Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Xbit Pro?

Xbit Pro is one of many optimizing tools that supposedly allows computers to run faster, smoother, and without errors. In fact, developers promote this tool by bundling it into other software set-ups. Therefore, many people download and install Xbit Pro inadvertently or accidentally. These applications are categorized as potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).

What is Dutan?

First discovered by Michael Gillespie and belonging to the Djvu ransomware family, Dutan is a high-risk virus designed to encrypt stored files, thereby making them unusable. During encryption, Dutan appends each filename with the ".dutan" extension (for example, "sample.jpg" is renamed to "sample.jpg.dutan").

After successful encryption, Dutan creates a text file ("_readme.txt") and stores a copy in every existing folder. This text file contains a ransom-demand message.

What is TopShape?

According to developers, the TopShape (or TopShape-B4) program notifies users of outdated applications installed on their computers. Many people download and install TopShape inadvertently, and thus it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA), an adware-type app. TopShape displays pop-up ads by opening them in new windows or tabs.

What is pushnews[.]online?

Virtually identical to watch-this[.]live, enheprenropher[.]info, havenotifyfriends[.]info, and many others, pushnews[.]online is a rogue website that redirects visitors to other untrustworthy, deceptive sites. Generally, this page is visited by users inadvertently - they are redirected to it by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) installed on their systems.

People often install PUAs unintentionally. They then deliver advertisements and gather data.

What is searchprivacyplus.com?

searchprivacyplus.com is a fake search engine that is promoted as a web surfing tool designed to deliver an enhanced browsing experience (faster searches, more accurate results, and so on). Developers promote this site using a browser hijacker, a potentially unwanted application (PUA) called Flash SD App.

When installed, most apps of this type modify browser settings and collect data relating to users' browsing activity.

What is search.globalappz.live?

Mega Media Start is a browser app that supposedly allows users to access movies and popular websites directly from their browsers.

Note, however, that this app is often installed on browsers unintentionally. Therefore, Mega Media Start is categorized as a potentially unwanted app (PUA), a browser hijacker. It promotes a fake search engine (search.globalappz.live) by changing browser settings and recording user-system information.

What is txtnews[.]online?

When opened, txtnews[.]online causes redirects to other untrustworthy websites. Therefore, it  is categorized as a rogue website.

Many sites of this type are available on the internet, including, for example, watch-this[.]live, enheprenropher[.]info, and havenotifyfriends[.]info. Typically, potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) open these websites - people do not generally visit them intentionally. Furthermore, PUAs often feed users with intrusive ads and gather information relating to browsing habits.

What is WinThruster?

WinThruster is presented as a program that fixes issues by making other programs load faster and optimizing computers in one click. WinThruster's developers promote it by 'bundling' this program into other software set-ups. This increases the possibility that most people will download and install it unintentionally.

For this reason, WinThruster is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

What is DriverAgent?

DriverAgent is presented as a driver update application. According to developers, it contains a huge database of drivers for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7. This may seem to be a useful tool, however, it is promoted using the "bundling" method, and thus most people install it unintentionally. For this reason, DriverAgent is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

What is Hofos?

First discovered by Michael Gillespie, Hofos is yet another variant of high-risk ransomware called Djvu. After initial infiltration, Hofos encrypts most stored files and appends filenames with the ".hofos" extension (e.g., "sample.jpg" becomes "sample.jpg.hofos").

Encrypted data immediately becomes unusable. Following successful encryption, Hofos creates a "_readme.txt" text file and places a copy in every existing folder.