Pacific NorthWest Computers: DefaultTab

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Browser Redirect Virus Fix! Search Conduit, DefaultTab, MyWay Web Search, Etc.

The majority of computers coming in with virus infections all have browser hi-jacks and other browser-related malware infections. A browser hijacker is something installed onto a computer system and attaches to an internet browser to change internet browser settings; such as the home page and default search engine. This causes the now infected internet browsers to start up using their search bar or their search engine OR even just redirect you to where they want you to go. This type of infection can generate browser pop-ups while you’re surfing the internet, slow the computer's overall performance as well as lead to further and more severe virus and infection issues!

As with a vast MAJORITY of BHO's (browser helper objects such as toolbars), most use unethical practices and are utilized by ethical and unethical third parties, including cybercriminals and scam artists, to generate revenue through sites tied they are working for/partnered with as well as other third-party domains and advertising based search services.

Products and software associated with the browser redirection infections:

Activeris AntiMalware
Ado System Protect
AnyProtect
Any Send
AssetsManager
Babylon Toolbar
BFlix Toolbar and TheBFlix
BlockandSurf
Boost Shopping
Browser Guard
Browser Protector
BrowserRedirector
Bubble Sound
Chromium (Dregal)
CinemaPlus vX.X
Conduit
Consumer Input Firefox Extension
Coupoon (two 'oo')
CrossBrowse
DefaultTab
Delta Toolbar
Dregal (Chromium)
Driver Pro
Driver Restore
Driver Updater (No Publisher/Specifics)
File Type Assistant
FLV Runner Toolbar
Free Ride Games Player
Games Desktop vX.X
GeniusBox
HashBrat
IdleCrawler
IE Web Protect
IE Web Protect Plus
Linkey
Linksicle
MapsGalaxy Toolbar (and other random/various related 'MapGalaxy' products)
MediaPlayerEnhance
MixiDJ
Mobogenie
MyPC Backup
MyWayWeb Search Toolbar
NewPlayer
Optimizer Pro vx.x
OneSoftPerDay
Pasta Leads
PC Fix Speed vx.x.x
Plus-HD-x.x
PC Optimizer Pro
PC Pro Cleaner
Powerful Browse
QuickRef
Remote Desktop Access (No Publisher/Specifics)
Search Conduit
Search Protect
Search Results LLC
Shop To win
Shopper Pro
Shoperz
SmartWeb
Software Updater (No Publisher/Specifics)
Software Version Updater (No Publisher/Specifics)
Special Savings
Unico Browser
Wajam
Web Companion
WebProtector
Web Protect for Windows
WiseCare 365
Yontoo
Yontoo Layers
YTDownloader

Removal Process:
1st Step
Uninstall all programs listed (and any others "odd" programs that have a similar install date) through "Programs and Features" aka "Add/Remove Programs" found through your computer's control panel.

2nd Step
Download and install MalwareByte’s Antimalware and Spybot Search and Destroy (1.6.2) to use in conjunction with your antivirus to run full virus scans on your computer! Remove (or at least quarantine) anything that the programs identify!
*If you don't have a current anti-virus we recommend one of the following AntiVirus titles; Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast! Antivirus or Bitdefender Free.

3rd Step
In all of your web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, etc) you want to examine all installed add-ons and extensions. Remove anything that is related to the software programs listed above. Additionally, you can use ADWCleaner and JRT to get even further "under the hood" to make sure all of your web browsers are clean from Adware and Browser Hi-Jack software.

4th Step (EXTRA)
Download and run TDSKiller from Kaspersky Labs to check your systems for any types of rootkit infections.

For direct download links to the software listed above, visit "Pacific NorthWest Computers' Links and Recommended Software" blog post:
http://pnwcomputers.blogspot.com/2013/06/pnw-computers-links-and-recommended.html

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Browser Redirect Virus Fix! Search Conduit, DefaultTab, MyWay Web Search, Etc.

Further Reading/Related Articles: