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System Care Antivirus

Also Known As: System Care Antivirus Rogue
Damage level: High

What is System Care?

System Care Antivirus is a fake antivirus program, which aims to deceive PC users into purchasing a useless license key. This malicious software imitates legitimate security programs and attempts to encourage unsuspecting computer users into making the purchase.

To achieve this deceptive goal, System Care Antivirus performs fake computer security check-ups and mimics the detection of various high-risk malware and virus infections. Furthermore, this rogue program generates false security warning pop-ups.

This bogus program often installs on users' operating systems via any security vulnerabilities detected, and after infiltration, makes certain registry modifications, blocks execution of installed software, disables the Task Manager, and hijacks Internet browsers.

System Care Antivirus rogue program

This fake security scanner originates from a family of rogue antivirus programs called Rogue:Win32/Winwebsec. Note that a previous variant was called AVASoft Antivirus Professional. PC users should be aware that none of the information displayed by System Care Antivirus is genuine - all indicated malware and virus infections are fabricated.

If you observe this program scanning your computer for security infections, your PC is infiltrated with fake antivirus software. The best way to deal with this program is by removal from your PC.

Screenshots of System Care Antivirus:

system-care-antivirus-1.jpg system-care-antivirus-2.jpg system-care-antivirus-3.jpg system-care-antivirus-4.jpg

System Care Antivirus is distributed using various 'exploit kits', which are capable of detecting security vulnerabilities within the operating system or installed software, and then injecting malicious code. The main purpose of this rogue program is to coerce computer user into buying a 'full version' for $99.

Note that paying for this bogus software is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals, and furthermore, you will divulge your banking information, which could be used for other rogue purposes.

The best way to protect your PC from such fake antivirus software is to use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware software. If your computer is already infected with this rogue program, use the removal guide provided to eliminate it from your PC.

Fake security warning messages generated by System Care Antivirus:

System Care Antivirus Firewall Alert.
System Care Antivirus Firewall has blocked a program from accessing the Internet.
Internet Explorer Internet Browser is infected with worm SVCHOST.Stealth.Keyloger. This worm is trying to send your credit card details using Internet Explorer Internet Browser to connect to remote host.

System Care Antivirus Warning.
Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It may cause system instability and data loss.
Click here to block unauthorised modification by removing threats (Recommended).

System Care Antivirus Warning.
Your PC is still infected with dangerous viruses. Activate antivirus protection to prevent data loss and avoid the theft of your credit card details.

System Care Antivirus Warning.
Intercepting programs that may compromise your privacy and harm your system have been detected on your PC.
Click here to remove them immediately with System Care Antivirus.

Spyware.IEMonster activity detected. This is spyware that attempts to steal passwords from Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, Outlook and other programs. Click here to remove it immediately with System Care Antivirus.

Warning!
Application cannot be executed. The file cmd.exe infected.
Please activate your antivirus software.

System Care Antivirus fake firewall alert

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Quick menu:

System Care Antivirus removal:

System Care Antivirus displays fake security warning messages when users attempt to access the Internet using Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox. To remove this rogue antivirus from your computer, download recommended malware removal software.

If your Internet browsers are blocked by the "Warning! The site you are trying to visit may harm your computer! Your security setting level puts your computer at risk!" message, click "Ignore warnings and visit that site in the current state (not recommended)" and continue with the download process.

System Care Antivirus blocking access to legitimate websites

If you cannot run the remover, try to downloading an alternate installer (It is renamed to iexplore.exe since most fake antivirus programs do not block execution of files with this name)

Optional method to download the recommended anti-spyware program:

If you cannot access your Internet browsers: Click Start then click Run. (Click Windows logo in Windows 7 and Windows Vista)

In Windows XP, When the Run dialogue appears, enter this text: www.pcrisk.com/download-spyware-remover and then press ENTER. In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, type this line directly into the search field and then press ENTER.

download remover using run dialog windows xp
download remover using run dialog windows 7

After pressing enter, the File download dialogue of recommended malware removal software appears. Click Run and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you are still unable to download the recommended malware removal software - before downloading, enter a retrieved license key in the registration window of System Care Antivirus. Click the "registration" button at the top of the main window of this fake antivirus software and enter this key:

AA39754E-715219CE

Note that entering this registration key will not remove System Care Antivirus - it simply makes the removal process less complicated. This fake antivirus software will stop generating fake security warning messages and allow execution of installed software.

System Care Antivirus removal using Safe Mode with Networking:

1. Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

safe mode with networking

Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".

Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 Safe Mode with Networking

2. System Care Antivirus modifies the system Hosts file. The Hosts file is used to resolve canonical names of websites to IP addresses. When it is changed, the user may be redirected to malicious sites, despite seeing legitimate URLs in address bar. It is difficult to determine sites are genuine when the Hosts file is modified.

To fix this, please download the Microsoft Fix It tool, that restores your Hosts file to the Windows default. Run this tool when downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions. Download link below:

3. Download and install recommended malware removal software to completely remove this fake antivirus from your PC.

NOTE: Rogue antivirus programs can block the download of anti-spyware software. If you cannot download it using the default location, try one of the alternative download locations below:

  • Location 1 (the file is renamed to "iexplore.exe", since most spyware does not block this file)
  • Location 2

System Care Antivirus removal using a retrieved license (registration) key:

Here is a video showing how to remove System Care Antivirus:

1. Wait until System Care Antivirus rogue antivirus completes the fake security scan and click the "Registration" button located at the top right corner of the main window.

System Care Antivirus removal using a registration key step 1

2. In the opened window enter this retrieved registry key: AA39754E-715219CE This will trick System Care Antivirus into behaving as though you have paid for the full version.

This step makes the removal process of this rogue antivirus program less complicated, since after entering this registry key, System Care Antivirus allows execution of installed software (including Internet browsers) and you will be able to download anti-spyware software without various interruptions.

System Care Antivirus removal using a retreived registration key step 2

3. After entering this licence key, System Care Antivirus generates a few messages thanking you for registration and imitates the removal process of previously-detected malware and virus infections. Note that after you enter the correct registration key, System Care Antivirus changes the user interface colour from red to white.

System Care Antivirus successful registration

4. Note that entering this registration key does not remove System Care Antivirus from your computer - it simply makes the removal process less complicated. To completely remove this rogue antivirus from your computer, download and install recommended anti-spyware software.

Optional methods used to eliminate System Care Antivirus:

Remove System Care Antivirus using a new user account.

System Care Antivirus removal using System Restore.

System Care Antivirus removal using a Rescue Disk.

If you cannot access the Internet, please follow these instructions.

Summary:

The fake antivirus programs (also known as "rogue antivirus programs" or "scareware") are applications that tries to lure computer users into paying for their non-existent full versions to remove the supposedly detected security infections (although the computer is actually clean). These bogus programs are created by cyber criminals who design them to look as legitimate antivirus software. Most commonly rogue antivirus programs infiltrate user's computer using poop-up windows or alerts which appear when users surf the Internet. These deceptive messages trick users into downloading a rogue antivirus program on their computers. Other known tactics used to spread scareware include exploit kits, infected email messages, online ad networks, drive-by downloads, or even direct calls to user's offering free support.

A computer that is infected with a fake antivirus program might also have other malware installed on it as rogue antivirus programs often are bundled with Trojans and exploit kits. Noteworthy that additional malware that infiltrates user's operating system remains on victim's computer regardless of whether a payment for a non-existent full version of a fake antivirus program is made. Here are some examples of fake security warning messages that are used in fake antivirus distribution:

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 1

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 2

Computer users who are dealing with a rogue security software shouldn't buy it's full version. By paying for a license key of a fake antivirus program users would send their money and banking information to cyber criminals. Users who have already entered their credit card number (or other sensitive information) when asked by such bogus software should inform their credit card company that they have been tricked into buying a rogue security software. Screenshot of a web page used to lure computer users into paying for a non-existent full version of system care antivirus rogue and other rogue antivirus programs:

example of a webpage used to collect payments for fake antivirus programs

To protect your computer from system care antivirus rogue and other rogue antivirus programs users should:

  • Keep their operating system and all of the installed programs up-to-date.
  • Use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
  • Use caution when clicking on links in social networking websites and email messages.
  • Don't trust online pop-up messages which state that your computer is infected and offers you to download security software.

Symptoms indicating that your operating system is infected with a fake antivirus program:

  • Intrusive security warning pop-up messages.
  • Alerts asking to upgrade to a paid version of a program to remove the supposedly detected malware.
  • Slow computer performance.
  • Disabled Windows updates.
  • Blocked Task Manager.
  • Blocked Internet browsers or inability to visit legitimate antivirus vendor websites.

If you have additional information on system care antivirus rogue or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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System Care Antivirus Rogue QR code
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