Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is UpdateSearch?

UpdateSearch browser hijacker promotes update-search.com (the address of a fake search engine). Like most apps of this type, it achieves this by changing certain browser settings. UpdateSearch is also likely to collect information relating to users' browsing habits.

People often download and install browser hijackers unintentionally and, therefore, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is Game Searcher PRO?

Game Searcher PRO is a browser hijacker, endorsed as a tool for easy access to various free online games. This software operates by making alterations to browser settings to promote search.gamesearcher.pro (a fake search engine). Game Searcher PRO also monitors users' browsing activity.

Due to the dubious methods used to proliferate this browser hijacker, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

What is GeneralCache?

The GeneralCache app is designed to display ads, promote the Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net, and promote a fake search engine by changing certain browser settings. Generally, these apps also gather data. Therefore, GeneralCache operates as adware and a browser hijacker.

People often download and install these programs unintentionally and, for this reason, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is Stream?

Stream hijacks browsers by changing settings to woosh.pro (the address of a fake search engine). It is also likely to collect various data. Generally, users download and install apps of this type inadvertently and, for this reason, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is pdfsrch.com?

pdfsrch.com is the address of a fake search engine. These bogus search tools are typically unable to provide unique results. They are promoted by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) classified as browser hijackers.

Note that pdfsrch.com has been observed being promoted by the DoctoPDF, PDF Opener, MyDocsToPDF, ViewPDF, EasyConvert and Easy Conversion browser hijackers. This rogue software makes modifications to browser settings and restricts/denies access to them.

Additionally, most browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing activity.

What is Tituricsec?

Tituricsec is an adware-type application designed to serve advertisements and promote a fake search engine by changing certain browser settings. Therefore, it operates both as adware and a browser hijacker. Commonly, apps such as Tituricsec collect browsing-related (and other) data.

Note that users often download and install these apps inadvertently and, therefore, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). This particular app is distributed through a deceptive Adobe Flash Player.

What is Black Claw?

Black Claw (also known as BlackClaw) makes files inaccessible by encrypting them with AES and RSA encryption algorithms, renames every encrypted file, and generates two ransom messages. It renames files by adding the victim's ID (e.g., "hgcapmh02i") and appending the ".bclaw" extension to filenames.

For example, it might rename a file named "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.[hgcapmh02i].bclaw", "2.jpg" to "2.jpg.[hgcapmh02i].bclaw", and so on. Instructions about how to contact the cyber criminals behind Black Claw (and other details) are provided in the "RECOVER YOUR FILES.txt" and "RECOVER YOUR FILES.hta" files.

What is Wbqczq?

Wbqczq is malicious software belonging to the Snatch ransomware family. This malware encrypts data and demands payment for decryption. During the encryption process, all affected files are appended with the ".wbqczq" extension. For example, a file originally named something like "1.jpg" would appear as "1.jpg.wbqczq" following encryption.

After this process is complete, a ransom message ("HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT") is dropped into compromised folders.

What is MacAppsHD?

MacAppsHD is rogue software classified as adware. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns. Additionally, this application has browser hijacker characteristics such as browser modification and promotion of bogus search engines. Most adware apps and browser hijackers monitor users' browsing activity, and it is highly likely that MacAppsHD does so as well.

Due to its dubious proliferation methods, this app is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of the dubious techniques used to proliferate MacAppsHD is via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Note that bogus software updaters/installers are also used to spread Trojans, ransomware and other malware.

What is searchsnow.com?

Searchsnow.com is the address of a fake search engine. In most cases, these addresses/fake search engines are promoted through browser hijackers, which change certain browser settings. Browser hijacking apps can also collect browsing-related and other information.

People often download and install these rogue apps inadvertently and, therefore, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).