VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore (Virus Removal Guide) - Dec 2020 update

What is VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore?

VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore is a type of malware that is programmed to stop your security software from working correctly

It is a detection name for malware that attempts to disable Windows Defender defenses

VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore is a detection name of a potential threat that is flagged by Windows Defender security software. The main purpose of the infection is to tamper with the installed anti-malware, weaken computer defenses, and compromise the device. Once the security software has been tampered with, it might not be able to protect users from viruses, trojans, worms, ransomware, and other types of malware.

While the initial goal of this virus is to compromise security software to bypass its defenses, cybercriminals behind it may have various goals. For example, they might place a backdoor on the system in order to compromise it even further, consequently achieving the nefarious goals. Victims of such an attack might suffer from financial losses, additional malware infections, identity theft, and other privacy/security issues.

It has also been widely perceived that the detection might be a false positive^[1] when the popup shows up at unexpected times. While it might be the case, it is important to investigate further and check for rootkits, uninstall extensions, reset browser settings, check system files, etc.

Finally, users who were infected with this malware also reported that their screens had been locked by a scam message which asks users to contact fake Microsoft support. Several fake warnings popup at the same time and claims that the computer has been locked and that “Trojan_Spyware Alert – Error Code #0x268d3 (!x3)” has been detected on the system. Do not trust these alerts – if you call the provided contact number, you might be scammed into paying money to cybercriminals and infect your PC with more malware.

VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore is a rather generic detection that can be encountered at any time. In most genuine cases, however, this occurrence happens when users come in contact with potentially malicious content online. In other words, cybercriminals attempt to spread the infection to as many people as possible, so they often choose multiple attack vectors for higher success chances. Here are a few of them:

• malicious spam email attachments and embedded hyperlinks;
• software vulnerabilities and exploit kits;^[2]
• false claims on phishing websites and fake Flash Player updates;
• software cracks and pirated program installers, etc.

Thus, there are several ways how you could come in contact with the VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore virus in the first place. Once the contact is made, Windows Defender might or might not detect the intrusion, as the malicious program is designed to disable certain security software defenses (mainly, Tamper Protection feature).

In case the security app does not get compromised completely, it will stop and remove the virus successfully. However, there is also a chance that weakened defenses would prevent a successful elimination. Unfortunately, if case malware manages to break in, it can continue to operate in the background, all while anti-malware is rendered useless.

Defender Tampering Restore is a type of virus that some users reported keep returning

Users affected by malware can suffer all kinds of damages, as the initial infection can be used only as a pathway for other malware to be infected. For example, ransomware such as Booa, Geno, or Kobos can be deployed in order to lock all personal files on the device and then demand ransom in Bitcoin for their return. Other invisible infections, such as trojans, may be used to steal all your passwords, bank account details, and other sensitive information, which can be later used for malicious purposes.

It is also important to note that the detection might stem from various settings set by users themselves or programs installed on the PC. For example, in the Windows Registry, the “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender: Restriction” key should never be enabled, as it prevents normal operation of Windows Defender. This setting might also be changed by malware, which, in this case, should be eliminated immediately.

Without a doubt, VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore removal should be your top priority. This is why it is important to use additional protection when trying to defend yourself from all types of malware. We suggest you scan the machine with alternative security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes, to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated. Experts also advise running a PC repair tool FortectIntego after the malware removal process.

VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore infection might start showing “Trojan_Spyware Alert – Error Code #0x268d3 (!x3)” scams

There are plenty of tech support scams all over the internet – malicious actors come up with various bogus claims about users' computer security status and then provide the contact number to call to allegedly resolve the malware infection issues. As it turns out, a VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore virus might start showing these types of fake alerts at any time when browsing the web.

While in most cases, suspicious popups are contained within the browser and can be shut down with the tab closure; this time, it is not the case. Users reported that they receive several alerts that try to imitate Windows Defender window, as well as use Windows Firewall name to intimidate users. Here's what one of the alerts claims:

Windows_Firewall_Protection

Trojan_Spyware Alert – Error Code #0x268d3 (!x3)

Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-888-210-6024

We can assure you that this Trojan_Spyware Alert – Error Code #0x268d3 (!x3) popup has nothing to do with Windows or Microsoft, and all the attributes, such as logos and the identical UI features, are all faked. “Your computer has been blocked” alert is also present in the background, which is commonly used on various websites in a similar manner.

Users infected with this virus might start seeing popups like "Trojan_Spyware Alert - Error Code #0x268d3 (!x3)"

Due to several messages that bombard the screen, many users might be intimidated and believe that these alerts are real. You should never call these provided numbers, as you might be scammed or additional malware installed on your system once you contact the crooks and provide them remote access to your machine.

Many users were baffled as they could not use their computers properly due to the screen-locking function. One of the best ways to bypass this is to open the Task Manager and shut down all the unneeded programs currently running – including the web browser. If no luck, you should reboot your PC and access Safe Mode, and then perform a full system scan from there.

Security software conflict issues: VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore pop-up might show up as soon as you install a third-party security tool

Some users reported that they keep getting the VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore detection on several occasions, i.e., the infection does not go away after removing it with Microsoft Safety Scanner; according to reports, alternative security solutions, such as Norton or Trend Micro, fail to find this threat completely.^[3]

In such cases, the issues seem to lie within how different security solutions interact with each other. Windows Defender uses the Tamper Protection feature that can be enabled and disabled via the anti-virus interface or Registry Editor (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Features). Some malware might attempt to tamper with this setting. However, each time a third-party security solution is installed, the Tamper Protection feature is also disabled in order to prevent false positives and allow the normal operation of the software.

Microsoft launched the Tamper Protection feature with the release of Windows 10 version 1903 in early 2019.^[4] According to Microsoft, it provides additional protection from outside intervention. Unfortunately, this can also cause major conflicts when third-party security software is used, as the function is disabled each time a new anti-malware is installed.

Therefore, to stop VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore popups, if you are using a third-party security tool and disable Tamper Protection, you should follow these steps:

• Type in Windows Security in Windows search and hit Enter
• Pick Virus & threat protection
• Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings
• Scroll down, locate Tamper Protection
• Turn the switch to the left to turn Tamper Protection off.

You can stop virus prompts if they are caused by the usage of a third-party security solution installed on your system

VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore removal instructions

As mentioned above, if your security software managed to catch the infection despite being tampered with, the VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore removal process should occur automatically. In case your security application fails due to malware's main function, we advise you to download and install alternative anti-malware solutions, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, and then perform a full system scan. If the need arises, you can also access Safe Mode with networking, as explained below, and perform a scan from there.

However, if you are unable to remove this virus automatically and you are using a third-party anti-malware tool along with Microsoft Defender, you should disable the Tamper Protection feature to prevent software conflict from happening in the future.

It was also reported that some malware could cause significant side effects after it is eliminated. For example, the setting “Managed by your organization” might prevent normal functions of anti-virus. To fix this issue, you might have to edit Group Policy, enable Telemetry Service, and change settings within the Windows registry. If you are not IT-savvy, we highly recommend employing FortectIntego to fix various issues with Windows systems after the infection is deleted.