Internet Security Guard virus
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Internet Security Guard?
Internet Security Guard is a fake PC security program that attempts to imitate a legitimate security suite. Like its previous versions - System Smart Security, Home Security Solutions, and others - this rogue program is distributed using misleading methods including fake online security scans and fake Flash Player updates in order to trick unsuspecting computer users into installing Internet Security Guard.
To further trick you into believing that this is a legitimate program, Internet Security Guard has copied its interface from Microsoft Security Essentials - a trusted security program. When Internet Security Guard self-installs on your computer, it performs a fake security scan and 'detects' multiple security problems.
When you click 'Protect Now', you are redirected to a website where you will be asked to purchase a license for Internet Security Guard in order to remove the supposedly detected security issues.
Do not fall for this Internet criminal trick. Internet Security Guard is a fake program which does not scan your computer for viruses, spyware, or malware, but attempts to scare you into believing that your computer is in danger. It then encourages you to purchase a non existent license.
If you have already paid for Internet Security Guard, contact your credit card company and dispute the charges, explaining that you have been tricked into purchasing a fake computer security scanner called Internet Security Guard. Always carry out careful research before purchasing a security program from your PC.
Use this removal guide to completely remove Internet Security Guard from your computer.
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Quick menu:
- What is Internet Security Guard?
- STEP 1. Remove Internet Security Guard using a registration key.
- STEP 2. Remove Internet Security Guard using Safe Mode with Networking.
- STEP 3. Remove Internet Security Guard manually by deleting files and registry entries.
Internet Security Guard virus removal:
Before downloading, enter the Internet Security Guard registration key in the registration window. Click the Help icon (at the top right corner of the main window of Internet Security Guard), and then click Register Now.
K7LY-R5GU-SI9D-EVFB
U2FD-S2LA-H4KA-UEPB
If you cannot download or run the spyware remover, try running the registry fix (link below). It enables execution of programs. Download the registryfix.reg file, double click it, click YES, and then OK.
Internet Security Guard virus removal instructions (on infected computer):
1. 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.
Here is a video demonstrating how to start Windows in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows XP users:
Windows Vista / 7 users:
Windows 8 users:
2. Open Internet Explorer, click Tools and select Internet Options. Select "Connections".
3.Click LAN settings, if 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' is checked, uncheck it and press OK.
4. Download HijackThis and save it to your desktop. Some malicious programs are able to block HijackThis, so when you click the download link, in the Save dialog, rename HijackThis.exe to iexplore.exe and only then click the Save button.
After saving the file to your desktop, double click it. In the main HijackThis window click the “Do a system scan only” button. Select the following entry (place a tick at the left of the entry):
O4 – HKCU\..\Run: [Internet Security Guard] “%AllUsersProfile%\\_.exe” /s /d
After selecting the required entry, click "Fix Checked". After this procedure you can close HijackThis and proceed to the next removal step.
5. Download legitimate anti-spyware software to fully remove Internet Security Guard from your computer.
6. After removing Internet Security Guard, reset your Hosts file. Do not skip this step, as this malware modifies your Hosts file and you will encounter browser redirect problems.
The Hosts file is used to resolve canonical names of websites to IP addresses. When it is changed, the user may be redirected to malicious websites, despite observing legitimate URLs in address bar.
It is difficult to determine if the site is genuine when the Hosts file is modified. To fix this, please download the Microsoft FixIt tool, which restores your Hosts file to the Windows default.
Run this tool when downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions. Download link below:
If you are unable to remove Security Guard, you can use these manual removal instructions. Use them at your own risk, since if you do not have strong computer knowledge, you could harm your operating system.
Use them only if you are an experienced computer user. (Instructions on how to end processes, remove registry entries...)
End these Internet Security Guard processes:
random.exe
Remove these Internet Security Guard registry entries:
HKCU\Software\Classes\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\URL http://findgala.com/?&uid=231&q={searchTerms}
Delete these Internet Security Guard files:
%AllUsersProfile%\\
%AllUsersProfile%\\14.mof
%AllUsersProfile%\\3178.mof
%AllUsersProfile%\\46.mof
%AllUsersProfile%\\6113.mof
%AllUsersProfile%\\HS2d7_231.exe
%AllUsersProfile%\\HSE.ico
%AllUsersProfile%\\HSESys
%AllUsersProfile%\\Quarantine Items
%AllUsersProfile%\HSYITSQGE
%AllUsersProfile%\HSYITSQGE\HSLGILTOGE.cfg
%AppData%\Internet Security Guard\
%AppData%\Internet Security Guard\Instructions.ini
%AppData%\Internet Security Guard\ScanDisk_.exe
%AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Internet Security Guard.lnk
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CLSV.tmp
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\DBOLE.dll
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\PE.sys
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\SICKBOY.drv
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\SICKBOY.sys
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\delfile.dll
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\eb.dll
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\eb.sys
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\energy.dll
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\gid.tmp
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\pal.sys
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\ppal.drv
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\runddlkey.exe
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\snl2w.drv
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Internet Security Guard.lnk
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Internet Security Guard.lnk
%UserProfile%\Desktop\Internet Security Guard.lnk
Summary:
The fake antivirus programs (also known as "rogue antivirus programs" or "scareware") are applications that tries to lure computer users into paying for their non-existent full versions to remove the supposedly detected security infections (although the computer is actually clean). These bogus programs are created by cyber criminals who design them to look as legitimate antivirus software. Most commonly rogue antivirus programs infiltrate user's computer using poop-up windows or alerts which appear when users surf the Internet. These deceptive messages trick users into downloading a rogue antivirus program on their computers. Other known tactics used to spread scareware include exploit kits, infected email messages, online ad networks, drive-by downloads, or even direct calls to user's offering free support.
A computer that is infected with a fake antivirus program might also have other malware installed on it as rogue antivirus programs often are bundled with Trojans and exploit kits. Noteworthy that additional malware that infiltrates user's operating system remains on victim's computer regardless of whether a payment for a non-existent full version of a fake antivirus program is made. Here are some examples of fake security warning messages that are used in fake antivirus distribution:
Computer users who are dealing with a rogue security software shouldn't buy it's full version. By paying for a license key of a fake antivirus program users would send their money and banking information to cyber criminals. Users who have already entered their credit card number (or other sensitive information) when asked by such bogus software should inform their credit card company that they have been tricked into buying a rogue security software. Screenshot of a web page used to lure computer users into paying for a non-existent full version of internet security guard rogue and other rogue antivirus programs:
To protect your computer from internet security guard rogue and other rogue antivirus programs users should:
- Keep their operating system and all of the installed programs up-to-date.
- Use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
- Use caution when clicking on links in social networking websites and email messages.
- Don't trust online pop-up messages which state that your computer is infected and offers you to download security software.
Symptoms indicating that your operating system is infected with a fake antivirus program:
- Intrusive security warning pop-up messages.
- Alerts asking to upgrade to a paid version of a program to remove the supposedly detected malware.
- Slow computer performance.
- Disabled Windows updates.
- Blocked Task Manager.
- Blocked Internet browsers or inability to visit legitimate antivirus vendor websites.
If you have additional information on internet security guard rogue or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
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