Jump to content

Welcome to Geeks to Go
Geeks to Go Welcome
Create Account Login to Account
Photo

Removal instructions for fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert

- - - - -

  • Please log in to reply
3 replies to this topic

#1
Metallica

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

  • GeekU Moderator
  • 33,101 posts
Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert 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 fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert?

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

Posted Image

As you can see it is designed to mimic the alerts produced by the real Microsoft Security Essentials.
Do not follow the Clean computer instructions or you will end up installing more malware.

How did fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one spreads from infected sites.

How do I remove fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert?

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 fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert?

  • No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert 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 fake Microsoft Security Essentials alert rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.


Posted Image

Posted Image

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:
C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Desktop\antispy.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [tmp] C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\defender.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\RunOnce: [trete] cmd /C del "C:\Documents and Settings\Metallica\Desktop\antispy.exe"

Note: the RunOnce entry depends on the location where the trojan came from and can vary widely.

Alterations made by the installer:
  File System
  ===============
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data
      Adds the file defender.exe"="09:05 24/08/10 277504 bytes

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

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware log:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 4586

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.5512

9/10/2010 9:24:32 AM
mbam-log-2010-09-10 (09-24-32).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 120860
Time elapsed: 23 minute(s), 50 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 1
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 1
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 1

Memory Processes Infected:
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\defender.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Unloaded process successfully.

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\tmp (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\defender.exe (Trojan.FakeAlert) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.


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.
  • 0

Advertisements


#2
dawnette

dawnette

    New Member

  • Member
  • Pip
  • 1 posts
I have a similar version , antivirus is, but it's not allowing access to the internet.. Now what. Every site I've checked tells me to download a program, I can't. Some tell me to go into specific files, again it's not letting me have access.
  • 0

#3
sari

sari

    GeekU Admin

  • Community Leader
  • 21,806 posts
  • MVP
Dawnette,

Please start a new topic here. Include a description of your problem, including the fact that you can't run anything. There are ways to get programs to run, and one of our malware experts will be able to help you with this issue. :D
  • 0

#4
police877

police877

    New Member

  • Member
  • Pip
  • 2 posts
thanks but I just deleted my admin account and created a new one so is my computer protected still?
  • 0




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

As Featured On:

featured
Malware Removal How to Guides Windows 7 System Building Download Files Register welcome

Never used a forum? Learn how.