Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Local?

Local ransomware is a type of software designed to lock victims' files (by encryption) and deny access to them unless a ransom is paid. I.e., to decrypt data, victims must purchase a tool from the cyber criminals who designed the ransomware. Local is a part of the Scarab ransomware family and was discovered by dnwls0719.

This ransomware renames all encrypted files by adding the ".local" extension to filenames. For example, "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg.local". Additionally, it creates a ransom message in the "HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT" text file.

What is searchtown.net?

searchtown.net is a fake search engine promoted through a potentially unwanted application (PUA), a browser hijacker called Patriot PDF Converter.

Generally, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by changing browser settings. Additionally, these PUAs are often designed to gather information relating to users. In most cases, people download and install browser hijackers and other PUAs unintentionally.

What is WorkDefault?

The WorkDefault app supposedly enhances the browsing experience (provides fast searches, accurate search results, etc.), however, it is actually software that is categorized as adware. Typically, apps of this type serve unwanted advertisements and, in some cases, also gather information relating to users' browsing habits.

Note that adware-type apps are potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) that most people download and install inadvertently.

What is "Dear Chrome User, Congratulations!"?

"Dear Chrome User, Congratulations!" is a deceptive message delivered by various rogue websites. Research shows that many visitors arrive at the "Dear Chrome User, Congratulations!" website inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by other rogue sites.

Be aware that many PUAs infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deploy intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information.

What is ServiceLegacy?

ServiceLegacy is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) classified as adware. Adware is software that serves users with various advertisements.

In some cases, apps of this type collect information relating to users. ServiceLegacy supposedly provides fast searches, accurate results, and other features that enhance the browsing experience. Generally, people download and/or install adware (and other PUAs) inadvertently/accidentally.

What is dsruseedsdreed[.]com?

dsruseedsdreed[.]com is one of many rogue websites available online. It shares similarities with muchinspardorop.info, mega-deals.mobi, vinuser.biz, and thousands of others. These sites operate by presenting users with dubious content and generating redirects to other untrustworthy/malicious websites.

Few users enter dsruseedsdreed[.]com intentionally - most are redirected by intrusive advertisements or potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) already present within the system. Note that these apps do not need explicit user consent to be installed onto devices.

Once successfully infiltrated, PUAs cause redirects, deliver intrusive ad campaigns, and gather information relating to users' browsing activity.

What is cousebutheches[.]pro?

cousebutheches[.]pro is a scam website that generates redirects and trick users into installing a third party (or fake) Flash Player update. These updaters are often used to proliferate PUAs (potentially unwanted applications) and even malware (malicious software).

Few visitors to cousebutheches[.]pro access it willingly. Most are redirected by intrusive advertisements or PUAs already present on the system. Note that unwanted apps do no need explicit user permission to infiltrate devices.

What is anwap-download[.]club?

Sharing many similar traits with folmetor.com, telecomer.live, datsadstrack.com, and countless others, anwap-download[.]club is a rogue website. It operates by generating redirects to other dubious and even malicious webpages, as well presenting users with highly dubious content. 

Note that few visitors to anwap-download[.]club enter it intentionally - most are redirected.

Intrusive ads and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are capable of causing these redirects. PUAs often do not need express user permission to infiltrate devices. Once successfully infiltrated, they can generate redirects, run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and some can track data.

What is aleailarm[.]com?

Similar to alballaim.com, joophesh.com, procontent.me, and watchonline.click, aleailarm[.]com is a rogue website. It generates redirects to various other untrustworthy and malicious websites and feeds users with dubious content (e.g. 'clickbait').

Note that few users access this site willingly - most are redirected to it by intrusive advertisements and PUAs (potentially unwanted applications). Unwanted apps often do not need explicit user consent to infiltrate their devices. Once successfully infiltrated, these applications generate redirects, deliver intrusive ad campaigns, and track data.

What is hp.myway.com?

GetFlightUpdates is a rogue application released by Mindspark Interactive Network. It provides quick access to flight-related information, supposedly concerning flight schedules, arrivals, cancellations, etc.

GetFlightUpdates is categorized as a browser hijacker due to the unauthorized changes it makes to browsers to promote its associated fake search engine (hp.myway.com) and for its data tracking abilities. Since most users install this app unintentionally (i.e., they are tricked), it is classed as a PUA (potentially unwanted application).