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How to remove Altruistics unwanted app from your computer

Also Known As: Altruistics cryptocurrency miner
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of program is Altruistics?

Altruistics is a software promoted as a tool designed to contribute to charitable causes by utilizing computer resources to solve equations and mathematical problems. Programs of this type are known as cryptocurrency miners.

It is important to note that users may refer to this miner in different names (such as Atuct App or Aluc App), because of its process name in Windows Task Manager. Moreover, Altruistics is bundled with other unwanted components.

Altruistics miner

Altruistics in detail

As a cryptocurrency miner, Altruistics engages in the resource-intensive process of solving complex mathematical algorithms to validate transactions on a blockchain. While the supposedly altruistic aim is to channel these efforts toward charitable causes, users should be mindful of the potential consequences of such mining activities.

Running a cryptocurrency miner on a computer can lead to increased energy consumption, potentially resulting in higher electricity bills and environmental impact. The continuous strain on hardware may accelerate wear and tear, affecting the longevity of components. Additionally, miners often use substantial internet bandwidth, impacting network performance.

On top of all that, the so-called charity is most likely a disguise - all the generate revenue goes into cyber criminals' (developers) pockets.

Also, there is a risk of security issues since Altruistics is bundled with other unwanted components. These additional components may include adware or other potentially harmful software, leading to compromised system security and privacy breaches.

Users might experience intrusive advertisements, unauthorized data collection, or even financial risks if the bundled apps engage in malicious activities. Furthermore, these unwanted applications could negatively impact system performance, causing slowdowns, crashes, or conflicts with other software.

Hence, it is strongly recommended that users impacted by Altruistics uninstall the application and thoroughly inspect their operating system for any other apps or data that may have accompanied its installation.

Threat Summary:
Name Altruistics cryptocurrency miner
Threat Type Miner
Detection Names Avast (Win64:AdwareX-gen [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (QD:Trojan.GenericKDQ.152999888E), Emsisoft (QD:Trojan.GenericKDQ.152999888E (B)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Adware.OpenSUpdater.H), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Your computer becomes slower than normal, some programs stop working, computer freezes, and similar issues.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage Increased energy consumption, higher electricity bills, hardware wear and tear, internet bandwidth usage, performance issues.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Altruistics app is presented as a charitable tool harnessing idle computer resources for philanthropic causes, users should exercise caution. The app operates as a cryptocurrency miner and comes bundled with unwanted components, raising concerns about system security, potential performance issues, and privacy risks.

How did unwanted software install on my computer?

Users may inadvertently cause unwanted installations when downloading or installing software from unverified sources. Often, users rush through installation processes without carefully reviewing the options presented, leading to unintentional acceptance of bundled applications.

Furthermore, users may encounter unwanted downloads and installations through deceptive practices, such as misleading advertisements, fake download links, or fake software updates on misleading websites. Downloading pirated software can also lead to unwanted installations.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Stick to trustworthy websites and official app stores when acquiring software. Before downloading an application, assess user reviews and ratings. Opt for custom or advanced settings during installation, ensuring to unselect any pre-chosen checkboxes for bundled apps. Steer clear of misleading advertisements or pop-ups, particularly those making promises of free software or services.

Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware tools are regularly updated. Regularly inspect the list of installed applications on your device and uninstall any unfamiliar or unnecessary apps. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The description of Altruistics app:

Altruistics miner description

Different process names ("Atuct App", "Aluc App", "Alrisit App", "Altruistics Service", "Altisic App", "AltrsikApplication") used to disguise Altruistics miner:

Altruistics miner running in Task Manager as Atuct App Altruistics miner running in Task Manager as Aluc App Altruistics miner running in Task Manager as Alrisit App Altruistics miner running in Task Manager as Altruistics Service Altruistics miner running in Task Manager as Altisik App

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:

Unwanted software removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Altruistics miner uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove unwanted apps from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Altruistics miner from Google Chrome step 1

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

Removing Altruistics miner from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the altruistics cryptocurrency miner, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Altruistics miner from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), 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".

Removing Altruistics miner from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with altruistics cryptocurrency miner removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the altruistics cryptocurrency miner, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of Altruistics (Atuct App)?

The Altruistics app presents itself as a tool designed to contribute to charitable causes by utilizing the idle time of a user's Windows computer. Specifically, it operates as a cryptocurrency miner, using the computational power of the computer to solve equations and mathematical problems.

Is Altruistics (Atuct App) application legal?

Such applications are often deemed legal, as their End User License Agreements (EULA) typically disclose potential behaviors to users.

Is having Altruistics (Atuct App) installed on my computer dangerous?

Having Altruistics installed on a computer can lead to higher electricity bills, system crashes, slower performance, etc. Also, this program has been flagged for being bundled with other unwanted components. These additional elements could pose security risks and lead to other undesired consequences.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove unwanted applications?

Combo Cleaner will fully scan your computer and eradicate malicious or unwanted applications. Manual removal may not always be comprehensive, as residual files can persist within the system. For this reason, employing a tool like Combo Cleaner is recommended.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Altruistics cryptocurrency miner QR code
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