Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is apple.com-mac-optimizer[.]xyz?

Similar to apple.com-mac-optimizer.icu, apple.com-shield-devices.live, apple.com-mac-booster.live and others, apple.com-mac-optimizer[.]xyz is a scam website. It operates by tricking users into downloading/installing varied fake cleaning tools for the MacOS (Mac operating system), by displaying fraudulent warnings of detected viruses.

The software it recommends for removal of said threats (Cleanup My Mac) is most likely fraudulent and therefore incapable of scanning for or eliminating threats. Few visitors every access apple.com-mac-optimizer[.]xyz intentionally, most get redirected.

Such redirects are caused by clicking on invasive advertisements (usually located within compromised websites) or by adware-type PUAs already present in systems. It must be mentioned, that undesirable apps do not need explicit user consent to be installed onto their devices.

What is performprogressiveuberfile[.]icu?

performprogressiveuberfile[.]icu is one of many deceptive websites that should not be visited or trusted. When opened, it displays fake error messages or redirects people to other untrustworthy sites that advertise dubious applications including Advanced Mac Booster. 

In fact, this app is just one example from many of apps promoted via dubious sites opened through performprogressiveuberfile[.]icu. Browsers often open performprogressiveuberfile[.]icu due to potentially unwanted apps (PUA) installed on them.

What is Stalk?

Stalk (also known as Worm.Win32 Stalk) is a malicious program categorized as a 'worm'. Typically, worms automatically spread to other computers and work to infect as many systems as possible. The payload of this worm is unknown, however, it could be used to proliferate a number of malicious programs.

To avoid detection, Stalk hides the "Show hidden files and folders" option by making changes to the Windows registry.

What is mac-cleaner[.]space?

Mac-cleaner[.]space is a scam website, similar to apple.com-mac-optimization.xyz, apple.com-shield-guard.live, apple.com-mac-optimizer.icu and many others. It is designed to lure users into downloading various nonfunctional cleaning tools for the MacOS (Mac operating system).

The advertised software can supposedly remove various system invasions/infections, however it is most likely illegitimate and therefore nonoperational. It should be mentioned, that this site may also proliferate PUAs (potentially unwanted applications) with different "features" from Mac cleaners, though any such would also be fraudulent.

What is also noteworthy, is that visitors to mac-cleaner[.]space rarely access it intentionally and in most case are redirected by intrusive ads or adware-type PUAs already present in their device. The latter of which, require no express user permission to invade their systems.

What kind of malware is Forbix?

Forbix is a malicious program and classified as a 'worm'. It can infect available drives, protect itself against removal, update itself, perform a second stage payload, and communicate through a C2 server. Generally, worms are malicious programs that can replicate to spread to other computers.

They can be used to perform ransomware attacks, steal personal details such as passwords, or add infected computers to botnets. In summary, worms can be used for a number of malicious purposes.

What is TV Now?

TV Now is a browser hijacker, advertised as a tool for easy access to TV streaming sites, accompanied by a fake search engine (search.tvnowapptab.com). Due to most users installing it unintentionally, it is classified as a PUA (potentially unwanted application).

As a browser hijacker, it has the ability to modify browsers, endorse its fake search engine and track browsing activity.

What is Mac Fixer Pro?

According to the developers of Mac Fixer Pro, this app fixes and cleans Mac computers/MacOS systems. In fact, this software is advertised on deceptive websites and distributed through the set-ups of other software. Many people are likely to download and install Mac Fixer Pro unintentionally and are tricked into it.

Apps of this type are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

What is .cmd ransomware?

Discovered by Jakub Kroustek and belonging to the Dharma ransomware family, .cmd is one of many ransomware-type programs on the internet. It encrypts data stored on the system and blocks access to it until a decryption tool is purchased from the cyber criminals who developed the .cmd ransomware.

Only then can victims restore their files. This malicious software renames all encrypted files by changing extensions to ".cmd" and adding an email address and unique ID to the filenames. For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed to "1.jpg.id-1E857D00.[jsmith1974@mail.fr].cmd".

Note, however, that .cmd is a valid extension for Batch files used by Windows OS. Therefore, there is a high probability that developers are attempting to conceal the encryption for some reason. It also creates a ransom message within a text file named "RETURN FILES.txt".

As .cmd is a genuine extension on Windows operating systems, it is very likely that the people who developed this ransomware seek to disguise their files in this way. Updated variants of this ransomware use the ".[fox5sec@aol.com].cmd" extension for encrypted files.

What is search.searcherzip.com?

Practically identical to search.genieosearch.com, search.pardessov.com, search.globalsearch.pw and others, search.searcherzip.com is a fake search engine. It is endorsed as an optimizer for download/install processes (however it does not actually have any such features).

This website is promoted by browser hijacking downloaders/installers. Browser hijackers operate by changing browser settings and tracking user data.

What is search.convertermastersearch.com?

Search.convertermastersearch.com is a fake search engine, advertised as a tool for optimizing and simplifying download/install processes. It is identical to search.genieosearch.com, search.pardessov.com and many others. This website is spread through browser hijacking downloaders/installers.

Browser hijackers can alter browser settings, as well as gathers intel on users' browsing activity and person (search.convertermastersearch.com is also capable of data tracking).