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Removal instructions for SafeGuard

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Started by Metallica , Apr 24 2015 06:32 AM

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#1
Metallica
Posted 24 April 2015 - 06:32 AM

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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

What is SafeGuard?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that SafeGuard is adware. These adware applications display advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing.

How do I know if my computer is affected by SafeGuard?

You may see this entry in your list of installed programs:

warning4.png

and this warning during install:

main.png

and you may see this entry in your "Installed Apps":

icons.png

How did SafeGuard get on my computer?

Adware applications use different methods for distributing themselves. This particular one was promoted as a weather alert application.

How do I remove SafeGuard?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this potentially unwanted program.
  • Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  • Double-click mbam-setup-version.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
    • Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium
    • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • Then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, you will be prompted to download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Scan Now. Or select the Threat Scan from the Scan menu.
  • When the scan is complete, make sure that all Threats are selected, and click Remove Selected.
  • Restart your computer when prompted to do so.
Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of SafeGuard?
  • No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes SafeGuard completely.
How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application and this guide have helped you eradicate this hijacker.

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

protection1.png


Technical details for experts

You will see these signs in a HijackThis log:
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SafeGuard] "C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.exe"
O4 - Startup: SafeGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuard.exe
O23 - Service: SafeGuard Update Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardSrv.exe
O23 - Service: SGUpdaterSvc (SGUpdater) - Alerts LLC - C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SGUpdaterSvc.exe
Possible signs in FRST logs:
 HKLM-x32\...\Run: [SafeGuard] => C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.exe [1537552 2015-04-01] ()
 Startup: C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\SafeGuard.lnk [2015-04-24]
 ShortcutTarget: SafeGuard.lnk -> C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuard.exe (Alerts LLC)
 R2 SafeGuard Update Service; C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardSrv.exe [585744 2015-04-01] ()
 R2 SGUpdater; C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SGUpdaterSvc.exe [16392 2015-03-17] (Alerts LLC)
 () C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard
 () C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\SafeGuard
 () C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Alerts_LLC
 () C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard
 () C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard

SafeGuard (HKLM-x32\...\SafeGuard) (Version: 1.0.2.45 - SafeGuard)
Alterations made by the installer:
File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard
       Adds the file ICSharpCode.SharpZipLib.dll"="22-Nov-14 3:37 PM, 196608 bytes, A
       Adds the file SafeGuard.exe"="17-Mar-15 8:44 PM, 235000 bytes, A
       Adds the file SafeGuard.exe.config"="17-Mar-15 8:37 PM, 1727 bytes, A
       Adds the file SafeGuardApp.exe"="01-Apr-15 8:30 PM, 1537552 bytes, A
       Adds the file SafeGuardappuninstall.exe"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 98178 bytes, A
       Adds the file SafeGuardSrv.exe"="01-Apr-15 8:30 PM, 585744 bytes, A
       Adds the file sg-icon.gif"="17-Nov-14 11:03 PM, 1027 bytes, A
       Adds the file SGUpdaterSvc.exe"="17-Mar-15 8:44 PM, 16392 bytes, A
       Adds the file SGUpdaterSvc.exe.config"="22-Nov-14 3:37 PM, 184 bytes, A
       Adds the file uninstall.exe"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 86212 bytes, A
       Adds the file wx-icon.png"="17-Nov-14 11:03 PM, 969 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard
       Adds the file Uninstall SafeGuard.lnk"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 1190 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Alerts_LLC\SafeGuard.exe_Url_f5m53hnx3p524irce0kvdh2j2smgdiun\2.0.0.0
       Adds the file user.config"="24-Apr-15 1:05 PM, 1075 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\SafeGuard
       Adds the file SafeGuardApp.dat"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 3374 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard
       Adds the file SafeGuard.lnk"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 1043 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
       Adds the file SafeGuard.lnk"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 1061 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\SafeGuard
       Adds the file SafeGuardSrv.dat"="24-Apr-15 1:03 PM, 1762 bytes, A

Registry details [View: All details] (Selection)
------------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\{4D6A5312-AB4D-41AA-8BED-0E019B87CA11}]
       "LocalService"="REG_SZ", "SafeGuard Update Service"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\SafeGuard_RASAPI32]
       "ConsoleTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "EnableAutoFileTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "EnableConsoleTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "EnableFileTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "FileDirectory"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "%windir%\tracing"
       "FileTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "MaxFileSize"="REG_DWORD", 1048576
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\SafeGuard_RASMANCS]
       "ConsoleTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "EnableAutoFileTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "EnableConsoleTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "EnableFileTracing"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "FileDirectory"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "%windir%\tracing"
       "FileTracingMask"="REG_DWORD", -65536
       "MaxFileSize"="REG_DWORD", 1048576
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION]
       "SafeGuardApp.exe"="REG_DWORD", 65535
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
       "SafeGuard"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.exe""
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SafeGuard]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardappuninstall.exe"
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "SafeGuard"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "1.0.2.45"
       "EstimatedSize"="REG_DWORD", 700
       "InstallParams"="REG_SZ", " /S /S /distid=11159 /tpchannelid=internaltestinstall01 /install=1"
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "SafeGuard"
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardappuninstall.exe"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\SafeGuard]
       "GUID"="REG_SZ", "{0FC90C5C-72B9-449E-8AC8-7EDEA33DD13E}"
       "Installed"="REG_SZ", "1"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\SafeGuardApp]
       "Path"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SafeGuard Update Service]
       "DependOnService"="REG_MULTI_SZ, "RPCSS "
       "Description"="REG_SZ", "Keep your SafeGuard software up to date."
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "SafeGuard Update Service"
       "ErrorControl"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "FailureActions"="REG_BINARY, ......................
       "ImagePath"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, ""C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardSrv.exe""
       "ObjectName"="REG_SZ", "LocalSystem"
       "Start"="REG_DWORD", 2
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 16
       "WOW64"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SGUpdater]
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "SGUpdaterSvc"
       "ErrorControl"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "ImagePath"="REG_EXPAND_SZ, "C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SGUpdaterSvc.exe"
       "ObjectName"="REG_SZ", "LocalSystem"
       "Start"="REG_DWORD", 2
       "Type"="REG_DWORD", 16
       "WOW64"="REG_DWORD", 1
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SafeGuardApp]
       "appdata"="REG_BINARY, {"conf":"{\"brand_id\":\"165\",\"brand_name\":\"SafeGuard\",\"default_bundle_id\":\"7598617\",\"brand_fullname\":\"SafeGuard\",\"ad_url\":\"https://da.safeguardalerts00.safeguardalerts.com/desktopAdRequest.aspx\",\"report_url\":\"https://am.safeguardalerts00.safeguardalerts.com/event\",\"ad_request_interval\":180,\"first_ad_delay\":7200,\"ad_redirect_timeout\":4900,\"ad_request_timeout\":30,\"display_mode\":0,\"latest_ver\":\"1.0.0.0\",\"update_url\":\"\",\"ad_partner_id\":\"safeguard\",\"config_interval\":21600,\"ad_nav_expire\":180,\"ad_throttle\":{\"0\":0,\"5\":15},\"ad_width\":1025,\"ad_height\":770,\"accessible_path\":\"Chrome_WidgetWin_1`9,9,a,a,a,16,14,2a;9,9,9,a,14,14,2a;9,9,9,a,16,14,2a;9,9,a,14,14,16,14,a,2a||MozillaWindowClass`9,e,16,2e,2a;9,e,14,26,16,2e,2a;9,e,26,16,2e,2a||IEFrame`9,a,9,a,9,a,9,a,9,2a||{1C03B488-D53B-4a81-97F8-754559640193}`9,a,9,a,9,a,9,a,9,f,a,14,2a\",\"enable_cef\":1,\"cef_pkgurl\":\"https://assets.safeguardalerts00.safeguardalerts.com/packages/cbsetup/1426874490_cbsetup.pkg\",\"adlabel_url\":\"https://assets.safeguardalerts00.safeguardalerts.com/label?brandid=%d&cbmode=%d\",\"adlabel_popurl\":\"http://safeguardalerts.com\",\"telemetry_sample_rate\":0,\"ad_click_report_url\":\"https://da.safeguardalerts00.safeguardalerts.com/click\",\"uid\":\"12f72b7f94a8ba3cc5937e9ce72312d2ceb8f6c24580d63ea0fd5ad81dc5c23b\",\"server_params\":{\"install_id\":767578827,\"install_create_date\":\"2015-04-24T04:03:00\",\"bundle_id\":\"7598633\",\"sgf\":\"\",\"sgte\":\"\"}}","scookie":"","installarg":" /S /S /distid=11159 /tpchannelid=internaltestinstall01 ","cef_last_url":"","uid":"12f72b7f94a8ba3cc5937e9ce72312d2ceb8f6c24580d63ea0fd5ad81dc5c23b"}
       "uid"="REG_BINARY, 12f72b7f94a8ba3cc5937e9ce72312d2ceb8f6c24580d63ea0fd5ad81dc5c23b
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 24-Apr-15
Scan Time: 1:11:41 PM
Logfile: mbamSafeGuard.txt
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.01.4.1018
Malware Database: v2015.04.24.02
Rootkit Database: v2015.04.21.01
License: Free
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Disabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 8.1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: {username}

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 342965
Time Elapsed: 27 min, 57 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 4
PUP.Optional.Alerts.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.exe, 5088, Delete-on-Reboot, [560c541c35552c0a2e4f1a23d42efc04]
PUP.Optional.Alerts.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuard.exe, 4204, Delete-on-Reboot, [10523f31f8926cca4b32e15c04fe926e]
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardSrv.exe, 3948, Delete-on-Reboot, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35]
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SGUpdaterSvc.exe, 4844, Delete-on-Reboot, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35]

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 6
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\SafeGuard, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\SafeGuard Update Service, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\SGUpdater, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\SafeGuardApp, Quarantined, [5d052f415c2e979fd211eadb48bb34cc], 
PUP.Optional.IGS.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\IGS, Quarantined, [f36fc5ab07834beb558a045121e44fb1], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, HKCU\SOFTWARE\SafeGuardApp, Quarantined, [88daaac64f3bff37dd07ad1834cfff01], 

Registry Values: 2
PUP.Optional.Alerts.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\RUN|SafeGuard, "C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.exe", Quarantined, [560c541c35552c0a2e4f1a23d42efc04]
PUP.Optional.IGS.A, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\IGS|DisplayIcon, C:\Program Files (x86)\IGS\uninstall.exe, Quarantined, [f36fc5ab07834beb558a045121e44fb1]

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 7
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard, Quarantined, [2c36462ad0bafa3cb527eada6f9453ad], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard, Quarantined, [c39fc2ae5f2bb87ef19cf9ccb053c33d], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\SafeGuard, Quarantined, [550db1bf4446b383bd241ca96e95de22], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard, Delete-on-Reboot, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Alerts_LLC, Quarantined, [baa8c8a8d9b176c099e09230e3207888], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Alerts_LLC\SafeGuard.exe_Url_f5m53hnx3p524irce0kvdh2j2smgdiun, Quarantined, [baa8c8a8d9b176c099e09230e3207888], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Alerts_LLC\SafeGuard.exe_Url_f5m53hnx3p524irce0kvdh2j2smgdiun\2.0.0.0, Quarantined, [baa8c8a8d9b176c099e09230e3207888], 

Files: 17
PUP.Optional.Alerts.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [560c541c35552c0a2e4f1a23d42efc04], 
PUP.Optional.Alerts.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuard.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [10523f31f8926cca4b32e15c04fe926e], 
PUP.Optional.Alerts.A, C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\SafeGuardsetup.exe, Quarantined, [bca6e68ae4a6e25493eac07d33cf6799], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard\Uninstall SafeGuard.lnk, Quarantined, [2c36462ad0bafa3cb527eada6f9453ad], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\SafeGuard\SafeGuard.lnk, Quarantined, [c39fc2ae5f2bb87ef19cf9ccb053c33d], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\SafeGuard.lnk, Quarantined, [4b170b65f09af145be2251749b68b14f], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\SafeGuard\SafeGuardApp.dat, Quarantined, [550db1bf4446b383bd241ca96e95de22], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuard.exe.config, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\ICSharpCode.SharpZipLib.dll, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardappuninstall.exe, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SafeGuardSrv.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\sg-icon.gif, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SGUpdaterSvc.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\SGUpdaterSvc.exe.config, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\uninstall.exe, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeGuard\wx-icon.png, Quarantined, [293990e053373df99a4809bc12f1cb35], 
PUP.Optional.SafeGuard.A, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Alerts_LLC\SafeGuard.exe_Url_f5m53hnx3p524irce0kvdh2j2smgdiun\2.0.0.0\user.config, Quarantined, [baa8c8a8d9b176c099e09230e3207888], 

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(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.
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