Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Key word search?

Key word search is a browser hijacker promoting the keysearchs.com fake search engine. Since most users inadvertently download browser hijackers, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

What is the .xlsx document for your preview email scam?

Phishing emails are disguised as letters from legitimate companies, organizations, or other entities. A big part of these emails is used to extract login credentials (like usernames, passwords), credit card details, or similar information from unsuspecting recipients. In this case, scammers attempt to obtain email login credentials.

What is HELPME ransomware?

HELPME is a piece of malicious software categorized as ransomware. It is designed to encrypt data (render files unusable) and demand payment for the decryption.

Affected files are renamed according to this pattern: original filename, a unique ID assigned to the victim, the cyber criminals' email address, and a ".HELPME" extension. For example, a file like "1.jpg" would appear similar to "1.jpg.[ID-9ECFA84E].[bugagaga@tuta.io].HELPME".

After the encryption is complete, a text file titled "decrypt_info.txt" is dropped onto the desktop. This file contains the ransom-demanding message.

What kind of malware is Crypt2022+?

Crypt2022+ is ransomware that prevents victims from accessing files by encrypting them. It also appends the ".Crypt2022+" extension to filenames (for example, it renames "1.jpg" to "1.jpgCrypt2022+", "2.jpg" to "2.jpgCrypt2022+"), and creates the "HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt" file as its ransom note.

What is PencilCry ransomware?

PencilCry is a ransomware-type program. It encrypts data (renders files inaccessible) and demands victims pay a ransom - to decrypt it. Compromised files are appended with a ".pencilcry" extension. For example, a file initially titled "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.pencilcry", "2.jpg" as "2.jpg.pencilcry", and so on.

After the encryption process is complete, ransom notes are created/displayed on a new desktop wallpaper and a pop-up window. The latter is both in English and Portuguese.

What is the "Norton Subscription will renew today" email?

"Norton Subscription will renew today" refers to an email spam campaign. These letters are disguised as subscription renewal notifications from NortonLifeLock. It must be emphasized that these emails are fake and none of their claims are true. They are also in no way associated with the Norton AntiVirus or NortonLifeLock.

What kind of application is EdgeAdvanced?

EdgeAdvanced is the name of an application with two purposes: to generate advertisements and promote a fake search engine. It changes the web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. The majority of applications like EdgeAdvanced get installed by users without them knowing about it.

What kind of application is SearchMaster?

SearchMaster is designed to display various advertisements and hijack a web browser by changing some of its settings. This app has the qualities of advertising-supported and browser-hijacking software. It is distributed via a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Thus, users would not install SearchMaster knowingly.

What is happyquokka.xyz?

Happyquokka.xyz is the address of a fake search engine. Illegitimate web searchers are typically promoted by PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) categorized as browser hijackers.

The happyquokka.xyz web searcher has been noted being endorsed by a browser hijacker called "Tool". What is noteworthy about this rogue browser extension is that it uses sophisticated persistence-ensuring techniques intended to prevent users from restoring their browsers.

What kind of website is rgoodsearch.online?

Rgoodsearch.online is a fake search engine promoted through a browser hijacker called Really Good Search. Really Good Search promotes rgoodsearch.online by changing the web browser's settings. It also adds the "Managed by your organization" feature (in Chrome browsers).