How to remove iLivid virus

iLivid is a potentially unwanted program that is recognized by multiple anti-virus engines

iLivid is a download manager that can be acquired from many shady third-party sites that host freeware. Due to this, the application is often installed with other potentially unwanted programs that change Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or other browser's settings (for example, SearchQuco was detected as one of the unwanted apps bundled with it), display intrusive ads, interfere with users' web browsing sessions, and record their online activities by using tracking technologies like cookies or web beacons.

Besides being labeled as a potentially unwanted program^[1] by multiple anti-virus vendors, iLivid virus can also be dangerous due to other reasons – namely, its functionality. There multiple download managers that can serve as great additions for those who like to transfer a large amount of data and view the content while offline, but this one might lead to downloads of potentially dangerous files, such as Trojans that disguise themselves as legitimate software installers.

Potentially unwanted programs are usually not dangerous per se, although analysis of the main executable in the sandbox environment revealed that it triggers multiple malicious and suspicious indicators.^[2] For example, it includes the capability of rebooting or shutting down Windows. Additionally, it imports a variety of APIs and connects to suspicious domains in the background. 

Talking about suspicious activity, the installation executable is detected as follows on Virus Total:^[3]

• FileRepMalware [PUP]
• Application.Downloader (A)
• PUA:Win32/InstallCore
• W32/Ulise.9186!tr
• Trojan.InstallCore.3711
• Adware.Gen
• PUA.InstallCore

Therefore, if you want to remove iLivid automatically, you can employ one of the security applications that detect it as malicious. Nevertheless, you can also check our guide below – getting rid of the manually should not be a problem. Nevertheless, experts advise resetting the web browser settings and also scanning the PC with a repair tool FortectIntego for best results.

If you found that this adware is not the only problem you have on your computer and you are suffering from browser redirects, ads, and other suspicious activity, it is highly likely that another potentially unwanted program is also installed on your machine. The intrusive ads might often be filled with scam messages prompting to download other unsafe programs, or claim that your computer is infected with viruses.

Never click on these links, as you might be directed to a site that is booby-trapped by malicious JavaScript.^[4] As a result, malware like ransomware, trojan, worm, rootkit, etc. might be injected into your machine without warning. To protect yourself from such threats, make sure all the software on your machine is up to date. Also, safeguard your computer from viruses by using anti-malware software – it can also help you with PUP removal.

Ways to avoid potentially unwanted programs

There are hundreds of computer users who have become victims of PUPs after downloading and installing freeware on their computers. Typically, these unwanted apps can easily come as optional “components” of download managers, PDF creators, video streaming software, and similar programs; the stealthy infiltration allows the unwanted program to perform web browser modifications and begin its suspicious activity on the computer.

Considering that there are 2.5 million apps on Google Play/Chrome web store,^[5] one might just ask why would anyone need to download applications from third-party sources in the first place. What does that mean from a security perspective? Well, some of the apps do not possess the required standards that Google, Microsoft, and other reputable sources set up. Thus, developers of such apps often resort to third-party sites. Nevertheless, you will also find many apps from official sources being distributed by third-parties – there is no need to choose the latter.

While most of the apps from well-known third-party sites will not harm your computer, the installers of such software might be infected with other optional components that are considered as adware or another unwanted program. If you insist on downloading apps from third-parties, make sure you check every installation step carefully: decline all the deals/offers, remove pre-ticked box markings, read the fine print, and always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings.

Uninstall adware quickly

While the term iLivid virus is not entirely correct (viruses come into systems without users' consent and infect other files on the system, which allows them to propagate further in such a way), many people might refer to this program as such due to its unexpected appearance on their machines. It also happens to be so that many security software vendors recognize the app as a PUP or even malware, so users can perform adware removal automatically. Simply download an anti-malware tool of your preference and perform a full system scan.

If your anti-malware does not detect the app, but you do not want to download additional software, you can remove the app by following the step-by-step guide below. The process is not that complicated, as long as you follow each of the steps carefully. Finally, experts^[6] also recommend resetting all the installed browsers as the unwanted activity caused by PUPs would not return.