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Spyware, viruses, & security forum: help needed with malware adware virus

by: starfishsteve December 17, 2012 4:36 AM PST

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help needed with malware adware virus

by starfishsteve - 12/17/12 4:36 AM

Hi, We have a malware adware virus which we don't know the name of, which is making it more difficult to get rid of. Basically certain words eg 'hotel, 'phone', will be highlighted on a web page and if the cursor hovers over a pop-up ad appears eg for Apple. We have run numerous anti-virus scans including Spy Hunter, Avast, Hitman Pro and Bit Defender, but while it sometimes temporarily disappears it ends up coming back.
Does anyone know what this virus is, and how to permanently get rid of it please?
Apologies if there is already a discussion about this but as we don't know the name it is difficult to search.
We have a laptop with Windows 7 and use Firefox.
Many thanks in advance.


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Maybe not a virus but .. Contextual Advertising?

by Carol~ Moderator - 12/17/12 2:07 PM

In Reply to: help needed with malware adware virus by starfishsteve

Could it be it's not a virus but Contextual Advertising? See "How contextual advertising works".

IF it's the cause of the pop-ups you describe.........

Since you're using Firefox, I would recommend installing the Adbock Plus add-on. No fuss. No muss. No contextual ads! Documentation should answer any questions you might have.

NoScript is another. It's main focus is security, but as a side effect it does block many ads. Read its Features and FAQ.

As an added note. It's only my personal opinion, but I would do away with Enigma Software's SpyHunter. It has less than a stellar reputation. Years back it was on the Spyware Warrior List of Rogue Applications. Despite the fact it was "de-listed", I continue to read complaints. Why not stick with Hitman Pro, or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware? Both of which, lack a shady past.

Best of luck..
Carol


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still think it is a virus, it's even in your reply!

by starfishsteve - 12/17/12 11:36 PM

In Reply to: Maybe not a virus but .. Contextual Advertising? by Carol~ Moderator

Hi Carol,
Thanks for your reply.
We don't think it is contextual advertising, and in fact a word in your last paragraph, 'continue', is highlighted and has a 'win the new iPhone 5' pop-up.
Also we have Adblock Plus.
Interesting what you say about SpyHunter though, we have tried to contact them about this as after paying for it it then didn't remove the problem, but so far no reply.
So . . . any other thoughts?
Thanks again,


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Try

by Blue_Zee - 12/18/12 3:03 AM

In Reply to: still think it is a virus, it's even in your reply! by starfishsteve

Scanning with AdwCleaner.

Take a look at the final log and see if you can find something wrong.


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No change

by starfishsteve - 12/18/12 6:15 AM

In Reply to: Try by Blue_Zee

Hi,

I have done that it gets the all clear, but its still going on.......


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Malware

by pgc3 - 12/18/12 6:23 AM

In Reply to: No change by starfishsteve

If it IS malware do a scan with Malwarebytes in Safe Mode With Networking. IF MWB kicks it, then take a look at your security software, including your F/W and settings. Also, if you are running wirelessly much of the time, I'd look into getting some real A/V software not freebies, many of the free variants do not cut the mustard when it comes to a wireless (especially at large) hook ups.


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Does this look familiar?

by Carol~ Moderator - 12/18/12 9:16 AM

In Reply to: still think it is a virus, it's even in your reply! by starfishsteve

startfishsteve..

Does THIS look familiar? (Note the use of "continue" and "iphone 5" )

IF so.. read about Text Enhance here. Amongst other things, it suggests installing AdBlock Plus. It states ABP instantly blocks in-text advertisements. Since you already have it installed, it has me questioning whether it's Text Enhance related. Unless the other removal instructions need to be implemented. confused

It's worth reading, if the above is what you're seeing.

Carol


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Re: virus

by Kees_B Moderator - 12/18/12 6:32 AM

In Reply to: help needed with malware adware virus by starfishsteve

- Looks like a Firefox add-on. Did you check what are installed? Those usually aren't considered mailware, because you chose to install them yourself.
- Does the same happen in Internet Explorer or Google Chrome? If not, you found a good work-around.

Kees


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