ICQ virus (Removal Instructions) - updated Jan 2018

ICQ virus Removal Guide

What is ICQ virus?

ICQ virus tries to trick users into clicking on the malicious link

An example of the message sent by ICQ virus

ICQ virus operates inside the legitimate ICQ platform as a fraudulent message with an infected URL. Once the user clicks on it, he or she is redirected to less than reliable websites, named JokeBox and JokeWorld. Unfortunately, this malware[1] tends to hijack its victim's ICQ account and send the same malicious message to the contact list. This way it keeps spreading around the globe.

Please, stay away from these sites as it is known that they have been used for spreading malware. Besides, when dealing with ICQ virus, you can run into another scenario – you can easily download a malicious Trojan horse[2]. That's because this fraudulent link can also work as a malicious installer. Note that programs with Trojan-like features can let other dangerous programs inside your system.

As a result, you can not only find out that your ICQ program is hijacked and each of your contacts received the same misleading message that you were dealing with. You can also discover unseen applications on your computer that can be used for initiating unwanted and malicious activities. Such malware can easily trick you into purchasing non-existent security tools or may also steal your personal information, such as banking data, passwords and other login details.

The illustration of ICQ virusICQ virus delivers deceptive messages with an infected link, which leads to suspicious websites — Jokebox or Jokeworld.

Finally, keep in mind that this virus can also be used to block legitimate software and try to prevent its removal from the system. After testing it, we must say that this virus is similar to Skype virus and other malware that have been discovered some time ago.

If you think that you are infected with this cyber threat, you should run a full system scan with updated anti-spyware without any delay. For that, we highly recommend using FortectIntego or other reputable security tools. It will help you remove ICQ virus right away without any complicated tasks.

After ICQ virus removal, we suggest you to always keep your security software updated. This will prevent the infiltration of other high-risk computer infections which target to exploit system vulnerabilities and damage the computer or swindle money from you.

Clicking on suspicious links online might infiltrate the virus

Since this malicious program spreads inside the legitimate ICQ program as a fraudulent link, there is no other way to protect your system rather than pay close attention and learn how to recognize attempts to infiltrate malware. Security experts from DieViren.de[3] suggest you follow these steps if you want to avoid ICQ virus:

  1. Use a professional anti-virus software at all times;
  2. Update the anti-malware tool regularly;
  3. Keep your OS and ICQ program up-to-date as well;
  4. NEVER click on links which are sent by unknown senders;
  5. Avoid adding people you don't know to your friend list;
  6. Keep away from shady websites which might be malware-laden;
  7. Do NOT click on commercial content online, including ads, pop-ups, banners, etc.

Learn how to stop ICQ virus from spreading

If you have recently received the indicated message, it is important that you would not click on it. This will help you to save your friends from getting the same malicious link and infecting their systems. However, this will only temporarily remove ICQ virus.

Later, and in case you have clicked on the infected URL, get a robust security software an scan your computer. It should complete ICQ virus removal and clean your computer from other potentially unwanted programs. We recommend using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes. They will save your time and protect your system from future cyber infections.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

How to prevent from getting malware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

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References
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