YAC (Removal Guide) - Jul 2017 update

YAC Removal Guide

What is YAC?

What is YAC: the true colors of the security program

Screenshot of YAC

YAC (Yet Another Cleaner) is security software and PC optimization tool created by Elex do Brasil Participações Ltda Technology Inc. However, security experts agree that this program is not the right choice to protect your PC from cyber threats. Due to the negative features, it is known as potentially unwanted program (PUP).

No matter how harmless it looks, beware that it has initiated lots of various discussions on the web and even earned the name of YAC virus. While we can't say that this is a malicious program,[1] which is not capable of detecting viruses, you should be very careful with it because it has been linked not only to fair activity.

After installing YAC another cleaner, on your computer, you may discover that it's impossible to uninstall it and you may even need to install another security software for that. Also, it seems that it travels around in a bundle with other applications, so you should definitely monitor its installation process.

Otherwise, you may discover that your computer was hijacked by MyPC backup, Search.yac.mx, isafe yac, and other potentially unwanted programs. As soon as these programs enter computers, they may initiate various system settings and then may start causing unwanted activities. For example, redirects, slow downs, pop-up ads, etc.

Unfortunately, but this is not the end. After checking the Terms of use of YAC antivirus, we managed to find such sentence:

Affiliation with anti-spyware and anti-malware companies: Malwarebytes (Malwarebytes Antimalware), PC Tools (Spyware Doctor), Enigma Software (SpyHunter 4), SUPERantispyware (Superantispyware), SurfRight B.V. (Hitman Pro).

We are almost sure that these anti-virus and anti-spyware developers have no idea about this “affiliation.” If you want to stay safe and avoid all kinds of viruses, you should simply select one of these programs and install it on your computer.

What is more, Malwarebytes Labs announced on their blog[2] that YAC anti malware might have borrowed their security software’s interface and detection database. Soon after company’s announcement, OPSWAT[3] started investigating the issue and decided to remove their certificate for his suspicious tool.

Therefore, you should not install this security software to your computer. However, if you already did it, you should remove YAC right now. The easiest way to do that is with the help of FortectIntego. As you can see, this tool is questionable and only mimics reliable antivirus.

Nevertheless, you can get rid of this program manually as well; computer users report having issues with YAC uninstall. In order to help you, we have prepared manual removal guidelines at the end of the article.

After YAC removal we recommend obtaining a reliable security tool that can actually protect your device from malware, ransomware,[4] and data-stealing Trojans. Before choosing the right program, you should do a little research and read user’s reviews.

The screenshot of Yet Another CleanerYet Another Cleaner is a questionable security software that should not be used for computer's protection.

Security program might be promoted in software bundles

YAC had an official website that offered to download the program directly. However, the domain is currently unavailable. However, the program continues spreading in other ways:

  • file-sharing sites, such as Softpedia or Cnet;
  • software bundles.

Installing this program from third-party sites might end up with surprises. This program may also download Search.yac.mx search engine, which may additionally try to modify your system's settings and then may start causing redirects to affiliate websites, annoying pop-up ads and other issues on your computer.

However, YAC malware might get inside the computer without asking direct user’s permission. In this case, helps software marketing method called bundling. The program might be offered as an optional download in freeware or shareware packages. In order to avoid infiltration of this and similar programs, you should:

  • opt for Advanced/Custom instead of Quick/Recommended installation settings,
  • read the Privacy Policy and EULA,
  • unmark pre-selected programs and agreements.

According to researchers from UdenVirus,[5] paying proper attention to software installation can also minimize the risk of infiltration of spyware and malware. Thus, being careful with this procedure protects your computer and privacy.

Explaining how to remove YAC from the PC

YAC removal can be performed either automatically or manually. The first option is easier. It requires obtaining reputable malware removal program and running a full system scan. If you are interested in this elimination option, we suggest using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

Additionally, you can remove YAC manually by following these steps:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

  1. Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. Here, look for Yet Another Cleaner, PC Backup, YAC Search, iSafe or any other recently installed suspicious program.
  3. Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.

Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10

  1. Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
  2. Here, look for Yet Another Cleaner, PC Backup, YAC Search, iSafe or any other recently installed suspicious program.
  3. Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
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 system tools

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.

About the author
Olivia Morelli
Olivia Morelli - Ransomware analyst

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References
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