Do not download software promoted by the secure-inform.space scam site

What is the secure-inform[.]space site?

Secure-inform[.]space is a deceptive website designed to run various scams. At the time of research, this site promoted a scheme targeting iPhone users. This scam claims that visitors' mobile devices have been hacked and infected with malware. It must be emphasized that no website can find threats/issues present on visitors' devices.

The goal of such scams is to endorse unwanted or malicious software. They can push fake anti-virus tools, adware, browser hijackers, and other PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). It is noteworthy that some schemes spread malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.). Users seldom access untrustworthy webpages intentionally; most enter them via mistyped URLs, or redirects caused by rogue sites, intrusive ads, or installed PUAs.

Secure-inform[.]space in detail

The scam run on secure-inform[.]space presents visitors with a fake system notification, which states that malware has been detected and urges them to click "OK" to initiate the repair process. The text presented on the background page elaborates that 129 viruses were found on users' iPhones.

The fraudulent alert also informs visitors that their calendars have been hijacked, devices' batteries were infected, and hackers are currently trying to steal photos stored on the supposedly compromised iPhones. The scheme warns that further damage may occur if the nonexistent malware is not removed immediately.

The scam instructs visitors to install the recommended free "AdBlocker and virus protection tool". Afterwards, users are to run the app and use it to remove the malicious software and repair their devices. As mentioned in the introduction, all of the information provided by secure-inform[.]space - is false. Therefore, users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft - by trusting this page.

How do potentially unwanted applications operate?

PUAs usually appear legitimate and offer "useful" functionalities. However, the advertised functions are rarely operational. Fake anti-viruses are prime examples of such unwanted apps. They require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform their features; however, after activation - the software remains nonoperational.

Furthermore, PUAs typically have harmful abilities. Some can force-open unreliable and malicious sites. Unwanted applications classified as adware - deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. The displayed ads promote dubious/dangerous websites, and some can stealthily download/install software.

Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs. They operate by modifying browser settings to cause redirects to fake search engines. Promoted web searches seldom can provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine search engines.

Most PUAs (regardless of type) can track data. Targeted information includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties. To ensure device/user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	secure-inform.space pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	Scam claims that visitors' iPhones have been hacked and infected with malware
Promoted Unwanted Application	Various dubious apps
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Online scams in general

Dency[.]site, ustrack[.]online, and jagmocutiong[.]com are some examples of untrustworthy sites akin to secure-inform[.]space; "Your Apple iPhone is severely damaged", "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone", "Your Apple iPhone may be severely damaged by viruses!" - of iPhone user targeting scams.

The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Popular scheme models include: warnings that the device is infected or at risk, alerts that a piece of software is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways, and unbelievable deals, and so on. Due to the prevalence of scam websites, it is highly recommended to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs can have "official" promotional/download webpages that are often pushed by deceptive/scam sites. Intrusive adverts are used to proliferate these applications as well. Upon being clicked, the advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

PUAs can also be downloaded/installed together with other software. "Bundling" is the term that defines this false marketing method of packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is important to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive ads appear legitimate; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).

In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the pop-up displayed by the secure-inform[.]space scam website:

(1) SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

 

Malware detected. Hit OK to repair.

OK

Appearance of the secure-inform[.]space scam website's background page:

Text presented in this page:

Apple SecurityMonday
26 July 2021

(129) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone - hackers hijacked your calendar, infected your battery and trying to steal your photos.

 

If you do not remove this malware now, it may cause more damage to your device. How to fix this:

 

Step 1: Tap the button below & install the recommended AdBlocker and virus protection tool free from the AppStore.

 

Step 2: Run the app, follow on screen instructions to remove malware and repair your phone remotely.

 

01 minutes and 51 seconds

 

Remove Virus

 

Detected By Apple.

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac 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. Limited seven 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 "secure-inform[.]space"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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