Do not download/install apps promoted by the wcsoft.link scam website

What is the wcsoft[.]link site?

wcsoft[.]link is a deceptive website promoting various scams. At the time of research, this web page ran two different schemes: the "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" and a version of the "VPN Update" scam. Schemes of this kind are designed to endorse a variety of untrustworthy and possibly malicious software.

These pages can promote fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and other Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs). In some cases, deceptive sites promote Trojans, ransomware, and other malware.

Users rarely access wcsoft[.]link or similar sites intentionally - most enter them via mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive ads, and already installed PUAs.

The "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" scam promoted on wcsoft[.]link claims that visitors' devices have been infected with this malware. The nonexistent infection has supposedly damaged the mobile phone and its battery. If the fake virus is not removed, it may cause even more damage to the device.

The scheme then promotes a "virus protection tool", which will allegedly fix the issues. The version of "VPN Update" scam run on wcsoft[.]link asks visitors to download a free VPN tool. This is stated to be crucial if users wish to continue watching content safely.

As mentioned, the wcsoft[.]link site's information is deceptive and generally false. No website can detect threats/issues present on devices, and any that make such claims are scams. These schemes aim to trick visitors into downloading/installing and purchasing dubious software.

To summarize, by trusting content presented by wcsoft[.]link, users can experience system infections, severe privacy issues, financial loss, and even identity theft. PUAs are often promoted by deceptive/scam sites. Despite the legitimate appearance of these apps, they are usually nonoperational.

Fake anti-virus tools are prime examples of such PUAs - they require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the advertised features, yet following activation, they remain non-functional. Furthermore, these unwanted applications can have dangerous functionalities. Some can force-open dubious, deceptive, and malicious web pages (including wcsoft[.]link).

Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. When clicked, the delivered ads redirect to dangerous websites and can stealthily download/install software.

Browser hijackers are other PUAs. They operate by modifying browser settings to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are seldom able to provide search results, and so they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines.

Most PUAs have data tracking capabilities. Information of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. The gathered data is then monetized by sharing with and selling to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Therefore, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	wcsoft.link pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	One variant claims that the device is infected, the other that a VPN must be updated/installed.
Serving IP Address	172.67.171.110
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.

System-protection-required.com, reander.net, crypt-protection.com, and appleconnect.safellk.com are some examples of sites similar to wcsoft[.]link. The internet is rife with various schemes designed to gain and abuse users' trust.

Popular scam models include: warnings that the device is infected or at risk, alerts that an essential piece of software is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways and raffles, "unbelievable" deals, and so on. Regardless of what these scams promise, request or demand, their purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them.

Due to the relative prevalence of misleading, deceptive, and harmful websites, you are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission.

Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.

Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.

Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.

Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.

Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.

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 pop-up displayed by "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" scam, run on wcsoft[.]link website:

(1) SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Please Read Important Notification Regarding Your iOS Device.
OK

Appearance of the "(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone" scam background page:

Text presented in this page:

Apple SecurityFriday
12 February 2021

(3) Viruses have been detected on your iPhone and battery has been infected and damaged.

 

If you do not remove this malware now, it may cause more damage to your device. How to fix this:

 

Step 1: Tap the button below & install the recommended virus protection tool for free from the AppStore.

 

Step 2: Run the app to remove all malware to repair your phone to 100%
1 minutes and 57 seconds

 

Download and Install
Detected By Apple.

Appearance of the variant of "VPN Update" scam, run on wcsoft[.]link:

Text presented in this variant:

VPN Update
Please Download The Free VPN App To Continue Watching in safe mode

Install

0:11 / 1:38  

One of applications promoted by wcsoft[.]link:

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 "wcsoft[.]link"?
• 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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