Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Celas?

Celas and FBI ransomware is recent, having been active for just a few months. These security infections block the desktop of computer users and demand payment of fines for users' purported illegal download and distribution of music tracks.

Cyber criminals actively spread these scams using Trojans and malicious websites, exploiting the names of authorities to make their threatening messages appear authentic. New variants of this ransomware have changed their money transferring methods; whilst previous versions used paysafecard, the new ones use ultimate game card.

What is Fake Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications?

Original Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (WGA) notifies computer users if their copy of the Windows operating system is not genuine. Recently, Cyber criminals began exploiting the name of Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications within their 'ransomware' (a computer infection that locks users' computer screens and demands payment for a copyright violation, sofware update, etc.)

Such screen lockers are popular amongst Cyber criminals who design their ransomware using names of authorities and reputable companies. In this way, they make their fake messages appear authentic.

Furthermore, these computer infections are configured by country - ransomware is capable of identifying your computer's IP address and thus able to determine the language in which the fake message is delivered.

What is Fake Microsoft Security Essentials?

Fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert is ransomware, which attempts to trick unsuspecting computer users into paying for a bogus Microsoft Security Essentials additional module for 'dynamic proactive protection'. This scam was created by cyber criminals who make money from PC users who fall for this deception and pay for the fake Microsoft Security Essentials update.

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is a free antivirus program created by Microsoft who do not request payment for updates. Cyber criminals exploit the name of a reputable antivirus program in order to make their message appear authentic.

When this ransomware infiltrates your PC, you will be unable to access your desktop, and the scam will report 'security infections' supposedly detected on your PC. It will then ask you to pay for the fake MSE security update.

What is search.iminent.com?

Iminent toolbar is a browser add-on used to add "emois" and "emoticons" whilst using Facebook, Webmail, etc. This toolbar is created to enhance your user experience when using the aforementioned platforms.

While there is nothing wrong with adding emotions to these services, Iminent Toolbar can be categorized as an unwanted application due to its deceptive method of installation and lack of a full uninstall facility.

By default, this toolbar changes your browser homepage and main search engine to search.iminent.com Users can change these installation options by unchecking several boxes, but most commonly, they are left at their default values.

What is Police Cybercrime Investigation?

If you see a message purportedly from the Cyber Investigation Department demanding payment of a 100 CAD (Canadian Dollars) fine, your PC is infected with ransomware from the 'Reveton' family. This is a scam created by cyber criminals to scare you into believing that you have violated certain laws and to trick you into paying a bogus fine.

This particular screen locker is targeted at Canadian computer users, however, other variants of this scam target computer users from the USA, UK, and Germany, etc.

What is the "Metropolitan Police" virus?

"Metropolitan Police - your computer was locked to stop your illegal activity!" is a ransomware computer infection. This fake message was created by Cyber criminals and blocks computer users from accessing their desktops.

This screen locker targets computer users from the United Kingdom. Recently, ransomware became popular amongst Cyber criminals who continue to create and distribute new versions of their misleading screen lockers.

To make their messages appear more authentic, Cyber criminals exploit the names of authorities, and in this case, use the Metropolitan Police. Other previously-released screen lockers use the names of the FBI and Interpol.

What is Interpol Virus - Your computer has been blocked?

Interpol "Your computer has been blocked" is ransomware created by Cybercriminals. This is a scam, which asks unsuspecting PC users to pay a bogus fine of 100 Euros to unblock their computers.

The text within this misleading screen locker reports that you have been violating the law by distributing illegal content. In fact, no authorities use computer screen lockers to collect fines for any law violations - this message is displayed with the sole purpose of scaring computer users for financial gain.

What is Ireland's National Police Service?

Ireland's National Police Service is a screen locker scam distributed by Cyber criminals. This ransomware targets computer users from Ireland and is often spread using Trojans and misleading websites, which exploit your computer's security vulnerabilities.

After infiltrating your computer, this ransomware blocks your desktop with a message demanding that you pay a 100 Euro fine for watching child pornography, storing pirated content, etc.

What is Windows Anytime Upgrade?

Windows Anytime Upgrade is ransomware, which demands that you pay a £100 fine to unlock your computer. This screen locker is one of many scams actively distributed across the Internet by Cyber criminals.

Windows Anytime Upgrade targets unsuspecting PC users, stating that they have to pay a fine for using unlicensed software. This screen lock uses a slightly different tactic to trick PC users - other versions of this scam state that you have to pay a fine for copyrighted content or for watching pornography.

What is West Yorkshire Police?

West Yorkshire Police screen lock is a scam created by Cyber criminals. This ransomware targets computer users who live in England, and to make this fake message appear more legitimate, Internet criminals exploit the name of the West Yorkshire Police.

If your computer is infected with this ransomware, you will be unable to access your desktop. The message reports that your computer has been used for illegal activities such as child pornography, etc., and the payment of a £100 fine is demanded to unlock your PC.