Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Smart HDD?

Smart HDD is a fake system optimizer, which pretends to scan your computer hardware (hard drive, RAM, etc.) for issues. This program is similar to previously discovered fake system optimizers including System Check, System Fix, System Restore, and many others.

These programs differ from the most common misleading applications that attempt to scare you into believing that your computer has security issues; Smart HDD attempts to convince computer users that their computer hardware has malfunctioned and they could lose their stored data.

This rogue program is distributed by cyber criminals who employ various misleading methods to install their fake system optimizers on the computers of unsuspecting Internet users.

The most common ways of proliferating fake system scanners such as Smart HDD are through spam campaigns, hijacked websites, and Trojans.

What is Smart Fortress 2012?

Smart Fortress 2012 is a fake security scanner distributed by Internet criminals using fake online security scanner pop-ups. This rogue program is derived from the same family of misleading software as Security Sphere 2012 and Smart Protection 2012.

Previous versions of Smart Fortress 2012 were proliferated by hijacking ad networks and displaying ads within legitimate websites - this in turn infected unsuspecting users' computers. The recent and most common method of spreading Smart Fortress 2012 was found to be via fake online security scans.

When installed on your PC, Smart Fortress 2012 changes the registry files, enabling a fake security scanner to start automatically each time you start your computer.

What is Security Shield (2012)?

Security Shield is a widely distributed fake antivirus program, derived from a previous version called MS Removal Tool. Distribution of this rogue program began in 2012, and when installed on your computer, it initiates a security scan and generates a large list of infections 'detected' on your system.

Your work will be constantly interrupted by warning messages reporting that your computer has virus infections and that you should purchase a license for Security Shield to remove them.

What is Malware Protection?

Malware Protection is a screen locker Trojan that is distributed using various misleading methods. The executable files of this Trojan are mostly disguised as svchost.exe files.

When executed, this Trojan will block your screen and you will be unable to use your computer. Cyber criminals use this Trojan to steal money from you; the message within Malware Protection reports that your computer has been infected with a polymorphic virus and that only Malware Protection can help to remove it.

To unblock your computer, you are asked to send money via MoneyPak, Paysafecard, or a Ukash code ($300 or 300 euros).

What is Best Virus Protection?

Best Virus Protection is a rogue antivirus program that attempts to imitate a legitimate computer security program. This fake program is derived from the same family of rogue software as Antimalware PC Safety, Strong Malware Defender, and many others.

Best Virus Protection is a fake program that is distributed by Internet criminals who use various misleading methods to install their bogus programs on as many computers as possible. Like its previous versions, Best Virus Protection uses the interface of a legitimate security program called Microsoft Security Essentials to trick you into believing that it is a genuine security program.

What is Antimalware PC Safety?

Antimalware PC Safety is a fake antivirus program derived from the same family of rogue security scanners as Smart Antimalware Protection, AV Security Essentials, and many others. Like its previous versions, Antimalware PC Safety imitates a legitimate security program called Microsoft Security Essentials.

Whilst Microsoft's program is free, however, Antimalware PC Safety encourages you to purchase a license to remove the 'detected' threats.

What is Smart Protection 2012?

Smart Protection 2012 is a rogue computer security program derived from the same family of misleading programs as Security Sphere 2012, Personal Shield Pro, Total Security, and many others. Internet criminals designed this program to scare unsuspecting computer users into purchasing a fake license for Smart Protection 2012.

This bogus program is distributed through Trojans, fake online security scanners, and fake program updates. To prevent your computer from being infected with rogue programs such as Smart Protection 2012, you should always use an updated legitimate antivirus/anti-spyware program.

When this fake program self-installs, it will start automatically each time you boot your computer and you will then be presented with a computer security scan.

What is Security Scanner?

Security Scanner is fake computer antivirus program and a variant of its previous version called Security Shield. Like its predecessor, Security Scanner is distributed using misleading methods such as fake online security scans, Trojans, fake program updates, etc.

When Security Scanner self-installs on your computer, it modifies your operating system to block most functions. This makes the removal process of Security Scanner more complicated - you will be unable to access the Internet and Security Scanner blocks the execution of legitimate Windows Programs.

Each time you boot your computer, Security Scanner starts and you will be forced to observe a fake security scan performed by this program.

What is Home Malware Cleaner?

Home Malware Cleaner is a recently discovered fake antivirus program similar to its previous versions: Antivirus Smart Protection, AV Security Essentials, etc. Home Malware Cleaner is distributed via various Internet sources, mainly to steal money from the credit card accounts of unsuspecting computer users.

Internet criminals attempted to make Home Malware Cleaner as authentic as possible by using the interface of a legitimate antivirus program called Microsoft Security Essentials - you should not mistake these two programs. The security suite from Microsoft is free and legitimate, whereas Home Malware Cleaner attempts to sell a license that is useless.

What is Strong Malware Defender?

Strong Malware Defender is a misleading program derived from a family of rogue applications such as AV Security Essentials, Smart Antimalware Protection, Antivirus Smart Protection, and many others. Internet criminals use a similar interface to Microsoft Security Essentials (a legitimate free antivirus program) for their latest rogue program called Strong Malware Defender.

This rogue security scanner is proliferated by large malware networks operated by Internet criminals. Their attacks include various methods of computer infection such as misleading website creation, search engine result poisoning, spam campaigns, etc.

Do not mistake Strong Malware Defender for a legitimate security program - it is useless software created with the intention of selling you a fake license.

When Strong Malware Defender infects your computer, it instantly starts an imaginary security scan, and in this way, attempts to scare you into believing that your computer has serious security issues and that this rogue program is the only method possible to remove them.