Do not trust techmobionline.com or the products it promotes

What is techmobionline[.]com?

techmobionline[.]com is a deceptive site designed to promote scams. At the time of research, this web page promoted two different schemes. One of the scams claimed that visitors' browsers are infected (which is impossible for any website to detect), whilst the other promoted the necessity of a VPN.

The purpose of these types of scams is to endorse various software products. While legitimate applications may be promoted using such techniques, they are more commonly employed to proliferate untrustworthy and even malicious content (possibly, disguised under the names/appearances of genuine products).

For example, schemes like those run on techmobionline[.]com often promote fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers and similar Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs), as well as Trojans, ransomware and other malware.

Deceptive/Scam websites are typically accessed via mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or by PUAs already installed on the system.

One of the scams run on techmobionline[.]com claims to have detected a trojan virus on visitors' browsers. This infection has supposedly originated from recently visited websites.

The deceptive page alerts users that should the malware remain within the device, it poses a threat to their browsing activity information (e.g. browsing history), social networking/media accounts, banking data (e.g. bank account and credit card details), and other vulnerable data.

The scheme then provides steps to remove the malicious software by downloading/installing the endorsed "Security App". The other scam promoted on this site simply instructs visitors how to download/install a secure VPN app, as it is supposedly necessary to ensure the internet connection's security.

The only goal of techmobionline[.]com is to promote dubious applications. By trusting this website, users will risk experiencing system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses and even identity theft. PUAs have a variety of dangerous functionalities and these features can be in different combinations.

Unwanted apps can force-open all manner of bogus, deceptive and malicious web pages (including techmobionline[.]com). Fake anti-virus tools and similar types require activation (i.e. purchase) to perform the promised features, yet after being activated, they remain nonoperational.

Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons and other intrusive ads. These seriously diminish the browsing experience. Additionally, when clicked, they redirect to dangerous sites and some can stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs).

Browser hijackers modify browser settings and restrict/deny access to them to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are rarely able to generate search results, and so they tend to redirect to Bing, Yahoo, Google and other legitimate search engines.

Most PUAs (regardless of their other functionalities) can track data. They monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect personal information inferred from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). PUA developers monetize this data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Therefore, to ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	techmobionline.com pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	One variant claims the browser is infected, the other - instructs to download/install the promoted VPN app.
Detection Names	Fortinet (Spam), Spamhaus (Spam), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	64.225.2.103
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

The web is rife with various misleading and deceptive websites - bestpeacheu.com, peachtrackereu.com, and appleconnect.safellk.com are just some examples of sites similar to techmobionline[.]com. These sites use different methods/disguises to gain and subsequently abuse users' trust.

Popular scam models include warnings that the device is infected, notifications concerning outdated/missing software, "amazing" offers/deals, prize giveaways, and so on. Due to the relative prevalence of deceptive and harmful pages, you are advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Users sometimes inadvertently download and install unwanted apps via deceptive advertisements - they click ads that cause unwanted download/installations by executing certain scripts.

Unwanted downloads and installations also occur during download/installation of other programs. I.e., when PUAs are included into the set-ups as 'extra offers'. This PUA distribution method of PUAs is called "bundling".

Typically, offers to download and install these additional apps can be declined via "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes within the set-ups. When users download and install programs without making these checks and changes, they often allow PUAs to infiltrate.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

You are advised to research all software before download/installation or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources, since dubious channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders commonly offer deceptive or bundled content.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads may seem normal and harmless, however, they can redirect to various dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).

If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove any suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the main scam variant of techmobionline[.]com:

Apple Security
Monday
18 January 2021

 

We have detected that your browser is completely infected with Trojan Virus picked up on recently visited sites.

 

Immediate action is required, otherwise you will lose your bank card details, social network accounts, and your browser history will be stolen by hackers.

 

Here is how you can solve this in just a few seconds (Step by Step)

 

Step 1: Tap REMOVE VIRUS to install trusted Security App from the App Store.

 

Step 2:Open the app and follow the instructions to protect your device.

 

Remove Virus

Appearance of the other scam variant promoted on techmobionline[.]com:

Text presented in this variant:

Install a Secured VPN App From the Appstore For Free and Protect Your Internet Connection!
How to Protect Your Connection:

 

Step 1. Click on the Button “Download” Below and Install the Application from the Appstore (for Free)

 

Step 2. Open the Installed Application and Protect Your Internet Connection

DOWNLOAD

Appearance of the application endorsed by this scam variant:

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "techmobionline[.]com"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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