Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is securesearch.me?

securesearch.me is fake search engine that is promoted via a browser hijacker. Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by making certain modifications to browser settings. They can also collect details relating to browsing activities. In this particular case, the browser hijacker adds the "Managed by your organization" feature to Chrome browsers.

Note that, in most cases, users download and install browser hijackers inadvertently. Therefore, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is Hupstore ransomware?

Hupstore is malicious software belonging to the GlobeImposter ransomware family. Systems infected with this malware have their data encrypted and users receive ransom demands for decryption. During the encryption process, all affected files are appended with the ".(hupstore@keemail.me)" extension following encryption.

For example, a file originally named something like "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.(hupstore@keemail.me)", "2.jpg" as "2.jpg.(hupstore@keemail.me)", and so on. At the end of this process, ransom messages within "Read Me!.HTA" files are dropped into compromised folders.

What is Xxx ransomware?

Xxx is a malicious program that belongs to the GlobeImposter ransomware family. Like most ransomware-type programs, Xxx encrypts and renames files, and provides instructions about how to contact the developers. It renames files by appending the ".xxx" extension to filenames.

For example, "1.jpg" is renamed to "1.jpg.xxx", "2.jpg" to "2.jpg.xxx", and so on. Xxx creates a ransom message within the "how_to_back_files.html" file in all folders that contain encrypted files.

What is NetInput?

NetInput is a rogue application categorized as adware and possessing browser hijacker characteristics. Following successful installation, NetInput delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes alterations to browser settings to promote bogus search engines.

Additionally, most adware-type apps and browser hijackers collect browsing-related information. Since many users download/install NetInput inadvertently, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

What is the "Killer's IP Address" scam?

"Killer's IP Address" is a scam run on deceptive websites. This type of scheme is classified as a technical support scam. Typically, they inform users of threats detected on their devices and offer tech support services. "Killer's IP Address" specifically states that the system has been infected with Trojans, spyware and other malicious software.

This scheme claims that, to prevent losing access to the device, users must immediately contact "Microsoft" technical support. Note that this scam is in no way connected to Microsoft and all of the information provided by it is false.

Most users access these untrusted sites unintentionally - they are redirected to them by intrusive advertisements or by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) already installed on the system.

What is NetworkHelper?

NetworkHelper is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that functions not only as an adware-type app but also as a browser hijacker. It serves advertisements and promotes a fake search engine address. Additionally, it is capable of accessing sensitive information.

NetworkHelper is classified as a PUA because users often download and install these apps inadvertently.

What is the Howareyou ransomware?

Discovered by malware researcher S!Ri, Howareyou is a ransomware-type malicious program. Systems infected with Howareyou have their data encrypted and users receive ransom demands for decryption. During the encryption process, all compromised files are appended with the ".howareyou" extension.

For example, a file originally named something like "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.howareyou" following encryption. After this process is complete, a ransom message within the "__read_me_.txt" file is created.

What is StandardMethod?

StandardMethod is a rogue application categorized as adware. This app also has browser hijacker characteristics. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and making modifications to browser settings to promote fake search engines.

Additionally, adware and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to collect browsing-related information. Due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate StandardMethod, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

What is Sext ransomware?

Sext was discovered by Marcelo Rivero and is identical to other ransomware-type programs called Connect and Bondy. Sext encrypts and renames files, and creates the "HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt" text file/ransom message in all folders that contain encrypted files. For example, "1.jpg" is renamed to "1.jpg.sext", "2.jpg" to "2.jpg.sext", and so on.

What is RemoteAlgorithm?

Adware serves advertisements, however, RemoteAlgorithm also functions  as a browser hijacker - it changes certain browser settings so that users are forced to visit the address of a fake search engine. Additionally, RemoteAlgorithm can read sensitive information from websites.

Typically, users do not download or install RemoteAlgorithm intentionally and, therefore, this and other similar apps are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).