Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is ticeroftertal[.]info?

ticeroftertal[.]info is a rogue website that has the same purpose as pushnews[.]online, txtnews[.]online, watch-this[.]live, and many other websites of this type.

Once visited, it redirects users to websites that cannot be trusted or displays dubious content. Typically, people are forced to visit these websites when they have potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) installed on their browsers. PUAs often deliver intrusive ads and record information.

What is "PayPal account is on hold"?

The "PayPal account is on hold" scam is presented on a deceptive website that should not be trusted. Scammers use it to steal PayPal accounts.

Typically, people end up visiting websites of this type due to potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) installed on their browsers or operating systems. In addition to unwanted redirects, PUAs often serve users with intrusive advertisements and collect information relating to browsing habits.

What is wal?

wal is high-risk ransomware that belongs to the Dharma ransomware family. This malware stealthily infiltrates the system and encrypts most stored files, thereby rendering them impossible to use. It is also appends filenames with the victim's unique ID, developer's email address, and ".wal" extension.

For example, "sample.jpg" might be renamed to a filename such as "sample.jpg.id-1E857D00.[decryptdocs@protonmail.com].wal". Once the encryption process is finished, wal opens a pop-up window and stores a "FILES ENCRYPTED.txt" file on the desktop.

What is 1 Click PDF?

1 Click PDF (also known as 1ClickPDF) is promoted as a file conversion app capable of converting virtually any file format to PDF.

It is promoted as a useful and legitimate tool, however, 1 Click PDF is categorized as a potentially unwanted (adware-type) application (PUA) and adware. It changes browser settings, feeds users with ads, and gathers information. Do not trust or use the 1 Click PDF converter.

What is Forasom?

Belonging to the Djvu ransomware family, Forasom is a high-risk infection designed to encrypt victims' data and make ransom demands. During encryption, Forasom appends filenames with the ".forasom" extension (e.g., "sample.jpg" is renamed to "sample.jpg.forasom").

As with other Djvu variants, Forasom also creates a text file called "_readme.txt" and stores a copy in each existing folder.

What is .bat?

Discovered by Jakub Kroustek, .bat is a malicious program classified as ransomware. Generally, malware of this type blocks victims from accessing their files by encryption. To decrypt them, victims are forced to buy a decryption tool/key from cyber criminals who developed the program, in this case .bat ransomware.

It also creates a text file called "RETURN FILES.txt" and displays a ransom message in a pop-up window. This ransomware also renames all encrypted files by adding the ".bat" extension (together with the victim's ID and email address of .bat's developers).

For example, if a file is called "1.jpg", .bat will rename it to "1.jpg.id-1E857D00.[decryptyourdata@qq.com].bat", and so on. This malicious program is a part of the Dharma ransomware family and locks files using RSA-1024 encyption.

What is qbix?

The number of new ransomware-type programs is growing daily, including qbix, which was discovered by Jakub Kroustek and belongs to the Dharma ransomware family. Like most programs of this type, qbix is used by cyber criminals who aim to extort money from their victims.

Ransomware-type programs encrypt files so that victims are unable to access and use them unless a ransom is paid.

In this particular case, each encrypted file is renamed by adding the ".qbix" extension plus the victim's ID and email address. For example, qbix renames "1.jpg" to "1.jpg.id-1E857D00.[backdata@qq.com].qbix". It also creates a "RETURN FILES.txt" file and displays a ransom message in a pop-up window.

What is MERS?

Discovered by Jakub Kroustek, MERS is a ransomware-type program belonging to the Dharma family. Its main purpose is to encrypt data and keep it locked until a ransom is paid (decryption tool is purchased). MERS renames all encrypted files by adding the ".MERS" extension, which also contains a unique victim ID and ransomware developer's email address.

For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed to "1.jpg.id-1E857D00.[crypt1style@aol.com].MERS". It also creates a ransom message in the "RETURN FILES.txt" file and displays a pop-up window with instructions about how to decrypt files.

What is aa1?

aa1 is a ransomware-type virus discovered by Jakub Kroustek. This ransomware is yet another variant of a high-risk infection called Dharma. aa1 is designed to stealthily infiltrate the system and compromise (encrypt) stored data, thereby making it unusable.

In doing so, aa1 appends each filename with the ".aa1" extension plus the developer's email address and victim's unique ID. For instance, "sample.jpg" might be renamed to a filename such as "sample.jpg.id-1E857D00.[who8@mail.fr].aa1". Once files are encrypted, aa1 opens a pop-up window and stores a text file ("FILES ENCRYPTED.txt") on the desktop.

What is TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen?

TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen is the generic name for threats detected by Avira and categorized as unknown Trojans. Typically, these programs are designed to steal personal details or spread other malicious programs such as ransomware.

One of the purposes of this particular Trojan is to monitor victims' browsing (internet) activities. If Trojans are installed on your system, eliminate them immediately.