Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Lulz?

Lulz ransomware is malicious software designed to encrypt data with the AES-256 encryption algorithm, change the victim's wallpaper, rename encrypted files, and create a ransom message. It renames all files by adding the ".Lulz" extension to filenames.

For example, "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg.Lulz". It also stores the "Fu_ck.txt" file (without the "_" symbol) in each folder that contains encrypted data. Lulz ransomware is promoted as Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) called Project Root. By using these services, cyber criminals can avoid having to develop software, since it requires little or no programming knowledge.

They simply purchase the service, download a malicious executable (ransomware), and proliferate it.

What is home.specialtab.com?

Virtually identical to search.turdeland2.com, search.newsflashapp.com, search.mapsglobalsearch.com, and many others, home.specialtab.com is a fake search engine. It supposedly enhances the browsing experience by generating improved search results.

Most fake web searchers are unable to provide any unique results, and therefore they have no real value. Note that home.specialtab.com redirects to search.yahoo.com, a legitimate search engine. These bogus web searchers are typically promoted by browser hijacking applications.

Browser hijackers operate by making unauthorized changes to browsers and forcing users to use their fake web searching tools. Additionally, home.specialtab.com records browsing activity.

What is SDBbot?

SDBbot is the name of a remote access trojan (RAT). Typically, cyber criminals try to infect computers with software of this type to take control of them remotely and perform various actions. In most cases, they use RATs to steal sensitive information and/or infect computers with additional malware.

This particular RAT can be used to control computers remotely and run shell commands, record the screen, and access the file system. In any case, having software such as SDBbot installed can lead to serious problems.

What is One?

Belonging to the Dharma/Crysis malware family, One is malicious software categorized as ransomware. This program was discovered by Jakub Kroustek and operates by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments for decryption.

When the encryption process is underway, all files are renamed with a unique ID number (generated individually for each victim), developer's email address, and the ".one" extension. For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed to a filename such as "1.jpg.id-1E857D00.[back_me@foxmail.com].one".

Once this process is complete, a text file ("FILES ENCRYPTED.txt") is stored on the desktop and a pop-up window is displayed. Updated variants of this ransomware use ".[onepconebtc@protonmail.com].ONE" extension for encrypted files.

What is GlobeImposter (.Btc)?

GlobeImposter (.Btc) is malicious software belonging to the GlobeImposter ransomware family. It is designed to encrypt data and demand ransom payments from victims for decryption (i.e., payment for decryption software/tools). During encryption, all files are renamed with the ".btc" extension.

Therefore, a file called "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg.btc". After this process is complete, GlobeImposter (.Btc) stores an HTML file named "Readme.html" in each affected folder.

What is Файл Зашифрован?

Файл Зашифрован is the name of ransomware and a new, similar variant of WannaCash. This ransomware encrypts files and compresses them into the .zip format. Victims cannot access their files without a unique key, which can be purchased only from the cyber criminals who designed Файл Зашифрован.

This malicious software names each zipped file using the name of the original file and adding "Файл Зашифрован" to the filename. For example, a compromised file called "1.jpg" becomes "Файл зашифрован [1.jpg] .zip", and so on. Instructions about how to recover files are provided in the "как расшифровать файлы.txt" text file, a ransom message in Russian.

What is .FC?

There are many ransomware-type programs online, including .FC, which is a new variant of Paradise ransomware and discovered by mol69. Like many programs of this type, .FC encrypts files (rendering them unusable) and creates a ransom message with instructions about how to restore files.

In this case, they can be found in the "---==%$$$OPEN_ME_UP$$$==---.txt" text file. Additionally, .FC renames all files by adding a support ID number and the ".FC" extension to filenames. For example, "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg_Support_{Y03wJU}.FC".

What is "Hmopt"?

The pop-up message "hmopt will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash" is linked to the MacOptimizer application.

Files relating to Hmopt originate from the installation of this rogue app. This is more commonly experienced by users with the Catalina version of MacOS (Mac Operating System). You are strongly advised to immediately remove Hmopt and all associated files. Mhptask, Nspchlpr, and Ummhlpr are other examples of applications similar to Hmopt.

What is robotornotchecks[.]online?

robotornotchecks[.]online is a rogue website similar to vikolidoskopinsk.info, witarheckrenning.pro, newsapp.biz, and numerous others. It generates redirects to other untrustworthy and malicious websites and presents users with dubious content.

Most visitors enter the site through redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) already present on the device. These apps do not need explicit user permission to infiltrate systems. After successful installation, they generate redirects, run ad campaigns, and monitor users' browsing activity.

What is zwenews[.]biz?

zwenews[.]biz is one of many rogue websites that redirect visitors to other dubious, potentially malicious sites or deliver deceptive content. Other examples of websites similar to zwenews[.]biz include witarheckrenning[.]pro, piedppienews[.]com, and newsapp[.]biz.

In most cases, people arrive at these sites unintentionally, since they are redirected to them by potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on browsers and/or operating systems. Typically, PUAs open untrustworthy websites, display advertisements, and collect details relating to users' browsing habits.