BatBitRst is highly evasive as well as one of the more serious adware infections that might also install crymptominer on the system
BatBitRst is a malicious adware program that that installs a variety of browser extensions, serves intrusive ads, and changes the web browser, along with system settings. While most of the ad-supported applications[1] are relatively easily terminated and do not pose a great danger, this threat can cause havoc on users' computers.
The reason why BatBitRst adware should be treated more like malware is that it installs a process called setupft.exe to help it perform system changes. However, the main goal of the threat is to induce a variety of sponsored content into users' web browsers, just like FileTour and ScriptGate Chrome extensions that are closely related.
Nevertheless, due to implementation of new scheduled tasks and the installation of such dangerous malware like BitCoinMiner, BatBitRst removal might be complicated, although we will try to help you with the process in this article.
| Name | BatBitRst |
| Type | Adware/malware |
| Also known as | BatBitRst adware, Adware.Mail.Ru.BatBitRst |
| Related | FileTour extension, ScriptGate extension, setupft.exe process |
| Infiltration methods | Bundled software, torrent sites and clients, third-party sites |
| Symptoms | Intrusive ads and redirects, the appearance of new shortcuts/browser extensions and processes, slowdown of the machine, increased usage of CPU or other resources, software or system crashes, etc. |
| Risks | Money loss, installation of other malware, sensitive data exposure to cybercriminals, etc. |
| Termination | The best way to delete BatBitRst adware is by using reputable security software like FortectIntego |
Adware.Mail.Ru.BatBitRst is mostly delivered through software bundling – this technique relies on users who do not pay attention to the installation procedure of freeware/shareware. Additionally, users visiting and downloading apps from Peer-to-peer networks have a higher chance of infection.
Unlike regular adware which modifies web browser settings of Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and other browsers, BatBitRst virus engages in more significant alternations to the system, such as:
- spawning new shortcuts;
- creating new scheduled tasks;
- preventing users from visiting security-related websites;
- crashing the system with BSoD;[2]
- installing further components like BitCoinMiner – a type of malware that abuses CPU power to mine cryptocurrency for criminals illegally.
Do not forget, however, that the primary goal of BatBitRst is to expose computer owners to pop-ups, redirects, deals, banners, flashing windows, in-text links, and other commercial content. This activity guarantees increased traffic to predetermined domains and also artificially elevates the rankings of less trustworthy websites.
Another feature of Adware.Mail.Ru.BatBitRst is its ability to track its users. If you are infected with this adware, you browsing the history, links clicked, IP, ISP, sites visited and other details might be recorded, harvested and shared with third-parties. Besides, private information can be collected as well.
There is no doubt that you should remove BatBitRst as soon as possible, as the system modifications pose a significant danger to your computer, as well as your own privacy. Without terminating the malicious application, you might end up exposing such sensitive details to cyber criminals like login credentials, banking details, or other data. Finally, threat actors might take over your PC and install further malware, such as ransomware.[3]
To safely terminate BatBitRst adware, you will have to scan your device with reputable security software – and we recommend FortectIntego, although another powerful AV engine can be used as well. In some cases, you might have to enter Safe Mode with Networking in order to perform a system scan with anti-malware, as BatBitRst virus might compromise security software's operation in normal mode.
Pick your download sources for free applications carefully and do not rush the installation process
While most of the malware uses more sophisticated delivery methods like a botnet chain, exploit kits and others, this adware is usually placed on unsafe torrent or streaming third-party sites, although users might also install it together with other freeware or shareware.
Software bundling is a well-known delivery method for potentially unwanted programs, including adware. While it is one of the ways for freeware developers to monetize, they sometimes agree to add applications into their installers that are not particularly safe, although those people do not care much – they get money for each install. Nevertheless, some secondary applications might be the main payload in the first place, and the initial program might be just a disguise.
Therefore, carefully pick sources for your downloads and pay close attention to the installation of freeware/shareware. Always decline all the deals/offers, never click “Next” several times without looking, uncheck all the boxes, check for the important documents (ToS, Privacy Policy) and always opt for Advanced or Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones.
Perform a full system scan with anti-malware to delete BatBitRst adware
While manual BatBitRst removal is indeed possible, it might be just too complicated for regular users. For example, modified Windows system files like scheduled tasks or rooted applications that were installed by the virus might be incredibly persistent.
Therefore, we highly suggest installing a reputable security tool and scanning your device with it, as it can detect and eliminate all the components of the infection and altogether remove BatBitRst adware. In some cases, entering Safe Mode with Networking is recommended, as BatBitRst virus is known to tamper with security software or its related websites.
Finally, you should also reset all the installed browsers due to BatBitRst's ability to change web browser settings such as homepage and new tab functionality. Besides, a proper browser reset will also get rid of all the unwanted extensions and toolbars, including ScriptGate.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- 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:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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