Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Similar Sites?

Similar Sites is a browser extension, which as the name suggests, displays a list of sites similar to the current one visited by the user. This browser plug-in is developed by SimilarSites and promises to save with its ability to generate a list of sites related to the user's browsing interest.

Similar Sites is a popular browser add-on and not related to malware or viruses, however, many Internet users recently report that it was installed on their Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox, and Opera) without their consent.

Unwilling installation of the Similar Sites extension can be caused by free software installation, since this browser plug-in is promoted using a software distribution method called 'bundling'. Note that today, many download websites and freeware developers employ this marketing technique to monetize incoming web traffic.

What is Coupon Pigeon?

Coupon Pigeon is a potentially unwanted program (PUP), a browser add-on, which displays coupon ads on various online shopping websites such as qvc.com, Walmart, zappos.com, Target, etc.

Many computer users report that this browser plug-in was installed on their Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox) without their consent, and furthermore, many experience unwanted coupon ads and diminished browser performance.

Note that the developers of Coupon Pigeon (215 Apps) create PUPs such as these on an almost daily basis. They also employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' for distribution. Unwilling installation of Coupon Pigeon adware is usually a consequence of not paying close enough attention when downloading and installing free software.

What is BiggestDeals?

BiggestDeals Shopping Buddy is a browser extension developed by Local Directory Inc. This browser add-on displays coupon deals when users visit online shopping websites such as BagsBuy.com, BestBuy.com, Drugstore.com, etc. The creators claim that this plug-in helps to save money and time whilst shopping online.

It is compatible with the Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Be aware that the BiggestDeals extension may install on your Internet browser unwillingly, since it if often 'bundled' with free software downloaded from the Internet.

Today, the bundling distribution method is employed by many download websites using 'download clients', which offer installation of additional software, browser toolbars, and add-ons.

Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia virus "Computer Locked" removal guide

The Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia message blocks the user's computer screen and demands payment of a $100 (100 Euro or 500 AED) fine. This is a scam created by cyber criminals and used to trick unsuspecting PC users in order to extort money from them.

Paying this fine is equivalent to sending your money to Cyber criminals. In fact, the Ministry of Interior does not use messages such as this to collect fines for any law violations.

This type of message is called ransomware, originates from a family of screen lockers called Urausy, and targets PC users predominantly from Saudi Arabia. Note that ransomware messages are localized and may change their appearance and deceptive message according to the location of the targeted computer.

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ virus removal guide

The Abu Dhabi Police GHQ message blocks computer users' screens demanding payment of a $100 (500 AED or 100 Euro) fine using cashU. This is a scam, a ransomware virus created by cyber criminals with the purpose of tricking unsuspecting PC users from the United Arab Emirates into paying a fake fine for alleged law violations.

The deceptive message displayed by this ransomware states that a fine must be paid for watching pornography or using and distributing copyrighted content such as videos, music, software, etc. No international authorities including the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ use computer screen blocking messages to collect fines for any law violations.

Paying this $100 fine is equivalent to sending money to cyber criminals. This particular ransomware virus originates from a family called Urausy and targets PC users from the United Arab Emirates. Note that rogue messages such as these are localized, so that PC users from different countries observe variants of the same message.

Bundeskriminalamt "Ihr Internet Service Provider ist blockiert" virus removal guide

The Bundeskriminalamt message states that the computer has been blocked due to the user watching pornography involving minors. This is a scam, a ransomware virus developed by cyber criminals to trick unsuspecting PC users (predominantly from Germany) into paying a bogus 100 Euro fine.

In fact, no international authorities or organizations use screen blocking messages to collect fines for any law violations. Cyber criminals responsible for creating this scam exploit the name and graphics of Bundeskriminalamt in order to make their deceptive message appear authentic.

Note that the main purpose of this scam is to extort money from computer users who fall for this trickery - paying the 100 Euro fine is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals.

Metropolitan Police Virus "Your Personal Computer has been blocked" removal guide

This message, purportedly sent by the Metropolitan Police, demands payment of a 100 Pound fine for allegedly watching pornography involving minors. This is a scam, a ransomware virus created by cyber criminals whose intention is to scare unsuspecting PC users from the UK into paying a bogus fine.

In fact, paying this fine is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals. Neither the Metropolitan Police nor any other international authority or organization use screen blocking messages to collect fines for any law violations.

What is Coupon Genie?

Coupon Genie is a browser add-on created by 215 Apps (Innovative Apps). This browser extension displays coupon ads when Internet users visit online shopping websites such as Best Buy, Walmart, Zappos, Dick's Sporting Goods, Expedia, Staples, GameStop, etc.

This plug-in installs on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla FireFox. Computer users should be aware that, whilst on initial inspection Discount Genie may seem legitimate, in fact this browser add-on is categorized as adware.

Many Internet users report that this plug-in was installed on their Internet browsers without their consent, and moreover, they experienced diminished browser performance as a result.

What is Smart Address Bar?

Smart Address Bar is a browser add-on created by Think Tank Labs LLC and promises to enhance Internet users' browsing experience by adding search engine functionality to the browser address bar. Computer users who install this browser extension see suggestions when they begin typing text into the address bar.

This browser plug-in is not technically a virus and not related to malware infections, however, many computer users report that it was installed on their Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox) without their consent.

Moreover, many users feel annoyed by redirects to search.smartaddressbar.com, which occur each time users click on the suggested links within the browser address bar.

What is Αστυνομία Κύπρου?

This message, purportedly from Αστυνομία Κύπρου (Cyprus Police), demands payment of a 100 Euro fine. This is a scam, a ransomware infection created by cyber criminals to scare unsuspecting PC users into paying bogus fines for alleged law violations.

The deceptive text within this message states that computer users must pay a fine for watching pornography or using copyrighted content (music, videos, software). In fact, Αστυνομία Κύπρου do not send this type of message - no international authorities use screen locking messages to collect fines for any law violations.

Computer users from Cyprus should be aware that paying a fine when ordered by this message is equivalent to sending money to cyber criminals. This particular ransomware originates from a family called Reveton and exploits the name and graphics of Αστυνομία Κύπρου.