Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Open Hardware Monitor?

Open Hardware Monitor is an open-source application allowing users to monitor computer temperature, fan speeds, voltages, load and clock speeds, etc. Note that this application is legitimate, however, cyber criminals have managed to modify the source code to continually generate intrusive online advertisements and collect personally identifiable information.

In addition, cyber criminals distribute this application using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling'. For these reasons, Open Hardware Monitor is classed as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.

What is Locker?

Locker is a ransomware infection that infiltrates computers through various files downloaded from the Internet (relating to fake Flash players and cracked versions of computer games including TeamExtreme Minecraft). After successful infiltration, this malware encrypts user files and demands a ransom payment of 0.1 BTC (bitcoins) within 72 hours to decrypt the compromised files.

The ransom is raised to 1.0 BTC if victims fail to pay within the given time. Locker ransomware encrypts document files (for example .doc, .ppt, and .docx) and image files (.psd, raw, and .jpg) Although crypto ransomware is not a new phenomenon (previous file encrypting ransomware programs were named cryptowall, ctb-locker, cryptolocker, etc.), this variant is unique, since cyber criminals set it to activate at 00:00 25.05.2015 (local time).

Prior to this time, victims are unware that Locker ransomware is present on their computers. This tactic allows cyber criminals to conceal their malicious program from antivirus vendors and malware researchers until the last minute when the malware activates simultaneously on many victims' computers.

What is Homeland Security?

Homeland Security (National Cyber Security Department) message, "THIS COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED", demands payment of a $300 fine for alleged law violations. This is a scam, a ransomware infection, which should not be trusted.

PC users should be aware that The Department of Homeland Security is not related to this message; the name of this authority is exploited by cyber criminals simply to make their deceptive message appear authentic, and thus, to trick more unsuspecting PC users into paying the bogus fine.

The accusations of watching pornography involving children, using or sharing copyrighted files, and using unlicensed software, are false and used to scare computer users into paying this fake fine. If you pay the fine using MoneyPak, your money will be sent to cyber criminals with no guarantee that your computer will be unblocked.

What is searchtudo.com?

Searchtudo.com is a deceptive website that claims to be an Internet search engine. On initial inspection, searchtudo.com may seem legitimate, however, this website is promoted using deceptive software 'installers' that stealthily modify web browser settings. Furthermore, searchtudo.com stealthily tracks users' web browsing activity.

What is CPU Miner?

Created by IZABELCOIN Ltd, the CPU Miner (or 'CpuMiner') application is used for mining Bitcoins and distributed using a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling' to install on browsers without users' consent. Therefore, this application is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

Bundling allows developers to distribute third-party apps together with regular software. Thus, users mostly install this application inadvertently while downloading free software from freeware download websites.

What is TranslationBuddy?

TranslationBuddy is a browser toolbar that supposedly provides users with text-translation functionality. Although this functionality may seem legitimate, be aware, TranslationBuddy is classed as a potentially unwanted browser-hijacking program (PUP).

One of the main reasons for this negative association is stealth infiltration - TranslationBuddy usually installs without users' permission. Following successful infiltration, TranslationBuddy modifies web browser settings and tracks users' web browsing activity.

What is search.trendingnewtabs.com?

TrendingNewTab is a dubious browser extension that supposedly provides users with the latest celebrity gossip. On initial inspection, this functionality may seem legitimate, however, TrendingNewTab usually infiltrates systems without users’ permission.

Furthermore, this add-on hijacks web browsers, modifies browser settings, and tracks users' web browsing activity. For these reasons, TrendingNewTab is classed as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and a browser hijacker.

What is Sale Planet?

Sale Planet is adware that falsely claims to improve the web browsing experience - "We're passionate about improving web by providing the best tools to enhance the browsing experience, from searching the web to comparing online deals to find the best prices.

We've combined all of our great ideas into the Sale Planet product suite, a FREE set of tools that work to make your browsing experience... better!" This often tricks users to install, and although Sale Planet may seem legitimate, it is classed as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

Note that this bogus extension often infiltrates systems without users' permission, generates intrusive online advertisements, and collects personally identifiable information.

What is MixVideoPlayer?

MixVideoPlayer is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that claims to allow users to mix various videos (sourced from YouTube, the local hard drive, and other streaming video websites) within a playlist. Applications such as this often seem legitimate and useful, however, MixVideoPlayer is considered to be adware.

These associations are made due to a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional programs together with the chosen software) used by the developers (SoftForce LLC) to distribute MixVideoPlayer. Therefore, most users inadvertently install MixVideoPlayer during download of free software from freeware download websites.

What is Web Amplified?

Web Amplified is a browser plug-in claiming to improve the Internet browsing experience by enabling features such as coupons, comparison shopping, and so on.

This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, be aware that Web Amplified is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP), since it employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional programs together with the chosen software) to install on Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) without users' consent.

After successful infiltration, users experience intrusive online advertisements generated by this adware including interstitial, transitional, search, full-page, pop-up, and banner ads. These generated advertisements can lead to rogue websites containing infectious content, and therefore, your computer may become infected.