Malware Alert: Smart Security

A new rogue AV is now making the rounds, this product, called Smart Security basically blocks all program execution. This makes it impossible to get rid of the rogue while you are in the regular windows mode, therefore, you must use safe mode with networking. To get to this mode, shut down the computer and then turn it on again. When you press the power button to turn it on, press F8 repeatedly to get options such as Safe Mode. You will want to choose safe mode with networking. After your computer has started up, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Start the installation file and install it. After you have started it, you will want to go to the update tab and manually update Malwarebytes to make sure that you have the latest updates. And if you are a previous user of Malwarebytes, you will want to do this step as well. A quick scan will be enough to delete the rogue, restart your computer after the scan if Malwarebytes prompts you to.

Note: If you are busy at the time of infection and do not yet have time to do this, go to register Smart Security and enter in any email address. This does not have to be your email address, you can simply make up a fake one. In the box where it asks for a registration key, type this code in: Y78REW-T54FD1-U2VCF4A. This should shut it up and allow you to do what you need to do. However, I do not recommend doing this and leaving the rogue alone after that.

Drop me a line in the comments if removal does not work or you have a question.

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Spotlight on malware: Reveton Trojan

The Reveton Trojan, also called the FBI MoneyPak Trojan, and the Police Trojan, is a screen locker Trojan that displays a warning from a "law enforcement agency" that claims that that user has preformed illegal activities such as downloading pirated software. This Trojan prevents you from doing anything on your computer until you pay the fine, up to $500, or remove the Trojan. The Trojan often demands payment though a prepaid, untraceable payment. Some recent versions show the view from your "webcam" and display your IP address to reinforce the claim that you are being watched. The "webcam" video shows up with no regard as to if you actually have a webcam or not. This Trojan is based on the Citadel Trojan, which is itself, based on the Zeus Trojan. There are several versions of this same Trojan which started out in the UK. These include versions for the FBI, the DOD, and the DOJ.

To remove, boot into Safe Mode with networking, go online and download Malwarebytes Anti Malware. Run the installer and say yes to all the regular options. Leave update and launch checked, and then it should start. After it has, choose Quick Scan, this quick scan will take anywhere from 1-15 minutes depending on how much stuff you have on your computer and how many files are infected.

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Malware is my hobby

Greetings,

Because this is my first post, I ask that you understand if I have a hard time finding out what all these buttons do. My name is Hunter, and malware researching is a passion for me. I love learning new things about malware, and when a big threat arises, I make sure my friends know. "What's malware?" you ask? Why, it's malicious software. Any software that is written with the intent to cause harm.

There are perhaps hundreds of blogs about malware on the web, so why should you read my blog? I will tell you why.





1. I am independent.

I do not work for any organization or company that wants to sell you it's products. I will only review a security product if I trust it. I do not make money if I help others with malware removal. (Note: I do not claim to be an expert, I only claim to have a hobby that keeps me busy.) I do not personally accept money from anyone to plug a product no matter how much they offer, or how much I like or do not like it.


2. I have a wish.

I want there to be a time, sometime in my lifetime hopefully, when users do not worry about malware, when viruses, spyware, rogue antivirus software, and other malware simply does not exist anymore. I know that the "arms race" between those who are writing malware and those who wish to protect against malware has to stop. We have to win if we want the computer landscape to be ours. This wish drives my focus and keeps me from forgetting just what I am fighting for.


  
3. I stand on the shoulders of giants.

These giants are those that share my hobby as well, and when we are combined, our reach across the malware landscape is unparallelled. We, in our fight to give others information, help others give others information, and so on and so on.

I will be blogging to highlight malware, to educate those that want to know. To fight against malware until it can no longer function. Malware and malware removal is a hobby and a passion of mine, my hope is that there will be a time when I will not have to.

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