B-ok.org (spam) - Feb 2020 update
b-ok.org Removal Guide
What is b-ok.org?
B-ok.org is a site considered possibly dangerous because it can expose users to malicious material
The browser hijacker changes the appearance of the search engine and affects the results be delivering suspicious links.
B-ok.org is a service that offers to search and download digital books. However, just like many similar websites, this one might be distributing copyrighted material. Possessing such content might result in hefty fines or even jail time, although it all depends on the country you live in and laws on copyright.[1] Nevertheless, according to B-ok.org, users are offered 3.5 million books “for free.” However, when purchasing any material from the site, users are exposed to personal information tracking, such as payment data, contact details, name, etc. For that reason, we do not recommend using B-ok.org, B-ok.cc, B-ok.xyz, and similar variations.
Name | b-ok.org |
---|---|
Type | Book distribution site |
Distribution | The site can be visited on purpose or redirected via sponsored ads |
Dangers | Might expose to copyrighted material, record personal information and expose third-party links |
Tips to stay safe | Avoid illegal websites and use security apps like FortectIntego to protect you from malware |
The developer claims that the service can offer as many as 3.5 million books and 73.5 million articles for free. Nevertheless, users can also buy a paper book. Once clicked, the link redirects users to a Book Depository online bookseller, which is entirely legitimate. Additionally, users are offered to read the book online in PDF format.
B-ok.org offers a registration service that would allow users to purchase books and perform other actions. However, by doing so, users are forced to expose personal information such as name, address, and email address. Additionally, the site records IP addresses.
Authors warn that various links on the site might link users to third-party domains, which privacy policy of they are not responsible for:
In particular, remember that certain providers may be located in or have facilities that are located a different jurisdiction than either you or us. So if you elect to proceed with a transaction that involves the services of a third-party service provider, then your information may become subject to the laws of the jurisdiction(s) in which that service provider or its facilities are located <…> Links When you click on links on our store, they may direct you away from our site. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites and encourage you to read their privacy statements.
The potentially unwanted program tracks various details about your online activity.
Due to links that B-ok.org services provide, users might land on insecure websites, which may engage in illegal behavior, such as phishing[2] attempts, illegal software, hacked sites, and similar. These redirects may consequently result in malware infection, which should be avoided at all costs.
Talking about malware, we must warn you that the internet is not a safe place, and you should use tools to protect yourself. While there is no proof that downloaded material from the discussed site can result in cyber infections, it is unknown who and how uploads those files, so it is possible that some of the files may be malicious. For such reason, keep security software (we suggest SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes) installed on your device at all times.
Sites that distribute illegal material may be unsafe
B-ok.org authors ask for donations on the main website
Similar to torrent sites, digital book distribution sites may be unsafe due to poor regulations and questionable sources. Speaking from a security perspective, such sites can insert questionable advertisements, suspicious links, or even host infected files that can be disguised as a legitimate format file.
Therefore, to avoid unwanted software and malware infections, please follow these simple tips prepared by experts:
- Install reputable anti-malware software and keep it up to date;
- Scan every executable or another unknown file with the help of such tools like Virus Total;
- Beware of software bundling: pick Advanced installation settings and remove all the optional components before you finalize the process;
- Use a VPN;[3]
- Update your software regularly
- Use a password manager;
B-ok.org might lead viruses: here's how to delete them
As we mentioned in the previous section of the article, the usage of sites that provide pirated content might lead to cyber infections, such as adware, browser hijackers, or even malware. Because the range of B-ok.org viruses can be broad, we advise you use security software to make sure your device is safe.
You should be especially worried if your PC suffers from crashes or freezes, web browsers redirect to suspicious websites, CPU usage spikes when the computer is idle and similar. None of these symptoms should be ignored, as malware can cause severe damage to the system files, compromise installed applications, steal personal data, and perform other malicious tasks.
Getting rid of b-ok.org. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove b-ok.org using System Restore
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of b-ok.org. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from b-ok.org and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting system tools
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
- ^ Copyright infringement. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Phishing. Webopedia. Online Tech Dictionary.
- ^ The Internet Isn't Safe. That's Why You Need a VPN. WhatIsMyIPAddress.Online Privacy and Safety Experts.