AdwCleaner (fake)
AdwCleaner (fake) Removal Guide
What is AdwCleaner (fake)?
What is AdwCleaner?
In fact, AdwCleaner is an adware cleaning tool that can be downloaded from ToolsLib or BleepingComputer.com for free. Unfortunately, security experts have recently found that the fake version of this app is actively distributed on the Internet. The fake AdwCleaner is digitally signed by 'WAT Software Rotterdam' and, despite legitimate and trustful look, is nothing more that a scam. Once inside, this scareware installs a fake AdwCleaner in C:\Users\\AppData\Local\6AdwCleaner.exe and installs itself on Windows startup. This way, it is enabled to relaunch every time when people reboot their computers. In contrast to its free and legitimate version, this rogue displays fake scans and delivers fake scan results with an intention to scare people and trick them into buying a 'licensed version' that costs a considerable amount of money ($59.99). If a rogue AdwCleaner infiltrates a computer, such and similar notifications may start to show up during people's browsing:
AdwCleaner – Your one stop solution for Adware
Upgrade to the full version now!
This is the trial version of AdwCleaner, it can only scan threats but cannnot remove them. To remove the found malware and clean your system, please buy the full version.
On Sale Now! Only $59,99 (Normal price: $89.99. Sale ending 2/14/2015. After purchase your serial number will be E-mailed to you, click here to enter it.
Do not fall for this trick because it's just a tactic that cyber criminals use in order to extort money from gullible people. If such AdwCleaner pop-ups have already started appearing on your PC, we highly recommend you to install a reputable anti-spyware, for example, FortectIntego and run a full system scan with it. In fact, the licensed version of this rogue is a legitimate AdwCleaner tool (created by Xplod) that is enclosed in the installer owned by scammers. Therefore, the most important thing is NOT to buy the offered license since that may lead not only to money loss but also to identity theft.
How can AdwCleaner hijack my computer?
People have to beware that AdwCleaner scareware is not the same tool that is owned by Xplode. It is digitally signed by a suspicious third-party company in order to appear legitimate and trustful. Unfortunately, it is set to deliver fake scan results trick people into paying money for a fake license in order to remove them. Don't forget that fake AdwCleaner redirects to a purchase website are caused by online scammers. The research has shown that this scam has already earned thousands of dollars for its creators because lots of people all around the world has already installed this rogue and bought the license. In order to stay away from such and similar scarewares, it's very important to pay attention when installing free software. Even though the program seems legitimate and has been downloaded from a reputable download source, it may be filled with 'optional downloads', such as AdwCleaner virus. Of course, there are a lot of tools similar to this app, including A-Secure 2015, Reimage, Easy Driver Pro, and many more. In order to prevent installing them, it's a must to select customized installation method (Advanced/Custom) and carefully monitor the entire installation process. By the way, such rogues as AdwCleaner may also be distributed via spam and fake update alerts. Therefore, be careful while surfing the net and avoid clicking suspicious-looking links and pop-ups. If you have already installed fake AdwCleaner, take needed actions and remove it from the system fully.
How to remove AdwCleaner virus?
Fortunately, it's not very difficult to delete AdwCleaner virus. For that, you will have to detect and uninstall the 6AdwCleaner.exe process in Task Manager to end the program. After that, you will have to delete the HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\AdwCleaner Registry key via Msconfig or Autoruns and then delete the C:\Users\\AppData\Local\6AdwCleaner.exe file. However, in order to eliminate fake AdwCleaner easier and guarantee that it's fully removed, we recommend using a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner.
How to prevent from getting adware
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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