Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Astro Arcade?

Created by Interesting Solutions, Astro Arcade is a rogue browser extension claiming to allow users to play an addictive game called Asteroids. This may seem to be a legitimate and useful browser plug-in, however, be aware that Astro Arcade is actually considered as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) or adware.

These associations are made due to a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' employed by Astro Arcade to install on Internet browser without users' consent.

Bundling is a way to stealthily distribute applications together with other software, and therefore, most users inadvertently install Astro Arcade during download of free software from freeware download websites.

After successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, Astro Arcade generates intrusive online advertisements and tracks users' Internet browsing activity.

What is SmootherWeb?

SmootherWeb is a rogue browser extension claiming to increase Internet browsing speed.

On initial inspection, this may appear to be legitimate and useful functionality, however, be aware that SmootherWeb is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP), since it employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional applications together with the chosen software) to install on Internet browsers without users' consent.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, SmootherWeb generates numerous intrusive online advertisements that include (but are not limited to) banner, inline text, search, and transitional ads. There is a high probability that clicking these advertisements will lead to high-risk adware or malware infections.

What is Cryptographic Locker?

The Cryptographic Locker ransomware virus infiltrates users' operating systems via drive-by downloads, exploit kits, and fake downloads (for example, rogue video players, or fake Flash updates).

After successful infiltration, this malicious program encrypts files stored on computers (including .odt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, psd, .cdr, .mp3, .raw, .jpeg, .gif, .bmp, and .txt files among many others) and demands payment of 0.2 Bitcoin (at time of writing, approximately $100USD) within 24 hours.

Cyber criminals responsible for releasing this rogue program ensure that it executes on all Windows versions including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. Apart from displaying a window with encryption information, Cryptographic Locker also changes the desktop wallpaper, which reads 'All your files have been encrypted by Cryptolocker'.

At this time, it is not clear why cyber criminals chose to use the name 'Cryptolocker' rather than 'Cryptographic Locker' within this wallpaper.

What is PicColor?

Created by Say Media Group Ltd, the PicColor app installs on computers together with free software. At time of writing, the actual functionality of this application is not clear.

The developers of this app employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', and therefore, computer users often install this application inadvertently without their consent when downloading free software. After installation, PicColor tracks users' Internet surfing activity by recording geographic information, browser types, operating system types, and IP addresses.

What is SpeedChecker?

Developed by Virtue Interactive Ltd, SpeedChecker is a rogue application claiming to enable users to monitor their Internet speed. While this functionality may seem legitimate and useful, be aware that SpeedChecker is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

These associations are made due to a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' employed by SpeedChecker to install on Internet browsers without users' consent.

Bundling allows developers to stealthily distribute their applications together with other software, and therefore, most users inadvertently install SpeedChecker during download of free software from freeware download websites.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, SpeedChecker generates numerous intrusive online advertisements including banner, pop-up/under, in-text, and display ads. There is a high probability that clicking these advertisements will cause high-risk adware or malware infections.

What is Klip Pal?

Created by SuperWeb LLC, the Klip Pal browser add-on is compatible with Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. This extension claims to save time and money by allowing price comparison and related topic searches.

Note that many computer users refer to this browser plug-in as adware or a virus since it is an intrusive browser add-on that installs on Internet browsers with free software downloaded from the Internet. Furthermore, it employs a wide range of unwanted ads supposedly to make the add-on free of charge.

What is Browser Guard?

Developed by a company named Intriguing Apps, Browser Guard is a rogue browser extension claiming to protect user-browsing by preventing malware and spyware infections.

Although this may seem a legitimate and useful browser plug-in, be aware that Browser Guard is categorized as a potentially unwanted application or adware since it employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional applications together with the chosen software) to install on Internet browsers without users' permission.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, Browser Guard generates numerous intrusive online advertisements such as banner, coupon, interstitial, pop-up, targeted video ads, and offers to download other rogue browser extensions considered to be adware.

There is a high probability that clicking advertisements generated by this potentially unwanted program (PUP) will lead to high-risk adware or malware infections.

What is Web Protect?

Created by Objectify Media, Inc., the Web Protect program promises to protect users' Internet browsing activity by delivering notifications regarding malicious or phishing websites. The Web Protect application is compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

While such functionality may seem legitimate, computer users should be aware that this program is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application. Developers of this program use a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', and therefore, most computer users install it inadvertently without their consent.

What is Vista Protection 2014?

Vista Protection 2014 is a fake antivirus program that originates from a family of rogue applications called Braviax/FakeRean. This fake software targets PCs running the Windows Vista operating system and infiltrates systems via detected security vulnerabilities. After infection, Vista Protection 2014 blocks execution of any software installed and disables the Task Manager.

Furthermore, the rogue program modifies operating system registry files and configures itself to automatically start on each system start-up. In fact, Vista Protection 2014 is merely an imitation of a genuine antivirus program - it holds no virus definition database nor any features found in legitimate computer protection suites.

What is SpeedCheck?

Created by Virtue Interactive Ltd, SpeedCheck is a rogue application that claims to install a desktop widget allowing users to observe their Internet speed. On initial inspection, this functionality might seem legitimate and useful, however, be aware that SpeedCheck is considered to be adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

These associations are made due to a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' employed by SpeedCheck to install on Internet browsers without users' permission.

Bundling is a way to stealthily distribute applications together with other software, and therefore, most users inadvertently install SpeedCheck during download of free software from freeware download websites.

After successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, SpeedCheck generates numerous intrusive online advertisements including pop-up, pop-under, in-text, banner, and display ads. Clicking these advertisements is likely to cause high-risk adware or malware infections.