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PC Data App Virus

Also Known As: PC Data App Bitcoin-mining malware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Moderate

What is PC Data App?

PC Data App is a potentially unwanted program, which installs together with free software downloaded from the Internet and claims to support free software developers by funding their work. The program generates revenue by gathering users' spare computer resources "To make advanced calculations, which are used in various projects."

While such claims may sound legitimate, in fact, this is a Bitcoin-mining application and does not support freeware developers. The PC Data App program is categorized as adware or a Trojan, adds no value, and moreover, includes users' computers within 'bitcoin mining networks'. The sole beneficiaries of these 'mining' efforts are the developers of this potentially unwanted program.

PC data app virus

PC users should be aware that bitcoin mining is resource-intensive and can significantly slow down their systems. To avoid installation of these rogue programs, be attentive when downloading and installing free software. If your download is managed by a 'download client', decline installation of any advertised browser plug-ins.

When installing downloaded free programs, choose the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options - this will reveal any intended installation of 'bundled' software. At time of research, PC Data App was distributed via the InstallPath install manager.

PC Data App is similar to other potentially unwanted programs, which install without users' consent. Examples include Web Protect, Remarkit, and GigaClicks Crawler. None of these programs add any value for computer users and may cause serious privacy and computer security issues.

They install on operating systems using a deceptive software marketing method called bundling. PC users who have accidentally installed PC Data App should use this removal guide to eliminate this adware from their computers.

Deceptive free software installer used in PC Data App distribution:

pc data app adware installer sample 2 PC data app installer

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Quick menu:

PC Data App removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

PC data app uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "PC Data App", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

At time of research, PC Data App installed together with the following potentially unwanted programs: Mobogenie, Software Version Updater, and Surftastic (SuperWeb Adware). These programs are categorized as adware, and therefore, you can safely uninstall them.

After uninstalling PC Data App, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove PC Data App from Internet browsers:

At time of research, PC Data App installed no plugins on Internet browsers, however, it was bundled with other potentially unwanted browser extensions. To eliminate unwanted online advertisements, remove all of rogue add-ons from your Internet browser/s.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing PC data app from Internet Explorer extensions step 1

Click on the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer) select "Manage Add-ons". Look for recently-installed potentially unwanted plugins, select them and click "Remove". At time of research, PC Data App installed together with a browser plugin named "Surftastic".

Removing PC data app from Internet Explorer extensions step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc data app bitcoin-mining malware, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing PC data app from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click on the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove recently-installed potentially unwanted browser plug-ins. At time of research, PC Data App installed together with a browser plugin named "Surftastic".

Removing PC data app from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with pc data app bitcoin-mining malware removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc data app bitcoin-mining malware, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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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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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
PC Data App Bitcoin-mining malware QR code
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