Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Metropolitan Police Total Policing?

The Metropolitan Police Total Policing message blocks computer users' screens, demanding payment of a £100 GBP fine to unlock the system. Be aware that this is a scam, a ransomware infection originating from a family of screen lockers called 'Rannoh'.

This particular ransomware infection is especially harmful, since it not only locks users' computers, but also encrypts the files stored on the hard disks. The message states that the lock was applied due to the user downloading copyrighted videos, music files, etc. These assertions are false and delivered only to scare computer users into paying a bogus fine.

What is MyWebSearch.com?

The Mywebsearch.com website is promoted using various popular browser toolbars developed by Mindspark. Computer users who install toolbars such as this, without paying close enough attention to the installation steps, are frequently redirected to home.mywebsearch.com

Browser extensions created by this company modify Internet browser settings including the homepage and default search engine.

Some popular browser toolbars which cause these redirect issues include MapsGalaxy, Bring Me Sports, Cursor Mania, MyWebFace, and many others. Note that the mywebsearch.com or home.mywebsearch.com websites are not malicious and they use a customized Google search engine which returns legitimate search results.

What is MyStart by Incredimail?

The Mystart.incredimail.com website is promoted using a popular email client called Incredimail. Developers of this free software bundle their program with a toolbar which alters Internet browser settings and causes redirects to mystart.incredimail.com

Note that the software alone is not technically considered a virus or malware, however, many computer users do not pay close enough attention to the installation steps and inadvertently install Incredibar toolbar, which displays unwanted ads (Coupon Buddy, etc.) and may cause significant security issues.

What is Smart Security?

Smart Security is not a typical antivirus program, it is a scam created by cyber criminals. This rogue security scanner infiltrates users' computers using malicious websites, drive-by downloads, and Trojans.

When this bogus program self-installs on users' PCs, it imitates a legitimate security program and reports various security infections that are supposedly 'detected' on the system.

Moreover, this misleading program generates security warning messages stating that the PC is at risk, and in order to eliminate the 'detected' security threats, Smart Security advises activation of the full version.

Paying for the full version of Smart Security, however, is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals. This software is a scam - it mimics the detection of security infections, which in fact do not exist on the PC.

What is Guardia di Finanza?

The Guardia di Finanza message blocks computer users' screens and is a scam which should not be trusted. This ransomware infection originates from a family of screen lockers called Reveton. This particular infection predominantly targets computer users from Italy and exploits the name of a local authority: 'Guardia di Finanza'.

This authority has no connection with this message - the screen locker was developed and distributed by cyber criminals. If computer users pay the bogus 100 Euro fine, the money is sent to cyber criminals.

What is 2YourFace?

2YourFace is a browser extension adding video and audio calls functionality to users' FaceBook chat. This browser add-on is developed by Outbrowse Ltd. and employs some deceptive monetization methods, such as displaying unwanted ads in search engine results pages and displaying deals pop-ups within online shopping websites.

This browser add-on alone is not technically a virus or malware, however it is categorized as being adware for two reasons:

1) it installs on users' computers without their consent, since it is bundled with free software downloaded from the Internet, and; 2) 2YourFace displays unwanted ads and diminishes Internet browser performance (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox).

What is Smart Suggestor?

The Smart Suggestor browser extension, developed by Think Tank Labs, promises to save users time when searching the Internet. Moreover, this browser add-on displays coupon deals when visiting online shopping websites. Whilst this browser add-on may appear legitimate, its developers use a deceptive distribution channel - bundling with free software.

The result of this promotional method is that many computer users install the browser add-on inadvertently without their consent.

Users report that they have installed Smart Suggestor unwillingly and feel annoyed by unwanted pop-ups and unwanted ads imposed by Smart Shopping Buddy. Commonly, Smart Suggestor is installed together with free software downloaded from the Internet (such as xlplayer or software from various download clients).

What is ZoomEx?

The ZoomEx browser extension enhances users' Internet browsing experience by enlarging Facebook photos (when the user hovers over them).

Whilst on first inspection this browser plug-in appears legitimate, it has a downside: this extension displays unwanted ads (pop-ups and text link ads). ZoomEx is one of a number of adware-related browser add-ons used by free software developers to monetize their free programs.

What is Search Enhance

The Search Enhance browser add-on is developed by 215 Apps and promises to save computer users time when searching the Internet. In fact, this browser add-on overrides search bars found on various websites and displays its own search results - sponsored third party links.

This browser extension commonly self-installs on users' computers together with free software downloaded from the Internet. The problem with these promotion methods (bundling) is that computer users often install browser extensions without their consent.

Furthermore, this add-on tracks computer users' Internet browsing habits and the creators may sell this collated information to third-parties.

What is SuperFish?

SuperFish ads are caused by an api, which various browser extension developers apply to their add-ons. These ads appear when Internet users visit online shopping websites such as eBay, Amazon, Shopping.com, etc.

Although these ads are not directly related to virus or spyware infections, many computer users report that they do not know why these pop-ups appear or what causes them. Users should be aware that SuperFish ads are caused by free add-ons installed on Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, Google Chrome).