HTML:Script-inf (Free Instructions) - May 2021 update
HTML:Script-inf Removal Guide
What is HTML:Script-inf?
HTML:Script-inf is a script that is hosted on the malicious sites to propagate malware
A name used by multiple AV engines to describe a malicious script loaded onto a compromised website
HTML:Script-inf is a generic detection used by multiple AV engines to describe a malicious script that is embedded into websites. Virus authors might hack these sites or specially craft them for malicious purposes. Thus, under certain conditions, if users visit such a compromised domain, they might unintentionally and without any warning install malware on their device.
Virus can be related to a variety of activities, including data theft, keylogging, data-locking, etc. – its capabilities depend on what type of malware hackers host. Generally, such detection by anti-virus software does not mean that the visitor is infected; however, those who do not employ security measures might get infected with a nasty cyberthreat.
In some cases, the detection name might also represent a false positive – so that is something that should be investigated before files are quarantined or deleted from the computer. Additionally, some users claimed that their antivirus software does not stop showing popups on a regular basis without them visiting any websites. This behavior is typically web browser exclusive (for example, it only occurs when Google Chrome is used), which indicates that browser settings have been compromised and need to be reset.
Name | HTML:Script-inf |
Type | Malware (malicious script) |
Infection conditions | Drive-by-download onto compromised machines |
Possible symptoms of infection | Error messages, computer slowdowns, redirects to suspicious sites, etc. |
Affected browsers | Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc. |
Elimination | Scan your PC with anti-virus software |
Recovery | To fully recover from the infection, use FortectIntego |
HTML:Script-inf is basically a part of a drive-by-download or drive-by-install technique used by cybercriminals to install malware on users machines. For this scheme to work, certain conditions must be met, including:
- The host machine should hold a piece of software that has an embedded vulnerability;[1]
- The user should visit the compromised website for the script to download malicious payload.
Once those two conditions are met, a virus is downloaded and populated on the user's computer. The only way to remove malware is by using sophisticated anti-virus scanners. Note that some infections, like adware or browser hijackers, can be terminated without security software. However, drive-by-download technique is used to install much more severe threats on devices.
Some users complained that their antivirus is constantly blocking a variety of websites and showing the popup upon entry. This means that the infection is already present on the device, and malware managed to save malicious files on the host machine. In such a case removal should be performed as soon as possible.
HTML:Script-inf is a script designed to automatically install malware on visitors' devices
Generally, those who employ reputable security software can avoid any threats related to HTML:Script-inf virus. Therefore, you need to make sure that your machine is protected from malicious scripts, as they can be embedded into legitimate sites by cybercriminals (one of such compromised sites was cruisecritic.com).[2] If your device has been compromised, you need to detect and eliminate malware. After that, experts[3] recommend using software that can fix virus damage, such as FortectIntego.
Precautionary measures to avoid malware on the internet
Malware usually does not emit any infection symptoms, as hackers want to make sure that the malicious payload can stay on the device as long as possible and execute what it's been programmed to do. For example, a compromised device might record every keystroke performed by the victim, recording such data as emails, banking details, passwords, etc. Without a doubt, such activity is extremely dangerous for the user.
Due to malware's stealthy behavior, the threat might be present on the machine for weeks or even months before it is detected. Thus, it is best to avoid cyber infections altogether, and make sure the precautionary measures are used:
- Employ reliable security software that can block malicious scripts on websites and protect you from most already-known viruses;
- Update your system and software with security patches as soon as they become available;
- Do not download and install applications that might compromise your browser and lead to malicious sites;
- When installing freeware or shareware, make sure you pick Advanced/Custom installation settings to avoid adware and other PUPs;
- Use ad-block for all sites (but don't forget to make exclusions for domains you want to support);
- If you are downloading high-risk files (executables, obfuscated files, etc.), make sure you scan them with tools like Virus Total before opening.
Terminate malware with the help of reputable security software
To remove a virus, you will have to use professional security software. There are plenty on the market available, but be aware that detection rate might vary from tool to tool, depending on what type of malware was injected into your device. Thus, a scan of several AV engines might be needed until the threat is detected and eliminated.
In some cases, the virus might interfere with security software and prevent it from working correctly. In such a case, you should enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform a full scan from there.
Popups can show up as soon as you open your Chrome web browser, even without visiting the particular website
If the detection is recurring, you might have to take additional steps to perform a full HTML:Script-inf removal. Here's what you should try:
- Update your operating system, security application, and the web browser affected;
- Reset your browser;
- Delete contents in C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Google;
- Reset Google Chrome Sync;
- Uninstall all suspicious programs as per instructions below.
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 HTML:Script-inf. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
There might be some potentially unwanted programs on Windows that could implement browser changes without your permission. Uninstall everything you find suspicious:
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.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
To reset MS Edge or clean it otherwise, proceed with the following:
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
You should uninstall Firefox extensions you don't remember installing:
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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
The issue is prevalent on Google Chrome browsers, so you should take your time in order to clean it properly:
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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
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 HTML:Script-inf 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
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
- ^ Ira Winkler, Araceli Treu Gomes. Software Vulnerability. ScienceDirect. Science, health and medical journals, full text.
- ^ I think Avast won't allow a websites page to load?. Avast. Community forums.
- ^ OdstranitVirus. OdstranitVirus. Cybersecurity trends, research and analysis.