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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Malware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Mar 2019

How to remove CCleaner (fake)

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

Fake CCleaner is a malicious application that seeks to spam users with ads, steal information or make them install other bloatware

Fake CCleaner virus

Fake CCleaner is a set of malicious programs that are designed to imitate the reputable software. Bad actors often create counterfeit versions of renowned applications that could benefit them via ad revenue, info-stealing, or other activities.  Since the original version of the app by Piriform Ltd enjoys its popularity among Internet users as a useful tool, scammers decided to use this opportunity and publish its malicious substitute. Since the title is the same, users might struggle to tell the difference. However, in case you recently installed the app and noticed some suspicious activity on your Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser, it is time to take care of Fake CCleaner removal.

Name Fake CCleaner
Type Malware
Activity Steals information, inserts a large amount of ads, etc.
OS affected Windows, Mac OS X, Android, iOS
Browsers affected Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.
Symptoms Might show no symptoms, although users spotted slowdowns of the device, program crashes, increased usage of computer resources, etc.
Removal Use anti-malware software or perform manual elimination by using our instructions below
Recovery To make sure that all the malicious components are deleted and the device is running normally, scan it with FortectIntego

Fake CCleaner virus is usually installed via unsafe third-party websites, although they can also be bundled with freeware or shareware. Therefore, it is vital to be attentive when installing new software from the internet – find more details on how to protect yourself against Fake CCleaner attacks below.

CCleaner  malware might display little to no symptoms, although some general ones include:

  • Slowdowns of the device;
  • Application crashes;
  • Redirects, pop-up ads, and other intrusive behavior;
  • Installation of other software without consent;
  • Increased usage of computer resources, etc.

Without a doubt, users should immediately remove Fake CCleaner from their devices. Due to lack of symptoms, it might not be easy to determine whether or not Android, iOS, macOS or Windows operating system is infected. Therefore, best practice would be to employ reputable security application to check for malware and PUPs on the machine.

In case the anti-virus program detected Fake CCleaner virus, or any other infection, eliminate it immediately and then scan your device with FortectIntego for best results.

Fake CCleaner

Fake CCleaner versions

CCleaner v5.3

The most notorious instance of massive infections of CCleaner v5.3 virus occurred back in March 2017, when hackers organized a massive operation that allowed them to hijack official website and distribute the malicious version of the app to more than 2.3 million users.[1] The malware was designed to harvest sensitive data from the infected users and send it to hacker-controlled Command & Control server.

Additionally, it was found that hackers managed to execute second-stage payload on 40 computers located in major companies, such as Google, Sony, HTC, Linksys, Intel, and others. Researchers believe that the malicious actors were working on the operation for a long time before they pulled it off.

IConnect CCleaner virus

Another one of Fake CCleaner variants comes from a company IConnect. The counterfeited program can be distinguished from the original version from its logo. Additionally,  when installed, this application shows false error messages encouraging you to call a specific number. Do not get deceived and do not dial that number since a scammer waits for credulous users at the other end of the line! After calling for these scammers, you can receive an enormous telephone bill.

Additionally, instead of helping you protect your system, scammers might fill your computer with additional malware instead, ask you to pay for bogus services they provided or make payment for useless subscriptions. Therefore, never trust error messages that display an alleged error message that prompts to call the tech support number.

In fact, it has been discovered that this malicious version of CCleaner is another example of ordinary Tech Support Scam,[2] where the latest its example is known as a fake Security warning. The essence of such fraud is to convince Internet users into thinking that their computers are infected with viruses and then encourage them to call a certain number. If they call it, they might get shocked after receiving an enormous bill from their telecommunication company. Moreover, the scammers might also offer to purchase additional fraudulent security programs.

Baidu Fake CCleaner version

Fake CCleaner on Baidu

According to Avast,[3] a security company that purchased CCleaner back in 2017, there is a new Fake CCleaner app in the wild, and it is targeting Chinese mainland users. It was first spotted on Baidu[4] (internet-related service company, very similar to Google) app store with a valid certificate that was leaked from previous versions.

The fake CCleaner 4.11.1 on Baidu does seem like a real version, apart from bad reviews and the incorrect categorization of “office learning utilities.” Another major difference is that the app has a different package name – com.star.ccleaner instead of com.piriform.com.

Once installed, the Fake CCleaner virus displays ads and then freezes, resulting in a very limited functionality of the tool. Also, users can spot pop-ups, deals, banners, offers, coupons and other intrusive content on their browsers even when the app is off. Researchers believe that this bogus variant is targeted towards China-only users.

Additionally, the Avast team found another two app stores that distribute this Fake CCleaner version – Tencent and 360. Both of the companies were contacted in order to remove Fake CCleaner from the official stores.

Ways fake applications get into users computers

CCleaner is distributed via free legitimate applications. However, it has been spotted that the installer of the fake version might also come along with the original version as an attachment. Most likely, it is due to secondary download sources. Since the majority of users tend to overlook the installation instructions, the add-ons which are already pre-marked get installed along with the primary program.

If you are interested in how you can prevent fake apps from entering your computer in the future, take note of this advice. Firstly, you should select the “Custom” installation rather than “Recommended” settings. Secondly, carefully uncheck the attachments if you find them irrelevant. If you think that you have been tricked and installed this scamware on your computer, you should perform the unwanted app removal without wasting your time. Also, don't forget to ignore its fake warning messages.

When it comes to fake apps on legitimate sites, please check the following before installing:

  • Check user reviews;
  • Validate the name of the publisher;
  • Check the certificate (although can be fabricated);
  • See the description and category;
  • Before proceeding with the installation, make sure that app is not asking for admin rights.

You can terminate Fake CCleaner by using security software

Though this program might be quite treacherous and malicious, removing it should not cause problems. There are two main ways you can initiate Fake CCleaner removal. You install a powerful anti-spyware program or make use of our manual guide below. It is designed not only to terminate malware but delete suspicious applications as well. Therefore, such a program is highly beneficial for any Internet user. 

You can also follow manual instructions provided below to remove Fake CCleaner as well. However, depending on the version of the bogus app, manual elimination might be almost impossible. In such a case, simply download a reputable security application and run a full scan on your device.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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