System Security (Removal Guide) - Tutorial
System Security Removal Guide
What is System Security?
System Security might trick users that their computers are infected with viruses
System Security is the name used for describing three different cyber threats: rogue anti-spyware software,[1] adware programs, and technical support scam. All of these malicious applications might be distributed with freeware or shareware and enter the system without asking user’s permission.
Nevertheless, these cyber parasites are different, all of them targets Windows OS. Any versions of the operating system are immune to them. However, it doesn’t matter which variant of the malware affected your PC or laptop; you should remove System Security immediately. The best way to eliminate cyber threats is to use malware removal tools, such as FortectIntego.
System Security virus pretends to be a legit anti-spyware
System Security is a shady anti-spyware program that acts like a scareware.[2] This rogue software is spreading in freeware packages and questionable file-sharing sites since 2008. Once it gets into the system, it starts running system scans and providing fake results.
The purpose of the System Security virus is to trick users into purchasing program’s license. The free version of the software works as a scanner that detects numerous cyber threats on the computer. However, the program might identify legit system process, such as C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe dangerous.
Additionally, it might provide numerous security alerts that warn about detected viruses, such as Spyware.IEMonster or Lsas.Blaster.Keyloger. These notifications redirects to the website that offers to obtain program’s key to clean the computer. However, it’s not needed because detected infections are not real.
If suspicious security alerts started popping up on the screen out of nowhere, you should uninstall System Security. It’s a useless program that does not bring any benefits to the users and cannot protect or clean your PC.
Nasty adware program delivers fake system security alters
Another version of the virus works as an adware that displays fake security alerts in pop-ups. System Security tool also spreads in software packages and can get inside inattentive users’ computers unnoticed.
On the affected device, System Security redirect virus makes several changes to Windows OS and targeted web browsers in order to display misleading pop-ups. The message tells that computer has been infected. As a result user’s device and privacy are at risk. Victims are supposed to call fake technical support staff via 1-800-754-3403 and tell the error code 0x000007c.
Cybercriminals might trick users into purchasing useless security software, trick them into revealing personal and banking information or install remote access tools. Therefore, making this call might not only increase your phone’s bill but lead to malware attack, money loss or identity theft.
Do not get tricked by Microsoft-themed System Security scam
Similarly to the previously discussed version of the System Security malware, this one also operates as technical support scam. Redirect to “Microsoft System Security Alert” scam website might be triggered by an adware program or potentially dangerous sites, for instance, adult-themed or gaming.
The “Microsoft System Security Alert” virus delivers a pop-up that tells that one of the recent visits to a particular website may have ended up with malware installation:
Microsoft System Security Alert
Oops!! Something went wrong with your Windows
Dear Windows User,
The Website you have recently visited may have downloaded the Malware and Virus on your Windows system.
Microsoft Defender is Suspicious about your Windows System Security.
Your TCP Connection was blocked by Your Windows Security System. Your Windows and Chrome has been locked until we may hear from you to immediately fix this issue. Please contact Microsoft Windows Help Desk Customer Support: +1-866-317-8835 (TOLL-FREE)
Computer users are advised not to fall for such scams and bear in mind that Windows Defender does not deliver security alerts in the browser, and Microsoft does not have phone support line for Windows users. However, if you are repeatedly redirected to technical support scam website, you should scan the device with anti-malware to remove System Security notification created by cybercriminals.
Distribution methods of the malware
Even though System Security has several version, all of them spread using the same bundling method. This software marketing strategy is widely used by developers of potentially unwanted or dangerous programs. It allows taking advantage of inattentive computer users.
The malicious application might be included as an optional component in software packages and hidden under Quick or Standard installation settings. These setups do not openly disclose about third-party apps. However, if you rely on them, you give indirect permission to additional apps to get installed.
To avoid System Security hijack and other undesired apps, you should always opt for Advanced or Custom setup and follow the instructions carefully. If you see pre-selected programs, unmark them all. Security experts from Bedynet[3] point out that most of them will not do any good to you and your PC.
Uninstall System Security entirely
The best way to remove System Security is to obtain a reputable security program and run a full system scan. It will identify if you are dealing with rough anti-spyware, adware or other suspicious application and stop its activities.
Of course, you can try manual System Security removal too. However, you will have to investigate the system and uninstall malicious programs, files and other components yourself. Virus-related entries might be not only installed to the system, but web browser’s as well. For this reason, you should reset them too.
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. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Manual removal requires checking the sysem for suspicious components. If you receive System Security scan results, you should look up for this program and uninstall it:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Add/Remove programs (or Uninstall a Program).
- In the list find System Security and choose Uninstall option.
- Wait until the program is uninstalled.
However, you should also look up for other malware-related files and components by following the steps below. If you have been infected with an adware version of the virus and often encounter technical support scam page, you should also check each of the web browsers installed on your PC and reset them.
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)
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 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
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.