Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is viralnewsobserver[.]com?

viralnewsobserver[.]com is used to promote untrusted websites, however, it can also load dubious content. Usually, these rogue pages are opened through other untrusted web pages, deceptive advertisements, or potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

People often visit these bogus sites unintentionally. More examples of similar websites include vossulekuk[.]com, messages-email[.]com, and netflowgroup[.]com.

What is maincaptchasource[.]com?

The internet is full of untrusted, deceptive, and dangerous websites - maincaptchasource[.]com is a rogue web page that shares many similarities with vossulekuk.com, continue-site.site, messages-email.com, and countless others. These sites operate by presenting visitors with dubious content and redirecting them to other dubious/malicious web pages.

Typically, users access these web pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads or installed Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs). These apps do not require explicit user permission to infiltrate systems and can have dangerous functionality.

What is StandBoost?

StandBoost is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that serves advertisements and promotes a fake search engine. It may also collect browsing data and other information. Therefore, this application functions as adware and a browser hijacker.

It is classified as a PUA because most users download and install these rogue apps inadvertently.

Note that StandBoost is distributed by disguising its installer as the installer for the Adobe Flash Player.

What is VideoSearchApp?

VideoSearchApp is untrusted software categorized as a browser hijacker. It makes modifications to browser settings to promote the videosearchapp.com fake search engine. Additionally, VideoSearchApp collects browsing-related data. Due to the dubious tactics used to proliferate browser hijackers, they are also classified as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).

What is FormatBoost?

FormatBoost is untrusted software that operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and promoting fake search engines by making changes to browser settings. Due to this, FormatBoost is classified as adware with browser hijacker traits.

Since most users download/install this app inadvertently, it is also categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). These apps typically also collect browsing-related information.

FormatBoost has been observed being distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Note that rogue software updaters/installers are sometimes used to proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.

What is 888?

First discovered by malware security researcher, Jakub Kroustek, 888 is a new variant of high-risk ransomware called Dharma. This malware is designed to encrypt most stored files. In doing so, 888 appends filenames with the ".888" extension plus the user's unique ID and developer's email address.

For instance, "sample.jpg" might be renamed to something like "sample.jpg.id-1E857D00.[donald888@mail.fr].888". Following successful encryption, 888 generates a text file ("FILES ENCRYPTED.txt", placed on the desktop) and opens a pop-up window.

What is 4KSportSearchs?

4KSportSearchs is a browser hijacker that promotes 4ksportsearchs.com, the address of a fake search engine. Generally, apps of this type hijack browsers by changing their settings.

Furthermore, browser hijackers often collect details relating to users' browsing habits. People mostly download/install apps such as 4KSportSearchs inadvertently and, therefore, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is MrJeck ransomware?

MrJeck is a malicious program within the ransomware classification. Systems infected with this malware have their data encrypted and users receive ransom demands for decryption (i.e., to unlock the files that have been rendered inaccessible).

When MrJeck encrypts, files are renamed according to this pattern: "[random_string].[MrJeck@Cock.Li]" (which consists of a random character string and the criminals' email address). For example, a file initially named "1.jpg" would appear as something similar to "kfaWvoAynolu04.[MrJeck@Cock.Li]" following encryption.

After this process is complete, ransom messages in "Read Me Please!.txt" files are created in compromised folders.

What kind of malware is Monero?

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents victims from accessing their system or personal files and demands ransom payments. It encrypts files and keeps them inaccessible until the ransom is paid.

Usually, it displays or creates a ransom message that contains instructions about how to contact the attackers, pay the ransom, and various other details.

Monero displays a pop-up window and creates the "HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt" text file in folders that contain affected (encrypted) data.

It also changes the desktop wallpaper and renames encrypted files by appending the ".monero" extension. For example, "1.jpg" is renamed to "1.jpg.monero", "2.jpg" to "2.jpg.monero", and so on. Note that Monero belongs to the Xorist ransomware family.

What is DriverToolkit?

DriverToolkit is untrusted software endorsed as a device driver management tool. It supports various Windows versions and has an extensive database of drivers obtained from official sources.

This application can supposedly detect outdated and missing drivers and update/install them accordingly. Additionally, it can create backups for the drivers, restore and uninstall them, however, due to the dubious techniques employed to distribute DriverToolkit, it is categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

Typically, software within this category is nonoperational and can have undisclosed and unwanted functionality.