Spyware Protect 2009 (Removal Guide) - virus
Spyware Protect 2009 Removal Guide
What is Spyware Protect 2009?
Spyware Protect 2009 is a scareware program that you should stay away from
Spyware Protect 2009 is a rogue anti-spyware application – fake spyware remover. Usually, users infect their systems with this rogue via Vundo or similar type trojans and viruses, although it can also spread via fake update prompts/deceptive pop-up ads encountered on malicious websites. To make matters worse, its presence might indicate that a Trojan is present on Windows OS.
The main goal of this program developers is to make users believe that their machines are infected with viruses. For that, they employ various pop-ups and notifications that show up on the screen on a regular basis. In other words, Spyware Protect 2009 is a scam that creates fake alerts to frighten users and make them purchase the full version of the app.
| Name | Spyware Protect 2009 |
| Type | Malware, rogue anti-spyware |
| Distribution | Social engineering campaigns, Trojans |
| Elimination | Follow the instructions below and scan the infected device with a legitimate anti-malware |
| System fix | If you noticed that your Windows system was damaged, fix it with an automatic solution FortectIntego |
Just like its sister program Antivirus Live, this fake security program performs a variety of changes on Windows it gets installed on. For example:
- Boots itself with every system launch;
- Modifies Windows registry and creates scheduled task to re-launch itself even after being terminated;
- Blocks access to certain internet websites, especially those that are related to security;
- Actively tries to avoid detection when some other anti-virus tools are installed, etc.
These functions are just a fraction of how this rogue can change the operation of your device. The worst part is that everything is done in the background, and you will only notice the result of its operation.
Once installed, malware would start delivering intrusive pop-ups and notifications, each of which would alert about the alleged infections found on the device. All of these are either flagging completely harmless registry entries or files, while others are straight-out fake infections. Besides, it may also show fake Blue Screen errors, trying to intimidate users even more.
In other words, all the information displayed by this malware is fake. By showing these fake results, cybercriminals behind the scam are trying to make users believe that their computers are badly damaged and that their personal information and computer security are at risk.
Example of a notification that you might see within your taskbar if you are infected with SpywareProtect 2009:
Windows Security alert
Windows reports that computer is infected. Antivirus software helps to protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. Click here for the scan you computer. Your system might be at risk now.
As evident, you should uninstall it as soon as possible, or your system will remain vulnerable to real cyberattacks. The best way to do that is by performing a full system scan with legitimate anti-malware, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Since the program can also manipulate web browsers, they should be reset and cleaned, as explained below. If you notice errors and system crashes after you uninstall the fake security tool, you should employ FortectIntego to fix Windows system damage caused by it.
Ways to avoid online scams and fake software
There is no way to protect yourself 100% from all the scams and malware lurking on the internet. However, your own actions do have a big impact on whether or not you will get infected with malware or get your personal information stolen. That being said, here are a few tips provided by security experts:
- Install a robust anti-malware software and keep it updated;
- Use additional security tools, such as ad-blockers and firewalls;
- Never believe strange prompts to update software, malware infection claims, surveys that give out incredible prizes, and similar scams;
- Do not open email attachments that ask you to enable macro function;
- Use strong passwords and never reuse them;
- When installing new software, always keep an eye on pre-ticked boxes, misplaced buttons, misleading offers, and similar tricks. Always opt for Advanced/Custom settings in order to see the full list of the programs that are about to be installed on your system. In many cases, avoiding Recommended/Quick setup is the only way to see optional components within the installer.
Perform Spyware Protect 2009 removal
Below you will find detailed instructions on how to uninstall programs from a Windows system. However, as already mentioned, SpywareProtect 2009 removal is not that simple, as many users claimed that it came back after they have uninstalled it, and malicious browser redirects continued.
Therefore, in order to stop this unwanted activity, you have to clean your web browsers accordingly – you can find the guide for each major browser below. Finally, you should also perform a full system scan with a powerful anti-malware tool to ensure that all the malicious files and malware leftovers are gone.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Spyware Protect 2009. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Spyware Protect 2009 registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting rogue antispyware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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