Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is search.newscrawler.com?

The NewsCrawler application claims to allow users to search the Internet for latest news regarding entered keywords - "NewsCrawler is your personal and easily configurable newspaper, which serves as a home page of your browser."

On initial inspection, this app may seem useful, however, NewsCrawler is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and a browser hijacker. This app stealthily infiltrates the system, modifies browser settings (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox), displays ads, and tracks Internet browsing activity. All this is performed without users' permission.

What is FirstOffer?

FirstOffer is a dubious browser extension presenting itself as a legitimate app to save time and money while shopping online - "F1rstOffer is your shortcut to online savings. Our company provides an intuitive tool that helps you uncover competitive prices on commercial products, so you can save money on the items you love."

Initially, these false claims may trick some users into believing that FirstOffer is a legitimate and useful browser add-on, however, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware. There are a number of reasons for these negative associations.

Firstly, this PUP infiltrates the Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers without users' permission. Following successful infiltration, FirstOffer displays intrusive online advertisements and collects various Internet browsing-related information.

What is Health Alert?

Developed by Rational Thought Solutions, Health Alert is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) claiming to inform users about the latest diseases and other health-related news.

While this browser extension may seem legitimate and useful, be aware that Health Alert is considered to be adware, since it employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional applications together with the chosen software) to install on Internet browsers without users' consent.

After successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, Health Alert delivers various intrusive online advertisements including banner, pop-up, text, pop-under, interstitial, and in-text ads. It is highly probably that clicking advertisements generated by Health Alert will lead to high-risk adware or malware infections.

What is 3D BUBBLE SOUND?

3D BUBBLE SOUND is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) claiming to enhance computer-played sound quality - "Do not miss the first high-end HiFi emulator on PC! Increased definition, rediscovered clarity, your music library is totally sublimated. Sitting in the arm chair, with your headphones, send your old stereo system to retirement. With 3D BUBBLE SOUND, lets change your way of hearing music!"

This functionality might seem useful, however, 3D BUBBLE SOUND is classed as an adware-type application. 3D BUBBLE SOUND often infiltrates systems without users' permission. After successful installation, this adware displays intrusive online advertisements and tracks Internet browsing activity.

What is CryptoLocker?

CryptoLocker is a ransomware virus created by cyber criminals. The virus is distributed using 'exploit kits', which infiltrate users' computers using security vulnerabilities detected within outdated software. Common sources of exploit kits are infected email messages, malicious websites, and drive-by downloads.

Note that exploit kits rely on outdated software in order to infiltrate systems, therefore, keeping your operating system and all installed programs up-to-date greatly reduces the risk of infection by ransomware viruses.

What is Taplika.com?

The Taplika browser toolbar claims to improve the quality of users' Internet browsing experience by allowing instant access to popular social networking websites (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and displaying advanced Internet search results. This toolbar is compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

Although this may appear to be a useful and legitimate browser extension, Taplika is referred to by most users as a redirect virus or browser hijacker. These associations are made since this rogue browser add-on employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' to install on Internet browsers without users' consent.

Bundling is a way to stealthily distribute additional applications together with the chosen software, and therefore, most users inadvertently install Taplika during download of free software from freeware download websites.

What is ORX-Locker?

The ORX-Locker service supposedly allows users to easily generate personal ransomware. According to the developers, users can perform this action with no knowledge and without spending any money, the only tie-in being a share for the developers. After infiltrating the system, this ransomware encrypts files and demands payment of a ransom.

The person responsible for creation of ransomware, however, does not receive the entire ransom - it is shared with the developers of ORX-Locker, and therefore, users receive only a percentage.

What is SmartWeb?

Created by SoftBrain Technologies Ltd, the SmartWeb browser add-on claims to enhance the Internet browsing experience by displaying coupon ads when users visit online shopping websites. While this functionality may seem legitimate, be aware that the SmartWeb add-on is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application.

This plug-in infiltrates browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) through free software downloads using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling'. SmartWeb also causes diminished browser performance and intrusive ads.

At time of research, this potentially unwanted program (PUP) was distributed using various free software 'download clients' via fake downloads such as Internet browser updates, hacking tools, etc.

What is portalsepeti.com?

Portalsepeti.com is a popular website, which can be used as a start-page for your Internet browser. This site presents users with a search bar to enable them to quickly search the Internet. 

Portalsepeti.com is a legitimate website and not related to computer viruses or malware, however, the owners of this website (Navigation network Co.) employ deceptive promotion techniques to attract web traffic. Commonly, redirects to portalsepeti.com are a consequence of computer users installing various add-ons, toolbars, and plug-ins on their Internet browsers.

What is WordWizard?

WordWizard is a deceptive app claiming to allow users to highlight and search various online text - "WordWizard is an ad-supported software utility that makes searching and translating information you find online easy. Take any text you see online, highlight it, and WordWizard will show the Wikipedia and Bing results in an in-page window."

Many users believe that this application is legitimate and useful, however, WordWizard is classed as adware and a potentially unwanted program (PUP). After infiltration, WordWizard collects various Internet browsing-related information and displays intrusive online advertisements.