and pay $25 for a type of fixing tool. After clicking this button, users are prompted with a window to submit payment using PayPal.
Once the payment is submitted, they are redirected to hitechnovation.com/thankyou.txt and the malware will automatically shutdown immediately (thereby removing the screen lock). Fortunately, this malware has a significant flaw. The hitechnovation.com/thankyou.txt contains a single string ("thankuhitechnovation") in plain text.
The malware shuts down once users visit any website that contains this string. Therefore, you can remove the lock screen simply by clicking the "CTRL+O" keyboard combination (in the payment window) and entering the hitechnovation.com/thankyou.txt URL (and the other website containing the string).
Therefore, there is no need to pay any ransom. Furthermore, "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" takes screenshots of the victim's active screen and transfers them to a remote server. These screenshots might contain sensitive data.
| Name | "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many other fake errors that share similarities with "Buy Windows Defender Essentials". The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED, You Have A Trojan!, Windows Detected ZEUS Virus, and Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer.
As with "Buy Windows Defender Essentials", these errors also claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, etc.) Unlike "Buy Windows Defender Essentials", however, most of these errors do not encourage users to purchase fixing tools. Rather, they attempt to trick users into calling various telephone numbers and paying for technical services that are not required.
Fake errors are essentially designed to extort money from unsuspecting users. Furthermore, they are usually delivered as pop-ups displayed by various malicious websites. Users are redirected to these sites by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.
As well as causing redirects, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety by delivering intrusive online advertisements (coupons, banners, etc.) and recording personal information.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Developers proliferate PUPs by employing the aforementioned intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Due to lack of knowledge and careless behavior by many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission. Intrusive advertisements often lead to malicious content-containing websites.
In addition, they may execute scripts that download/install malware and/or PUPs. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" options of the download or installation processes.
Many users click various advertisements without considering the possible consequences. Furthermore, they often rush download/installation processes and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully observe each window of the download/installation processes (especially the "Custom/Advanced" settings) and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Criminals monetize unofficial downloaders/installers by proliferating rogue software (the "bundling" method). Therefore, software should be downloaded from official sources only and, preferably, via a direct download link.
Criminals invest a great deal of resources into intrusive ad design and, for this reason, most look legitimate, however, they are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to gambling, adult dating, survey, and other suspicious sites. If you encounter such redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious programs and browser plug-ins. They key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented in the fake BSOD:
A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage
to your computer.
The problem seems to be caused by the following file: SYSTEM32.DLL
PAGE FAULT IN_NONPAGED_AREA
If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, echo restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow
these steps:
Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.
If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer
for any Windows updates you might need.
If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware
or software. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing.
If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart
your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then
select Safe Mode.
Technical information:
*** STOP: 0x00000050 (OxFD3094C2,0x00000001,0xFBFE7617,0x00000000)
*** SYSTEM32.DLL - Address FBFE7617 base at FBFE5000, DateStamp 3d6dd67c
Screenshot of the fake Windows Troubleshooter:
Step 1:
Text presented in this window:
Windows has encountered an unexpected error Oxc0000e9.
Your computer is missing dll registry files resulting in computer failure The operating system is not able to load windows kernel files Repair windows kernel and .d11 files with the help of technicians online to prevent hard drive crash or complete data loss. Rebooting the computer multiple times will result in permanent operating system failure
Click Next to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem.
Step 2:
Screenshot of the tool used to submit the payment:
List of files downloaded by the malicious software installer:
- csrvc.exe (%Temp%\csrvc folder) - configured as a Windows service. Kills various tools (e.g., Registry Editor, Task Manager, Explorer, etc.)
- BSOD.exe (%Temp%\csrvc folder) - locks the computer screen and displays fake BSOD.
- Troubleshoot.exe (%Temp%\csrvc folder) - opens the fake Windows Troubleshooter.
- Scshtrv.exe (%Temp%\csrvc folder) - takes and uploads the screenshots.
- adwizz.exe (C:\Program Files\adwizz folder) - delivers intrusive advertisements leading to banggood.com website.
Screenshot of intrusive ads displayed by "adwizz.exe" executable:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is "Buy Windows Defender Essentials"?
- STEP 1. "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus removal using System Restore.
"Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.
After removing "Buy Windows Defender Essentials" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion