Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is PromoteOptimization?

PromoteOptimization is designed to serve advertisements, collect sensitive information, and promote z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com (addresses of fake search engines) by changing certain browser settings. In this way, it functions as adware and a browser hijacker.

In most cases, users download and install apps like PromoteOptimization unintentionally and, for this reason, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is MessengerTime?

MessengerTime is a deceptive program that supposedly allows users to read Facebook messages directly from the desktop. The appearance of this application might trick users into believing that MessengerTime is legitimate, however, it is developed by third parties and is not affiliated with Facebook.

Furthermore, MessengerTime delivers intrusive online advertisements and tracks internet browsing activity. For these reasons, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted adware-type program (PUP).

What is Geno?

Geno is a part of the Djvu ransomware family and was discovered by Michael Gillespie. Software categorized as ransomware is used by cyber criminals who attempt to extort money from their victims. Most ransomware-type programs are designed encrypt files and prevent victims from accessing them unless they pay ransoms.

Geno renames all files by adding the ".geno" extension to filenames. For example, "sample.jpg" becomes "sample.jpg.geno". Instructions about how to purchase a decryption tool and key can be found in ransom messages within "_readme.txt" files. These are stored in all folders that contain encrypted files.

What is LeadingServiceSearch?

LeadingServiceSearch is rogue software classified as adware with browser hijacker traits. Following successful installation, this application runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, makes changes to browser settings and promotes fake search engines.

Additionally, most adware-type apps and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are used to record and collect browsing-related information. Since most users download/install LeadingServiceSearch unintentionally, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

One of the dubious techniques used to proliferate this app is via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Note that bogus software updaters/installers proliferate PUAs, Trojans, ransomware, and other malware.

What is Tkoinprz ransomware?

Tkoinprz belongs to the family of ransomware called Snatch. In most cases, malware of this type encrypts files, appends an extension to filenames, and provides instructions about how to contact the developers and pay the ransom. Tkoinprz renames encrypted files by appending the ".tkoinprz" extension.

For example, it would rename "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.tkoinprz", "2.jpg" to "2.jpg.tkoinprz", and so on. It creates a ransom message (within the "HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT" text file) in each folder that contains encrypted files.

What is allfreshposts[.]com?

allfreshposts[.]com is designed to promote bogus websites or load dubious content. There are many other websites of this kind including, for example, thewowfeed[.]com, hipermovies[.]icu, and gdanstum[.]net.

Typically, users do not visit these web pages intentionally - they are opened through deceptive advertisements, other dubious sites, or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), which are often downloaded and installed inadvertently.

What is the CORE ransomware?

CORE is a malicious program belonging to the Matrix ransomware family. It is designed to encrypt data and demand payment for decryption.

During the encryption process, files are renamed following this pattern: "[BatHelp@protonmail.com].[random_string].CORE", which consists of the cyber criminals' email address, a random character string and the ".CORE" extension. For example, a file originally named "1.jpg" would appear as something similar to "[BatHelp@protonmail.com].4bq9EwfK-hPgYPJMc.CORE".

After this process is complete, ransom-demand messages in "#CORE_README#.rtf" files are dropped into compromised folders.

What is ANN?

ANN is part of the Matrix ransomware family. It is designed to rename all encrypted files by changing filenames to the AskHelp@protonmail.com email address, a string of random characters and appending the ".ANN" extension.

For example, it would rename a file called "1.jpg" to "[AskHelp@protonmail.com].[A9ZAsOrF-QArIuVgU].ANN", "2.jpg" to "[AskHelp@protonmail.com].[B7XBd9gT-WEgLgKpD].ANN", and so on. ANN also creates the "#ANN_README#.rtf" file (containing a ransom message) in all folders that contain encrypted files.

What is FunSearchToday?

FunSearchToday is rogue software classified as a browser hijacker. It operates by making alterations to browser settings to promote funsearchtoday.com (a fake search engine). Furthermore, most browser hijackers monitor users' browsing activity, and it is highly likely that this is the case with FunSearchToday.

Due the dubious methods used to proliferate this browser hijacker, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

What is MegaAp?

MegaAp is a browser hijacker which promotes toksearches.xyz (the address of a fake search engine) by modifying certain browser settings. Most browser hijackers also collect information relating to users' browsing activities.

Typically, users download and install apps such as MegaAp unintentionally and, for this reason, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).