Commondatastorage Googleapis virus (Removal Guide) - 2021 update
Commondatastorage Googleapis virus Removal Guide
What is Commondatastorage Googleapis virus?
Googleapis virus is a set of trojans that is being spread using legitimate Google service
Commondatastorage Googleapis virus is a program that comes from spam emails.
Googleapis virus is a scheme used by cybercriminals to spread trojans[1] and adware. Initially, Google APIs is a set of services that can be used by website developers to enhance their services and is legitimate. However, bad actors abuse this functionality for malicious deeds and employ it to spread viruses. The trojan is spread with the help of malicious messages sent from a host that is already infected. For example, a user can receive a message from a friend on Facebook, claiming that there is a video available to view. Unfortunately, as soon as the victim clicks on the link, he or she initiates the installation of Googleapis virus. Trojans are extremely dangerous to every individual because they can steal sensitive data like usernames/passwords, banking details, and similar. While malware does not typically show any signs or symptoms, users can notice occasional redirects to commondatastorage.googleapis.com on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or other browsers.
Name | Googleapis virus |
---|---|
Type | Trojan |
Symptoms | Error messages, blinking windows, general slowness of the device and high usage of CPU due to background processes |
Distribution | Software bundling, fake software, email attachments |
Main danger | Can download more harmful malware |
Elimination | Use FortectIntego for Commondatastorage Googleapis virus removal |
Besides sending out malicious links on social networks, Googleapis virus is also capable of changing browser settings. Because of this functionality, the trojan might resemble adware's features [2] – frequent redirects to suspicious sites and display of pop-up ads, beacons, in-text links, and other similar content. Additionally, victims of Googleapis virus might find several unwanted programs installed without their permission (including malware).
With the help of the Googleapis trojan, hackers are capable of taking remote control over the infected victim's machine. In such a case, hackers can perform any actions they want, for example:
- Install more malware, such as keylogger, ransomware, crypto-miners, etc.;
- Disable certain system processes;
- Use the camera;
- Take screenshots of the desktop;
- Steal personal information, etc.
Users who do not remove Googleapis virus from their PCs risk their personal data to be stolen and misused for such activities like illegal money transactions or even identity fraud. Besides, such threats like ransomware can result in complete personal file loss. Therefore, if you see links from commondatastorage.googleapis.com, you should be extremely cautious and scan your device with reputable security software.
You should proceed with Googleapis virus removal quickly, as dealing with such unwanted consequences as identity theft is not only inconvenient but also extremely dangerous. You should try to eliminate the threat manually as trojans usually make significant changes to the system that only IT specialists can revert. Therefore, use professional security software like FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner that can detect most of the malicious viruses.
Commondatastorage Googleapis is a trojan horse that attempts to spread malicious links to your Facebook friends.
Seemingly harmless actions might lead to malware infections
Trojans can come to targeted systems in various ways. One of the most common distribution methods is infected email attachments. Hackers employ bots to send out thousands of phishing emails that use well-known names (Amazon, Google, UPS, etc.) to disguise the malicious intent. Users are often prompted to open the attachment, and then allow the macro function to be run on the machine. If agreed, the malicious code is instantly run, and the device gets infected.
Sponsored content redirecting to malicious websites is not safe either. Always close down your browser instead of clicking on pop-up ads, regardless if they look legitimate. Besides, file-sharing and porn sites might be just as dangerous, so do not access them if you want to keep your computer safe.
Finally, we recommend installing reputable security software and keep it updated at all times. Additionally, make sure that real-time protection feature is on – this way you can avoid most of the viruses getting into your machine.
Users can receive malicious payload embedded into email attachment.
Terminate Googleapis virus using professional tools
To remove Googleapis virus, you should use certified anti-malware tools that are reliable. Researchers[3] advise using few tools so you can double-check if all malicious programs got deleted. FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner can be a great addition to your anti-virus programs (they do not conflict with anti-virus programs). These tools also can block, detect or remove malware, including trojans.
Commondatastorage Googleapis virus removal might be difficult, but it all depends on the damage the malware managed to cause during its reign. Nevertheless, trusted security software can revert the damage done and repair your system, allowing it to run normally again. Don't forget that the trojan might prevent anti-malware software from working properly. In such case, enter Safe Mode with Networking.
Getting rid of Commondatastorage Googleapis virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
To eliminate Commondatastorage Googleapis virus securely, enter Safe Mode with Networking:
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 Commondatastorage Googleapis using System Restore
Disable the virus 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 Commondatastorage Googleapis. 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 Commondatastorage Googleapis and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting trojans
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.