How to remove HTML:Script-inf

HTML:Script-inf is a script that is hosted on the malicious sites to propagate malware

HTML:Script-inf is a generic detection used by multiple AV engines to describe a malicious script that is embedded into websites. Virus authors might hack these sites or specially craft them for malicious purposes. Thus, under certain conditions, if users visit such a compromised domain, they might unintentionally and without any warning install malware on their device. 

Virus can be related to a variety of activities, including data theft, keylogging, data-locking, etc. – its capabilities depend on what type of malware hackers host. Generally, such detection by anti-virus software does not mean that the visitor is infected; however, those who do not employ security measures might get infected with a nasty cyberthreat.

In some cases, the detection name might also represent a false positive – so that is something that should be investigated before files are quarantined or deleted from the computer. Additionally, some users claimed that their antivirus software does not stop showing popups on a regular basis without them visiting any websites. This behavior is typically web browser exclusive (for example, it only occurs when Google Chrome is used), which indicates that browser settings have been compromised and need to be reset.

HTML:Script-inf is basically a part of a drive-by-download or drive-by-install technique used by cybercriminals to install malware on users machines. For this scheme to work, certain conditions must be met, including:

• The host machine should hold a piece of software that has an embedded vulnerability;^[1]
• The user should visit the compromised website for the script to download malicious payload.

Once those two conditions are met, a virus is downloaded and populated on the user's computer. The only way to remove malware is by using sophisticated anti-virus scanners. Note that some infections, like adware or browser hijackers, can be terminated without security software. However, drive-by-download technique is used to install much more severe threats on devices.

Some users complained that their antivirus is constantly blocking a variety of websites and showing the popup upon entry. This means that the infection is already present on the device, and malware managed to save malicious files on the host machine. In such a case removal should be performed as soon as possible.

Generally, those who employ reputable security software can avoid any threats related to HTML:Script-inf virus. Therefore, you need to make sure that your machine is protected from malicious scripts, as they can be embedded into legitimate sites by cybercriminals (one of such compromised sites was cruisecritic.com).^[2] If your device has been compromised, you need to detect and eliminate malware. After that, experts^[3] recommend using software that can fix virus damage, such as FortectIntego.

Precautionary measures to avoid malware on the internet

Malware usually does not emit any infection symptoms, as hackers want to make sure that the malicious payload can stay on the device as long as possible and execute what it's been programmed to do. For example, a compromised device might record every keystroke performed by the victim, recording such data as emails, banking details, passwords, etc. Without a doubt, such activity is extremely dangerous for the user.

Due to malware's stealthy behavior, the threat might be present on the machine for weeks or even months before it is detected. Thus, it is best to avoid cyber infections altogether, and make sure the precautionary measures are used:

• Employ reliable security software that can block malicious scripts on websites and protect you from most already-known viruses;
• Update your system and software with security patches as soon as they become available;
• Do not download and install applications that might compromise your browser and lead to malicious sites;
• When installing freeware or shareware, make sure you pick Advanced/Custom installation settings to avoid adware and other PUPs;
• Use ad-block for all sites (but don't forget to make exclusions for domains you want to support);
• If you are downloading high-risk files (executables, obfuscated files, etc.), make sure you scan them with tools like Virus Total before opening.

Terminate malware with the help of reputable security software

To remove a virus, you will have to use professional security software. There are plenty on the market available, but be aware that detection rate might vary from tool to tool, depending on what type of malware was injected into your device. Thus, a scan of several AV engines might be needed until the threat is detected and eliminated.

In some cases, the virus might interfere with security software and prevent it from working correctly. In such a case, you should enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform a full scan from there.

If the detection is recurring, you might have to take additional steps to perform a full HTML:Script-inf removal. Here's what you should try:

1. Update your operating system, security application, and the web browser affected;
2. Reset your browser;
3. Delete contents in C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google;
4. Reset Google Chrome Sync;
5. Uninstall all suspicious programs as per instructions below.