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[Metallica]

Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is Win 8 Security System?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Win 8 Security System is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with Win 8 Security System?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:



You will find these icons on your desktop and in your taskbar:



And see these warnings:







How did Win 8 Security System get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was installed by a rootkit.
The rootkit will have to be dealt with before the removal of the rogue can be successful.

How do I remove Win 8 Security System?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application.

• Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
• Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
• At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
  
  
  • Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Then click Finish.
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
• Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
• Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Reboot your computer if prompted.
• When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of Win 8 Security System?

• No, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes Win 8 Security System completely.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the Win 8 Security System rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [f8cc7dbdb668c2ca.exe] C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Local Settings\Application Data\f8cc7dbdb668c2ca.exe

Note: the filename is random

Alterations made by the installer:

  File System
  ===============
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop
      Adds the file Buy Win 8 Security System.lnk"="19:51 31/08/12 1499 bytes
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Local Settings\Application Data
      Adds the file f8cc7dbdb668c2ca.exe"="20:40 30/08/12 624128 bytes
    Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\Win 8 Security System
      Adds the file Launch Win 8 Security System.lnk"="19:51 31/08/12 1479 bytes
      Adds the file Buy Win 8 Security System.lnk"="19:51 31/08/12 1511 bytes


  Registry
  ===============
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
      "f8cc7dbdb668c2ca.exe"="'C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Local Settings\Application Data\f8cc7dbdb668c2ca.exe'"

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.62.0.1300
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.08.31.10

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [administrator]

8/31/2012 7:54:35 PM
mbam-log-2012-08-31 (19-54-35).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 189316
Time elapsed: 2 minute(s), 49 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 1
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\Win 8 Security System (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Files Detected: 5
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{92FED1D0-1E79-4E11-85BD-BE5F2D4EE3DA}\RP20\A0018183.exe (Trojan.Phex.THAGen6) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\System Volume Information\_restore{92FED1D0-1E79-4E11-85BD-BE5F2D4EE3DA}\RP8\A0014642.exe (Rogue.K.CoolPC) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\Buy Win 8 Security System.lnk (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\Win 8 Security System\Buy Win 8 Security System.lnk (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Start Menu\Programs\Win 8 Security System\Launch Win 8 Security System.lnk (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(end)

As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):

• Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
• Malware Execution Prevention

Save yourself the hassle and get protected.