How to clean your computer from malware. How to remove malware? How Malware Gains Control of a System

Quite often, on the computers of my friends and relatives, I encounter various kinds of malware. Most of them are found in browsers. Some set their home page in the browser, which cannot be changed using simple methods, while others even generate links to third-party resources on any website.

Quite often, antiviruses do not detect them due to their behavior being somewhat different from viruses. To combat them, specialized software is used. Which? Find out more about this below. Let's go...

What is malware? Types of malware.

On this site I have already written about malware. But each time I dealt with this issue superficially. I have now decided to put all the information about malware together in this article and also talk about a program that is designed to cleanse your computer of this evil spirit.
Malware is a malicious program aimed at performing certain actions on the user’s computer without his knowledge. Malware— can be translated from English as “malware.” In jargon they call it a malware.
Let's look at the classification of malware. According to the specification of work, they are divided into:

• — Malware installers

• Downloaders from the network (downloader).
• Unpack malware from a file (dropper)

• - "Espionage" and fraud. Using keystroke interceptors (keyloggers), redirecting to fake sites that exactly replicate the design of the original site, but are located at a completely different address (for example: the site and 4ayinikam.ru)

• Stealing information from computers
• collection, hacking and theft of accounts of various services (social networks, e-mail, online games) with the subsequent distribution of spam from them or sale.
• Theft of passwords from payment systems
• Installation of paid false antiviruses that do not carry any payload (scareware or fraudware;).

• -Software that is not initially malicious, but is unwanted. I wrote about the fight against unwanted programs

• Adware that displays advertisements on your computer (Adware)
• Software that sends information through the network without user confirmation (Spyware).
• Remote access programs

Detection of malware infection.

Here are some symptoms that may suggest that the system is infected with malware.

At the same time, even a teapot user can make the correct diagnosis.

• The simplest malware creates a new process, which can be seen in the task manager. If you know well the names of all processes in a clean system, you can easily identify the “alien”.
• Some malware block access to official websites of antivirus companies.
• Automatic opening of windows after booting the computer, with unfamiliar content or advertising.
• Unfamiliar pop-ups appear in browsers, even when the Internet is turned off.
• Unfamiliar home page in the browser that cannot be changed.
• Restarts the computer when you start a program.

If your iron friend exhibits at least one of these symptoms, then immediately sound the alarm and call the program for help Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. This is what we will talk about next.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware removal program

In one of the previous articles, I already wrote about a program that, like Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, cleans the system of malware. And there in the article he wrote that it has one drawback. It does not have an automatic signature update module, i.e. it always needs to be downloaded again. Compared to Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware The Norman Malware Cleaner program also has its advantage, which is that it does not need to be installed on the system. But, stop comparing them, and let’s find out where and how to download.

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Clicking "Finish" the program will update its anti-virus signatures, unless of course you have an Internet connection.

After the update, a window will appear notifying you about the update of signatures from such and such a version to such and such. By clicking in this window " OK"The program window will open on the " tab Scanner", where we select the desired type of scanning and press the button " Scanning". The system scanning process can take quite a long time, so be patient and do not make unnecessary movements, otherwise Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware will mistake you for malware and quarantine you :).
After the scan is completed, the program will display a list of malware found and all you have to do is mark each of them and pass a final verdict on them.
(Attention: not all files found may be malware. False positives are also possible. Also, all your cracks and hackers will be considered malware :))
This program is very effective against malware. It often detects malware that has gone unnoticed by major antivirus programs.
That's all for now. Read our publications, comment, express your opinion. We will be glad if you tell us what anti-malware programs you use.

The fact is that malware is not a virus in the usual sense of the word. These are small utilities that climb into your computer without asking and install any kind of infection or show unwanted advertisements. And there are 2 problems here:

1. Antiviruses do not see malware because they do not consider them viruses.
2. These threats are very difficult to remove.

But it is still possible. After all, there is special software with which you can find and remove malware. And below we will consider 8 excellent utilities designed to remove such advertising viruses.

It’s worth noting right away that Windows 10 already has a malware removal tool by default. Yes, it may not be as effective at cleaning Malware and Adware viruses as other utilities, but it’s still worth a try. Fortunately, you don’t need to download or install anything - everything is already installed and configured.

As a rule, this software starts automatically, but if necessary, you can start it manually. It is located here: C:\Windows\System32\MRT.exe.

Finding and removing malware is simple - you just need to click the “Next” button. But the verification itself takes a very long time, so it will take some time.

The main advantage of this software is that it will 100% not harm your PC or laptop (but only if Windows 10 is licensed). Another plus: you can download it for Windows 7 and 8 at. website ().

AdwCleaner utility

AdwCleaner is very effective in combating:

• pop-ups in the browser;
• opening advertising pages in a new tab;
• changing the home page in the browser and the inability to change it.

Its main advantages:

• free;
• constantly updated;
• gives really practical advice on how to prevent your PC or laptop from becoming infected in the future (after analyzing and cleaning the PC).

Using the utility is extremely simple:

1. Launch it and click "Scan".
2. See what threats she was able to detect on the computer (you can remove the birds from unnecessary items).
3. Click Cleanup.

While the program is running, you will need to restart your PC in order to completely remove ad viruses and other infections. And when cleaning the computer is complete, a detailed report will appear of what was deleted.

By the way, AdwCleaner has recently received support for Windows 10, so it can be safely installed on any operating system.

Today, some malicious utilities can impersonate AdwCleaner. Therefore, if you download it from a third-party site, be sure to check for viruses on virustotal.

Anti-Malware Free

Another excellent utility that can be used to clean your computer from malware is Anti-Malware. Very popular among users today.

Its main advantages:

• reliable computer protection against malware (easily detects webalta and other common threats on PCs);
• effective removal;
• presence of Russian language.

It is also completely free (there is also a paid version, but the first one is more than enough).

For me, checking for malware takes a little too long. But that's just my opinion. Still, it is not for nothing that this utility is considered one of the most popular.

Zemana AntiMalware

It is also worth paying attention to Zemana AntiMalware. This is another good malware cleaning utility.

Main advantages:

• effective search (often finds advertising viruses that the previous 2 utilities do not see);
• scanning individual files to choose from;
• PC protection in real-time mode.

In addition, it has one very useful option - checking for malware in the browser and removing it. Since pop-ups most often appear for this very reason, this makes this utility one of the best.

Among the disadvantages are 15 days of free use and the need to connect to the Internet. But since such malware removal tools are used only occasionally, the first drawback is considered insignificant.

Junkware Removal Tool

Another great free threat scanning utility.

Main advantages:

• works with ad viruses, browser extensions, etc.;
• it automatically deletes detected threats in folders, shortcuts, processes and any browsers (before this it creates a checkpoint for recovery);
• generates a report after the operation is completed.

HitmanPRO program

HitmanPro is software that can also be used to find and uninstall malware.

Main advantages:

• fast work;
• effective search: sees many threats, and even those that have already been removed (traces of them usually remain);
• does not need installation.

It is paid, but there is a 30-day free period. This is more than enough to check your PC for malware.

Malicious Software Removal Tool

Also on this list there is another software from Microsoft that does not require installation and is suitable for Windows 7 and 8. You can download it.

Using the program is easy. Turn it on, click “Next” and wait for the report.

Spybot utility

And the last free program for removing viruses from your computer is Spybot.

Its main advantages:

• wide functionality;
• can track newly installed software and changes made to the Windows registry and files;
• is able to roll back changes in case of failures in the PC after removing viruses.

Malware is software that gains unauthorized access to PC resources or user data stored on it. Such mini-programs are malicious because they are downloaded and installed unauthorized, interfere with the operation of applications, run autonomously, monitor user activity, and in some cases stop the operation of antiviruses and firewalls and send data. But it is incorrect to call malicious software or “malware” viruses in the full sense of the word; they are mini software that pursues its own “malicious” goals.

Such programs that secretly sneak onto a computer are often not identified by antiviruses, and in some cases even deactivate its operation. And it is very difficult to get rid of them. But there are special software methods that allow you to remove Malware.

Or on websites - a pressing problem that is not so easy to solve. We will tell you how to remove ads using one of the programs. But before you follow our recommendations, stop running extensions in your browser, even trusted ones, and look at the result. You may not need utilities. And if the method doesn't work, read on.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

AdwCleaner

Why do we recommend AdwCleaner? This program is absolutely free, created with support for the Russian language, does not require installation, effectively removes adware and all kinds of malware, is constantly improving and distributes free and very useful recommendations and tips. Yes, when the procedure for checking and removing malicious software and advertising is completed, the utility will tell you how to protect your computer from unwanted software.

Even untrained PC users can use this utility. All you need to do is launch the software, click “scan”, view the scan results and remove unnecessary programs. If you doubt the “need” of a particular application, uncheck the box.

Download the AdwCleaner utility to your computer only from the author’s official page. Otherwise, you risk getting the same malicious software, only under a different cover. If you downloaded the software from an unofficial resource, check it in real time.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

Zemana AntiMalware

The program has Russian-language support and a fairly simple interface. Scans and finds individual program components using cloud technology. At the same time, it has the ability to work in real time, preventing harmful Malware and adware from entering the computer.

HitmanPro

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Spybot Search & Destroy

These are, in our opinion, the most effective mini-utilities that allow you not only to remove malicious software and adware, but also to protect your computer online from other threats or the activity of already installed applications. If you need to clean your PC once, use the official utility. And if you need constant protection, install more effective programs.

In this short review we will look at several applications that have been considered the best. These utilities will allow you to quickly detect and easily remove malware from your computer running Windows 10, 8, 7, XP.

How to remove malware

Currently, malware is widespread because it uses a fairly simple method to penetrate a user’s computer. These are not Trojans or vulnerabilities, but simple deception. Almost every one of us has installed a free application at least once. So, it is such applications, most often, that allow malware to penetrate the user’s computer, since the malware is simply integrated into their installer. When you install a free program, a bonus is installed - malware. But, we must add here that there are cases when paid programs also contain malicious programs, most often adware.

I would also like to remind you that malware poses a very serious threat, as it can cause great harm to your computer: damage or encrypt files on it, install a module or extension in the browser that will change its settings or begin to show a huge amount of intrusive advertising, and what else. not least important, it can work as a spy, collect detailed information about you, which will later be transferred to third parties. Therefore, it is obvious that the presence of malware on your
It is undesirable on your computer; it must be deleted immediately after being found.

The best malware removal utilities

Not all antivirus programs are good at detecting and removing malware, since malware most often behaves differently than regular viruses. Therefore, it is very important to have a utility on your computer specifically designed to solve this problem. Here you need to add that you can have one antivirus program installed on your computer, but you can use several utilities to remove malware. Each of them is an excellent addition to the security system of the Windows operating system.

AdwCleaner

Quickly find and easily remove malware. AdwCleaner will allow you to solve these two problems with ease.

If you need a utility that is small in size but can easily find and remove malware, then check out AdwCleaner. This is a very convenient program, which is primarily designed to quickly find and remove malware that infects web browsers and changes their settings.

In addition, this tool will easily help you get rid of adware and potentially unnecessary applications. The downside of the program is that AdwCleaner does not contain an auto-protection module and cannot protect you from new malware entering your system. In all other respects, this is a very effective tool and should be in the arsenal of every user who actively uses the Internet.

Zemana Anti-malware

Zemana Anti-malware is an excellent addition to your main antivirus, which allows you to protect your computer as much as possible from new malware.

Zemana Anti-malware is another great option among programs designed to search for and remove various types of malware. If you want to protect your computer as much as possible, then first of all we recommend that you install a classic anti-virus package, and as a means of protection against malware, choose the Zemana Anti-malware program.

This is an excellent application that appeared not so long ago, but has already earned respect among security experts. Zemana Anti-malware can analyze suspicious programs (called heuristic analysis) to see if their behavior exhibits characteristics that are characteristic of various types of malware, including adware and programs that change the settings of installed web browsers. This means that you will be protected from the latest malware, including the case where your computer is the first victim to be affected by a new malware and, accordingly, its description is not yet in the Zemana Anti-malware database of known threats. In any case, this malicious program will be quickly detected and safely removed from your personal computer. All this happens automatically, in the background.

We recommend scanning all downloaded files with Zemana Anti-malware before running them. This will allow you to prevent your computer from becoming infected with malware, as it will block them before the initial launch. And as you know, it is better to prevent infection than to treat it later.

As already mentioned, if you already have an antivirus program, paid or free, and you completely trust it, then you can additionally install Zemana Anti-malware Free. This program will not cause conflicts and will work as an add-on that will significantly increase the security of your computer.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes can easily replace your antivirus or work in tandem with it, thus significantly increasing your operating system's protection against malware.

Thinking about replacing your antivirus? Then meet Malwarebytes. This is a well-known program, originally created specifically for finding and removing malware. But by now it has seriously changed and can not only save you from malware, but also protect you from its penetration, as well as find and neutralize ordinary viruses. In addition, Malwarebytes contains a module that allows you to protect your computer from the most dangerous malware - ransomware viruses.

Malwarebytes 3.0 - scan results

Despite its enormous capabilities, this program can scan your computer very quickly, having one of the fastest scanners among all antivirus programs. With it, you can forget about the fact that scanning the entire computer can take half a day or more. Any security threat to your computer will be detected and quarantined.

Malwarebytes is not intrusive, but will always warn you when there are attempts to launch malicious programs or when any programs attempt to perform potentially dangerous actions on your system. Additionally, what needs to be added is that when you install it, you get all the features for 14 days free of charge, and then you are given a choice. Buy a license and use all the features, or use the free version of the program. In free mode, the automatic protection module will be disabled, but Malwarebytes, without any restrictions, will scan your computer at your request and will be able to remove all detected malware as before.

Kaspresky Virus Removal Tool

Kaspresky Virus Removal Tool (KVRT) is a free utility that is based on the Kaspersky antivirus core. Of course, this application will not provide you with comprehensive computer protection against malware, but it will give you complete control over manual scanning.

Kaspresky Virus Removal Tool can detect all types of malicious software, including adware and spyware, as well as a variety of Trojans, viruses and rootkits. Once malware is detected, you can remove it quickly and easily.

If you suspect that a file you downloaded may contain malware, be sure to check it using Kaspresky Virus Removal Tool. This program will analyze it, and based on this analysis, recommend whether it is safe or not to run it. It is very easy and convenient, since this program scans very quickly and consumes virtually no computer resources. This is especially convenient if you are using a computer or virtual machine with limited resources.

Although you must initiate the scanning process yourself, this does not reduce the program's capabilities. Kaspresky Virus Removal Tool is a great tool to check your computer from time to time or keep on your PC in case malware gets into the system and urgent treatment is needed.

An ideal malware removal tool that does not require installation on your computer and contains several useful additional utilities.

If your computer has been infected with malware and you are faced with the fact that it works very slowly, or the installation of programs is blocked, or if you need a tool that can be stored on a flash drive, then Emsisoft Emergency Kit is perfect for you. This is an application that does not require installation on a computer and can be launched from a regular flash drive or any other external device.

Emsisoft Emergency Kit already has a database of malware signatures, but it requires an Internet connection to update. Immediately after launch, the program will scan your computer for malware and then allow you to move it to quarantine. This will block the ability of malware to harm your system.