Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Hotspot Shield?

Hotspot Shield is VPN software which allows Internet users to visit disallowed websites at work whilst hiding their IP address. This is legitimate software and not related to malware of viruses, however, Internet users should be attentive when installing the free version of this program.

Hotspot Shield free is 'bundled' with the Hotspot Shield toolbar, which causes browser redirects to search.anchorfree.com, search.conduit.com, and other websites. Furthermore, it generates ads, which may lead to security infections or privacy issues.

What is FBI Virus?

FBI "Your Computer Has Been Locked" is a ransomware virus created by Internet criminals with the intention of tricking unsuspecting PC users into paying a fine for supposedly using copyrighted material or watching pornography. This scam exploits the name of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make it appear authentic.

To date, the FBI has never employed screen blocking messages to fight Internet piracy, or to collect fines for any law violations. This screen blocking message was created by Cyber criminals in the hope that computer users will fall for their trickery and pay the bogus fine to unlock their PCs. The fines vary from $100 to $400.

What is Defaultsear.ch?

The Defaultsear.ch browser hijacker is promoted using free software downloads 'bundled' with potentially unwanted applications. In this case Internet browser redirects (via Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla FireFox) to this website are caused by free software called Privitize VPN.

Computer users who have installed this freeware using the default installation option ('typical' installation), discover that their Internet browser homepage and default search engine are modified to defaultsear.ch Moreover, after installation of Privitize VPN, users observe many deceptive pop-up and other ads whilst browsing the Internet. These are caused by other bundled adware called MagniPic.

What is Rally Toolbar?

The Rally Toolbar browser extension is created by Bullet Media Inc. This add-on claims to enhance Internet users' browsing experience by enabling them to save and access their favourite websites, chat with Facebook and Gmail friends, etc. Note that while this browser plug-in appears legitimate, in fact it is a potentially unwanted application.

When installed on Internet browsers (Google Chrome and Mozilla FireFox), it collects information regarding websites visited and advertisements seen. Moreover, the Rally Toolbar tracks any searches performed on various search engines such as Google, Bing, Ask, etc.

What is Spy Alert?

Spy Alert (SPYALERT) is a potentially unwanted application created by Long Mile Solutions LLC. This browser extension claims to display any cookies used by websites when users browse the Internet. Whilst such added functionality may seem useful, Spy Alert has a downside: this plug-in tracks users' Internet browsing habits and generates a wide variety of unwanted ads.

When installed on Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla FireFox), Spy Alert tracks IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, operating systems, browser and other installed software information, web page URLs visited, and search queries entered.

Moreover, this extension generates various in-text, interstitial, and pop-up ads. These ads are managed by third-parties, and clicking them can result in serious security-related issues. Note that while Spy Alert boasts web monitoring capabilities, in fact, it is a potentially unwanted program (PUP), which can cause privacy and security issues.

What is Little virus brings a lot of problems?

The "Say hello to little virus brings a lot of problems!" ransomware virus infects users' computers using any security vulnerabilities detected on the system. After infiltration, this ransomware completely blocks computer screens and demands payment of $50 or $60 using MoneyPak, Vanilla Reload, or REloadit pre-paid card services in order to unblock the system.

Furthermore, this security infection encrypts .text, .jpeg, .mpg, .gif, .docx, .zip, and other file types stored on the user's computer. Commonly, ransomware viruses are disguised as law violation notifications supposedly delivered by authorities such as the FBI computer locked virus or DOJ ransomware. This particular infection, however, appears to openly state that it is a virus.

What is Spy Guard?

Spy Guard is a browser add-on created by Big Water Applications LLC. It is compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla FireFox. When installed, this browser extension displays any cookies generated by websites visited when browsing the Internet.

Whilst such added functionality may seem useful, there is a downside to this browser plug-in: it tracks Internet users' activity and generates various unwanted ads. Internet browser tracking can lead to privacy issues and clicking the displayed ads can result in serious computer security issues.

When installed, Spy Guard tracks the following information: IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, operating systems, browsers and other installed software, web page URLs visited, and search queries entered.

What is Everything on your computer has been encrypted?

The United States Department of Justice message "Your Computer has been blocked, Everything on your computer has been fully encrypted" is a ransomware virus. Computer users who observe this message should be aware that no legitimate authorities, internationally, use screen-blocking messages to collect fines for any law violations.

This message was created by cyber criminals in the hope that unsuspecting PC users fall for their deceptive message and pay the bogus $100 fine. This fake message states that the fine be paid using MoneyPak, Vanilla Reload, or REloadit pre-paid cards. Be aware that paying this fine is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals.

What is King Translate?

King Translate is a program created by Koyote-Lab Inc. This software enables users to translate words, documents, and entire texts into various languages. King Translate also displays video, photo, and audio results relating to inputted queries. Whilst this program may seem legitimate, many Internet users report that it was installed on their computers without their consent.

Furthermore, after installation, Internet browser settings were modified (the homepage changed to searchnu.com and default search engine to www1.search-results.com).

What is Value Apps?

Value Apps is a browser add-on created by Conduit Ltd. The software claims to enrich Internet users' web browsing experience by offering deals, coupons, and related content. It is compatible with Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla FireFox. This browser add-on is commonly installed together with Conduit-powered toolbars.

Value Apps is a general name, which encompasses the Coupon Buddy and Easytobook.com add-ons. Note that many computer users refer to this plug-in as the Value Apps virus or malware. Although this classification is not strictly accurate, this browser extension is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP).