System Security Tool (Removal Instructions) - 2021 update
System Security Tool Removal Guide
What is System Security Tool?
System Security Tool is a potentially unwanted program that shows fake advertisements
System Security Tool virus is an adware that is capable of generating legitimate-looking ads that claim that the computer’s system is in critical condition, and encourage users to contact the remote tech support in order to solve this problem. In reality, there is no actual threat on your computer.
Furthermore, if you decide to trust on System Security Tool virus and call the number provided in the fake security notification, you will not be connected to the technician but merely to a salesperson waiting to sell you an unnecessary security contract or offer other services. The scare tactics that these security support scammers use often work and the victims purchase the supposed security support contracts.
However, we have to warn you not to try contacting the given number, not to mention buying the suggested products, because you may simply be scammed. The first thing you should do, if you notice such ads occurring on your computer is to scan your system with a reliable antivirus tool. It will detect and remove System Security Tool and any other suspicious components from your PC.
There are also other ways of distinguishing fake ads from legitimate system notifications if you suspect you have been a victim of a System Security Tool hijack. First, you can try closing your browser and see if the notifications still appear on your screen. Even better, you can disconnect your device from the network and monitor your computer’s activity.
System Security Tool is an adware that shows suspicious advertisements.
If the notifications stop appearing you can be sure that they were simply System Security Tool ads, and you should not worry about the safety of your computer too much. However, as mentioned before, you should make sure that the system is virus-free by scanning your computer with some reputable virus-fighting utility, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
Finally, you should specifically examine the content of the System Security Tool notifications. It varies minimally throughout the different ads; therefore, it is easily recognizable. Take a look at the following example:
Firewall Detected Potential Threads on Your Computer
Warning. Windows Security Essentials wasn’t able to block the threats. Windows detected several threats that will compromise your privacy and harm your computer.
Error Code: 0x000007c, Windows couldn’t install the definition updates.
More Information & Support Please contact 1-800-754-3403
If you notice ads featuring similar content occurring on your computer you most likely have adware residing on your PC. It is essential to take care of the System Security Tool removal if you want to keep using your computer safely and uninterruptedly. Also, if you notice that your computer is still performing worse than before after all problems have been terminated, you may need to fix your system. We recommend using FortectIntego or a similar repair tool.
Ways developers distribute adware
Even though some features of this program slightly differ from other programs of this particular category, the ways through which it is distributed are virtually the same. This adware is distributed through a deceptive marketing method, also referred to as “bundling”.
“Bundling” occurs when two programs are added to the same software package, and the user downloads them both in one go. You can imagine how useful such a feature can be to the creators of potentially unwanted programs. Their malicious creations can enter the users’ computers unnoticed and silently carry out questionable activities. But this stealthy hijack can as well be avoided if you spare some more time for the new software installation process.
Firstly, choose your source of downloading programs wisely. Secondly, before heading straight to the installation process, let your antivirus scan the downloaded application to determine its reliability. Finally, always opt for the advanced installation settings to monitor and manage all the optional installs.
Recommendations for the System Security Tool virus removal
Essentially, there are two ways to remove System Security Tool from the computer: automatic and manual removal. At the end of this article, you can find the manual virus removal guide; however, this removal option is recommended only for users who have higher than average computer knowledge. Removing viruses manually not only about following instructions but also requires technical skill, because different virus components may be scattered around and hidden deep in the computer’s system.
For quicker and more precise virus elimination, the security experts suggest the automatic System Security Tool removal approach. You can simply rely on professional antivirus tools to help you get rid of the virus. Just do not forget to keep the virus database updates to ensure the best protection.
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 System Security Tool. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
If you want to remove adware, follow these steps:
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
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)
Use these instructions if you want to delete the potentially unwanted program from Mozilla Firefox:
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
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 System Security Tool 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 adware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.