Fortnite virus (Virus Removal Instructions) - Jul 2018 update
Fortnite virus Removal Guide
What is Fortnite virus?
Fortnite virus — a malicious application that claims to generate free in-game currency for a popular video game
The Fortnite virus is malware[1] that was created due to the popularity of Fortnite video game. Allegedly, users are offered a free V-bucks (an in-game currency) generation, as well as the aim-bot which would help players to gain an unfair advantage. Nevertheless, this is merely a trick used by cybercriminals to make users install the malicious app. Its functionality can range from obnoxious advertisement to a perfectly designed spyware tool, capable of stealing sensitive data. The newest version The Fortnite virus was most recently spotted by security researchers[2] as a fake V-bucks generator and was aimed at French-speaking users. The malware seems to be distributed via malicious spam emails or is offered directly on a popular communicating software Discord.
| Name | Fortnite virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Malware |
| Similar to | Adware-type infection |
| File | Fortnite V-bucks Generator.exe |
| Distribution | Deceptive ads, software bundling, spam emails, malicious websites |
| Symptoms | Displays advertisements, redirects to affiliated sites, steals sensitive data |
| Removal | Uninstall Fortnite virus with FortectIntego |
The popularity of Fortnite game this year raised attention in multiple fields. Gamers often check for cheating applications, and cybercriminals use this tendency for their gain. It didn't take long until 78 000 users installed malware via V-bucks app. Fortnite malware is promoted as an application for the PC game that has features of gaining an advantage in a game itself:
- Auto-aim feature;
- Free Fortnite in-game currency (V-bucks) generator.
These features help trick dishonest players into downloading and installing the cheating app. Although, once installed Fortnite virus provides nothing that is supposed to. Instead, the program installs a root certificate and allows modifying Windows proxy settings. Likewise, users can encounter problems when trying to eliminate this deceptive cyber threat.
Also, Fortnite virus has features similar to adware-type infection. In other terms, it is designed to flood the computer with never-ending advertisements which can appear in various forms, including:
- In-texts;
- Pop-ups;
- Banners;
- Hyperlinks.
This commercial content often can redirect the user to affiliated sites from sponsors. Promoted pages can display questionable advertisements and even one click on them might result in dangerous computer infections. Therefore, users are not only advised to stay away from attractive ads but also get rid of Fortnite virus to avoid further cyber threats.
Furthermore, there is a strong risk that this ad-supported program can trick you into installing more game cheating software which would leave more damage on your system. This program is nothing more than a threat to your PC's security, so you should remove Fortnite virus from your computer until you are lured into installing more potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Apps and tools like this are designed to deliver intrusive advertisements, and all allegedly useful features are fake. Also, the virus file “Fortnite V-bucks Generator.exe” can be found in Task manager as working in the background. This activity can negatively affect the performance of your PC. Scan your system with FortectIntego and check for possible threats.
Fortnite virus removal is essential because adware-type programs can collect information from the user. These intruders can access data about your online search results and preferences or information about an internet provider, the browser you using or even IP address[3] and location. This information might be shared with third-party companies.
Another version of V-bucks generator emerged in late July 2018
Fortnite has tremendous popularity and contains a playerbase of 125 million[4] users. It is not surprising that quite a big chunk of those people would be keen to cheat, and cybercriminals are well aware of that. That is why V-bucks generators and aim-helpers are often released, relying on unfair users to download and install them. Nevertheless, users who want to gain an unfair advantage end up victims themselves – they install malware instead of the promised in-game functionality.
The latest Fortnite virus was discovered at the end of July 2018 and was aimed at French-speaking individuals. The fake Fortnite hacking tool seems to be spread via Discord or inserted into spam emails as an attachment. The author of the malicious program appears to be somebody by the name of Pierre Cadiet, and it seems like he failed to hide his tracks well, as researchers discovered his profile on Gokano website.
Users also noticed that the fake message on Discord comes with various French language mistakes, making the phishing attempt less believable. Nevertheless, users should stay alert and not fall into an easy trap.
Advertisements for fake apps help spread malware
Developer for this phony app promote their products as useful tools, and deceptive advertisements help to spread malware. These ads usually delivered by the same adware-type program which causes redirects. Also, it might be delivered via software bundling, when people choose Default or Quick installation options.
Researchers[5] know that many users are not paying enough attention while browsing the internet and getting freeware or software updates. This might be dangerous. Selecting Advanced or Custom options can unpack those bundles, and this allows you to de-select unwanted programs. Various programs can come without your knowledge if you skip through steps.
Terminate Fortnite virus and get rid of intrusive redirects
To remove Fortnite virus, you should check your whole system for adware-related programs. You can do that with reputable antivirus tools. Since advertisements can distribute other unwanted programs using this method can detect and delete them all.
Fortnite virus removal while using proper tools is relatively easy if you pay attention and have time. We also advise you to keep your anti-spyware and anti-virus software up and running. Also, do not forget to update your tools in time. You can avoid annoying advertising activity if you take precautionary security measures.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Fortnite virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall programs which might be related to Fortnite virus as shown below. This guide is designed for Windows users.
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Fortnite registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting malware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Margaret Rouse. What is malware?. Techtarget. Search security education.
- ^ MalwareHunterTeam. Another fake @FortniteGame hacking tool. Twitter. The social network.
- ^ IP address. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ How Many People Play Fortnite?. Market Mogul. Marketing blog.
- ^ Dieviren. Dieviren. Security news.