How to remove Goo.gl virus

Goo.gl is a known URL shortening service that might be exploited by criminals

Goo.gl is a popular link shortening service developed by Google. The ability to shorten the link and hide the real URL is really appreciated by cybercriminals who have been already noticed spreading malicious links via Skype, Facebook, and Twitter. Clicking on such a link leads to the infiltration of malware. If you cannot notice such consequences, your device gets damaged and various functions fail. The malicious program can damage system files and lead to issues with the performance quality, speed of the computer. There are no symptoms that could be seen and indicate the infection, so running the anti-malware tool for checking the state of your machine is advisable. If you keep doing so, you can find intruders before the damage is done and remove threats avoiding major malware installations.

The so-called Goo.gl virus is a trojan horse that is typically spread via malicious links via popular social networks. Malware spreads with the help of compromised accounts. Therefore, a potential victim receives a dangerous link sent from her or his contact.

Criminals use social engineering techniques to trick users into clicking a malicious Goo.gl link which typically redirects to a malware-laden website that triggers a download of the trojan horse which might be responsible for performing these activities on the affected device:

• install ransomware;
• install adware or other potentially unwanted programs;
• connect your PC into a botnet;
• turn your computer into a spamming machine;
• use your computer for spreading malware;
• mine Bitcoins, Monero, or other cryptocurrencies;
• steal personal information, including passwords, credit card information, etc.;
• perform other criminal activities.

To perform these activities malware might use lots of computer resources. Hence, the first sign of the infection is sluggish computer performance. Additionally, you might lose access to your files, receive lots of ads while browsing the web, etc. If you can recognize these symptoms after clicking a malicious link, you might need to remove the virus.

Tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can detect threats, remove them from your machine, and control other, possibly related pieces. Goo.gl virus removal should be performed with reputable and powerful anti-malware software to make sure that all malicious components are wiped out entirely. For this task, we highly recommend using a PC optimizer or repair software.

Skype Goo.gl virus spread links that download malicious files

Criminals took advantage of service in a couple of versions of Skype virus. The virus spread links via Skype messages on behalf of the user. Typically, these messages include a weird text or emoji followed with a shortened link, for instance:

• haha you wouldn’t believe it http://goo[.]gl/lLGdM?foto=user
• http://e.4shared[.]com/linkerror.jsp?ed=63617573653d333034666e756c6c5f6f725f64656c

Additionally, the virus version on Skype might also inform you about the discovered picture or video of you.^[1] Though it’s a clever social engineering technique that triggers curiosity and the user’s willingness to click the link and see what photo may have been taken of her or him.

However, the malicious links usually lead to a suspicious file-sharing website that might automatically download .zip folder that contains malicious software. However, some reports tell that these links installed unknown .exe files as well.

These files are designed to launch malware installation and execution procedures on the affected system. If you clicked on a suspicious link or your contacts reported receiving questionable links sent from your account, you should check your computer immediately with a reputable anti-malware software and remove Goo.gl Skype virus from the device. Additionally, changing your Skype password is needed too.

The Facebook virus can spread via rogue applications and private messages

Malicious Goo.gl links have been spreading on the world’s largest social network at least since 2011. This version of the Facebook virus might spread via rogue applications and private messages. Typically the shortened link is followed by an intriguing message or comment.

The message received via Messenger might ask you to watch a video or picture of yourself. However, clicking the link redirects to a malicious website that asks to install a JavaScript or Flash updated necessary for playing the video. However, in this way, users let malware on their devices which can compromise their security.

Meanwhile, compromised apps might pretend to be news site apps that deliver shocking news about murdered people or click-bite headlines about celebrities.^[2] Several years ago, the Goo.gl Facebook virus was spreading fake apps that allowed seeing profile viewers or “stalkers.” However, you should stay away from the applications that give extended features of Facebook that are not originally created by the company.

Malicious Goo.gl links spread on Twitter too

In 2010, the first reports about this virus appeared.^[3] Back then malware spread on a mobile version of Twitter via malicious shortened links:

• http://goo[.]gl/od0az
• http://goo[.]gl/R7f68 but there’s a good

However, other obfuscated links were spotted during the time as well. For instance, one of the versions of the Twitter virus was spreading fake antivirus work. The obfuscated link redirected to a rough antivirus program download site.

When the malware was dropped on the system, the malicious link was continued spreading on the social network. Goo.gl Twitter virus not only can perform various activities on the affected machine but compromises account. Therefore, the malicious link spreads like a chain reaction and can be stopped only after the virus removal and Twitter password reset.

Tips to avoid the virus

We have already explained that malware spreads with the help of shortened links. It might seem that it’s hard to identify safe and insecure links. However, you can always check it with online scanners if you are confused. Though, in most cases, you can suspect that the link is dangerous if:

• you received a link from the contact you have never spoken before, or you are not close;
• the message includes only emoji and the link;
• the message tells about the video or picture of you;
• the message has other shocking elements.

Security specialists from semvirus.pt^[4] also suggests asking the sender to confirm that she or he sent the link. Usually, users are not aware that their accounts are compromised. Hence, you will not only protect yourself from a malware attack but also will help a person to learn about the cyber infection.

Delete the virus from your computer and protect your social networks accounts

To remove the virus from the device, you have to scan the system with reputable anti-malware software, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. It’s unknown what malware was installed on your PC once you clicked on the malicious link. Therefore, a full system scan with antivirus is a must to wipe out all cyber threats.

After automatic Goo.gl removal, you have to change Facebook, Skype, Twitter, and other account passwords. It helps to protect your sensitive information if malware stole some of the credentials. As for damaged system files, FortectIntego should help you solve those issues.