Hero-files.com is not a real download page and it might infect your PC with hijackers or malware
Hero-files.com is a dangerous website created by crooks to trick users into downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs)[1] or even malware. People may get infected by malicious browser extensions and experience erratic symptoms. The main settings of the browser, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine might change. Fraudsters can force people to use only selected channels for browsing which raises many user privacy and security concerns.
A PUA may also cause an increased amount of commercial content on the machine, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. The advertisements can be placed by rogue advertising networks[2] that lead users to other dangerous websites. Ultimately, this is just another bogus download page. It asks users to click on an unknown link that supposedly provides users with a file that they were looking for.
| NAME | Hero-files.com |
| TYPE | Phishing attempt; adware |
| SYMPTOMS | A page opens asking users to open an unknown URL to download a file |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites; deceptive ads; sneaky redirects; bundled software |
| DANGERS | Users may be tricked into downloading potentially unwanted programs or malware |
| ELIMINATION | Scan your machine with anti-malware tools |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use a maintenance tool FortectIntego to clear your browsers |
Distribution methods
Usually, fake “Downloader” sites, like Hero-files.com, and Alternatesearches.com appear when users browse through torrent sites,[3] peer-to-peer file-sharing, or freeware distribution platforms. Specifically, they open after clicking on deceptive ads, and fake “Download” or “Play” buttons.
Do not try to install “cracked” software[4] because the risk of infection is very high. You can never know if a program you want to download is safe or a disguised virus. Even though it might get costly, it is best to use official web stores and developer sites.
Apps that get listed on digital marketplaces go through an extensive review process. Besides you can choose from free alternatives. It is not worth it to risk damaging your operating system and losing important files to watch a movie for free or install pirated software.
The site may have also opened automatically without any user input. This can happen if there is adware – advertising-supported software hiding on the machine. It can cause an increased amount of commercial content without any user knowledge.
How to avoid fake “Download” buttons?
When you are browsing the web and see a big, flashy “Download Now” or “Your Download Is Ready” button and you are not sure if it is real, hover your mouse over it. You should see a glimpse of the URL that it would take you to at the bottom or top of the screen. If it does not appear to include the file name that you want to download, the button is probably fake.
The hidden dangers of cookies
Almost every website you visit and every browser plugin uses cookies[5] to track your online behavior. Cookies are small data files that can store data such as your IP address, geolocation, links you click on, things you purchase online, etc. Normally, this information is used to personalize the user experience.
However, we notice that more and more often they are used to monetize user activity. The collected data can be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. There have also been instances when cookies were hijacked and used for malicious purposes.
That is why we recommend clearing your browsers regularly. You may use a maintenance tool like FortectIntego that can perform this task automatically. This powerful software can also fix various system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, and registry issues which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Check your browser for unwanted extensions
Since you may be infected by a malicious browser plugin, find the list of extensions installed in your browser and remove them one by one to see if you notice any changes. You can follow the step-by-step instructions below:
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 the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
PUP distribution
If you completed the first steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you may have a PUP hiding in your system. PUAs are most often spread through freeware[6] distribution platforms. They include additional programs in the installers to monetize user activity. This method is known as software bundling and is very effective as most people rush through the installation process and skip all the steps.
If you want to avoid that in the future, always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the privacy policy and terms of use to find out what information will be collected and what the application will be allowed to do in your system. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any items that you think are suspicious or unrelated.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
The program that is causing settings changes could have any name or icon because crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools. If you are not sure what to do and you do not want to risk deleting the wrong files, we suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
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