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Windows Antibreach Helper

Also Known As: Windows AntiBreach Helper Scam
Damage level: High

What is Antibreach Helper?

Windows Antibreach Helper is a rogue antivirus program, which indicates fake security infections to scare PC users into purchasing 'ultimate protection' (the 'full version').

This bogus software is created by cyber criminals who make money from users who fall for the fake security scans and false security warning messages, and then go on to purchase a useless license key. PC users should be aware that buying the 'full version' of this program is equivalent to sending their money and credit card information to cyber criminals.

Windows Antibreach Helper infiltrates operating systems via hacked or malicious websites, which trick users into downloading the program by generating fake online security warning messages. At time of research, cyber criminals used fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert messages to trick users into downloading their rogue antivirus program.

After successful infiltration, Windows Antibreach Helper modifies the registry entries of an infected operating system by blocking execution of installed programs and disabling the Task Manager. Furthermore, this bogus software blocks the user's desktop and performs fake computer security scans on each system Startup.

In fact, none of the security threats indicated by this program actually exist on the computer - the program merely imitates the detection of identical security threats on all computers infiltrated. Windows Antibreach Helper is a scam - the correct way to deal with this program is to remove it from your computer.Windows Antibreach Helper

Windows Antibreach Helper originates from a family of fake antivirus programs called FakeVimes Previous variants were named Windows Antibreach Suite and Windows Antibreach Tool. Cyber criminals responsible for releasing these bogus programs use identical user interfaces and functionality, simply changing the names of their rogue antivirus programs.

To avoid system infection with these fake antivirus programs, PC users should not trust online security warning messages indicating security infections and offering installation of security software to supposedly eliminate the 'detected' threats.

How does Windows Antibreach Helper infect user's computer?

This fake antivirus program infiltrates users' operating systems via fake online security warning messages.

When landing on a malicious or hacked website, users are presented with the fake Microsoft Antivirus message: "Message from webpage - Microsoft Antivirus has found critical process activity on your PC. You need to clean your computer to prevent the system breakage".

Windows Antibreach Helper distritution using fake Microsoft Antivirus pop-up

In the second step of this scam, users are presented with another fake message, which is supposedly derived from Microsoft Security Essentials: "Microsoft Security Essentials Alert. Microsoft Security Essentials detected potential threats that might compromise your privacy or damage your computer. You need to clean your computer immediately to prevent the system crash".

Windows Antibreach Helper distribution using fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert pop-up

Clicking the "Clean computer" button downloads Windows Antibreach Helper on the victim's computer.

PC users who observe Windows Antibreach Helper scanning their computers for security threats should use this removal guide to eliminate this rogue program from their computers.

Screenshot of Windows Antibreach Helper generating fake security warning messages:

Windows Antibreach Helper fake security warning pop-up

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Quick menu:

Windows Antibreach Helper removal:

Complete these steps to access your desktop:

1. Wait until Windows Antibreach Helper completes the fake security scan and click "Settings" (at the top of the main window).

Windows Antibreach Helper settings tab

2. Select "Allow unprotected Startup".

Windows Antibreach Helper enabling unprotected startup

3. After selecting "Allow unprotected Startup", close Windows Antibreach Helper.

4. Access "My Computer" - double click the "My Computer" icon.

 Windows Antibreach Helper accessing My Computer

5. Navigate to C:\Users\[YOUR USER NAME]\AppData\Roaming

Windows Antibreach Helper navigating to appdata folder

6. Locate a file named "svc-[random letters].exe" and click your right mouse button over this file.

Renaming the executable file of Windows Antibreach Helper step 1

7. In the opened menu select "Rename". Change the filename of "svc-[random letters].exe" to "fake.exe".

Renaming the executable file of Windows Antibreach Helper step 2

8. After renaming the "svc-[random letters].exe" file, restart your computer. Next time the operating system boots, Windows Antibreach Helper will be inactive and will not block access to the Internet.

6. Download legitimate anti-spyware software to completely remove this rogue antivirus program from your computer.

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.

Windows Antibreach Helper removal using a registry key:

1. Click the question mark icon (at the top of the main window of Windows Antibreach Helper) and select "Register".

Removing Windows Antibreach Helper using registration key step 1

2. In the opened window enter this registry key: 0W000-000B0-00T00-E0001

Removing Windows Antibreach Helper using registration key step 2

3. After entering this registry key, Windows Antibreach Helper imitates the removal of previously 'detected' security threats and allows execution of installed programs. Note that entering this registration key will not remove this rogue antivirus program - it simply makes the removal process less complicated.

4. Download legitimate anti-spyware software to completely remove Windows Antibreach Helper from your computer.

Windows Antibreach Helper removal using Safe Mode with Networking:

Step 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.

Starting Windows in Safe mode with networking

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Video showing how to start Windows XP in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Step 2

Remove proxy settings from Internet Explorer. This rogue antivirus adds a proxy to the user's Internet connection settings to display various errors when the user attempts to access the Internet. To remove proxy settings: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. In the opened menu, select "Internet Options".

Removing proxy setings from Intenret Explorer step 1

In the opened window, select the "Connections" tab.

Removing proxy settings from Internet Explorer step 2

In the "Connections" tab, click on "LAN settings".

Removing proxy settings from Internet Explorer step 3

If "Use a proxy server for your LAN" is checked, uncheck it and click OK.

Removing proxy settings from Internet Explorer step 4

Step 3

Download legitimate anti-spyware software to completely remove this fake antivirus program from your computer.

Step 4

After removing this rogue software, reset your Hosts file. Do not skip this step since Windows Antibreach Helper modifies your Hosts file and you will encounter browser redirect problems if malicious entries are not eliminated.

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 sites, despite seeing legitimate URLs in address bar.

It is difficult to determine sites are genuine when the Hosts file is modified. To fix this, please download the Microsoft Fix It tool, that restores your Hosts file to the Windows default. Run this tool when downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions. Download link below:

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:

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 1

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 2

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 windows antibreach helper scam and other rogue antivirus programs:

example of a webpage used to collect payments for fake antivirus programs

To protect your computer from windows antibreach helper scam 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 windows antibreach helper scam or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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