How to remove Smart Security?
What is Smart Security?
Smart Security is a rogue anti-spyware application that was simply copied from the “famous” malware Security Tool. Involving all the malicious techniques and using the name of legitimate ESET Smart Security, the new its variant spreads malicious code through the use of Trojans viruses mostly. Of course, spam emails or quite decently looking websites are also applied by Smart Security badware, so keep your eye on the screenshot we gave below to recognize it and remove immediately. There are 2 versions of Smart Security rogue, one from WinWebSec family, another from Virus Doctor family of rogue parasites. Although both are quite aggressive, you can distinguish between them from different designs ( Virus Doctor ones mimic microsoft programs closely) and the way Smart Security prevents anti-malware programs (WinWebSec version is likely to display warning that the program is infected on launch while Virus Doctor version will just prevent launching without any message).
The malicious activity of Smart Security involves the same tactics just like any other rogueware. Once installed, Trojans configure Smart Security to start automatically each time computer’s system launches and application starts generating fabricated pop-up alerts and free system scanners. Additionally, rogueware starts reporting certain infections “detected” and then completely bombards the user with fake alerts announcing this dangerous situation. Security notifications are always accompanied by suggestions that people should “arm” their computers to stop these viruses and undoubtedly the commercial version of Smart Security is told to be the only program for doing that. Here are the examples of fake warnings loaded by Smart Security:
Smart Security Warning
Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It my cause system instability and data loss. Click here to block unauthorised modification by removing threats (Recommended)
Smart Security Warning
Spyware.IEMonster activity detected. This is spyware that attempts to steal passwords from Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Outlook and other programs. Click here to remove it immediately with Security Tool.
Keep in mind that in order to be able to delete “detected” threats you don’t need Smart Security because it is the main problem existing on your PC. Though it is claimed to be a completely trustworthy tool capable to remove all types of parasites, in reality Smart Security has no spyware detection or removal engine. Remember – purchasing the “licensed” version of this application is nothing else but a waste of your money, so if you spot any trace of Smart Security, get rid of this nasty cyber threat. Please, use the removal guide written below and delete Smart Security before it starts malicious activity on your machine.
Start the removal of Smart Security with Task Manager:
To start Task Manager, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Task Manager, or press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC. Then end the processes SmartSecurity.exe, unins000.exe, if listed. The next step you should take is to launch Notepad (Start>All Programs>Accessories), and copy/paste all the Quoted REGEDIT below to it. Don’t forget to include REGEDIT4.
Save in: Desktop
File Name: fixme.reg
Save as Type: All files
Click: Save
REGEDIT4
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{B45FF030-4447-11D2-85DE-00C04FA35C89}]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Smart Security_is1]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
“SmartSecurity”=-
Then click Start > Settings > Control Panel. Next, open Add/Remove Programs and remove if listed Smart Security. Additionally, find and delete these listed files:
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\Smart Security.lnk
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Smart Security\Uninstall Smart Security.lnk
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Smart Security\Smart Security.lnk
c:\Program Files\Smart Security\SmartSecurity.exe
c:\Program Files\Smart Security\unins000.dat
c:\Program Files\Smart Security\unins000.exe
Also delete these folders if listed:
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Smart Security
c:\Program Files\Smart Security
Reboot and the infection should be removed.
Smart Security is Extremely dangerous
Smart Security is a corrupt Anti-Spyware program Smart Security may spread via Trojans Smart Security may display fake security messages Smart Security may install additional spyware to your computer Smart Security may repair its files, spread or update by itself Smart Security violates your privacy and compromises your security
for Smart Security detection
Note: Spyhunter trial provides detection of parasite like Smart Security and assists in its removal for free. You can remove detected files, processes and registry entries yourself or purchase a full version.
Smart Security screenshots
Manual Smart Security removal
Important Note: Although it is possible to manually remove Smart Security, such activity can permanently damage your system if any mistakes are made in the process, as advanced spyware parasites are able to automatically repair themselves if not completely removed. Thus, manual spyware removal is recommended for experienced users only, such as IT specialists or highly qualified system administrators. For other users, we recommend using Spyhunter or other malware and spyware removal applications found on 2-viruses.com.
Stop these Smart Security processes:
Disable these Smart Security DLL files::
Remove these Smart Security Registry Entries:
Remove these Smart Security files:
It is impossible to list all file names and locations of modern parasites. You can identify remaining parasites, other Smart Security infected files and get help in Smart Security removal by using free Spyhunter scanner. It comes with free real-time protection module that helps preventing Smart Security and similar threats.
Smart Security is classified as Rogue Anti-Spyware. After infecting a user’s system, it proceeds to scare its victim into buying the “product” by displaying fake security messages, stating that your computer is infected with spyware and only Smart Security can help you to remove it after you download the trial version. As soon as the victim downloads Smart Security trial version, it pretends to scan your computer and shows a grossly exaggerated amount of non-existent errors. Then, Smart Security offers to buy the full version to fix these false errors. If the user agrees, Smart Security does not only fix the errors, but it also takes the user’s money and may even install additional spyware into the victim’s computer.
Some Rogue Anti-Spyware, such as Smart Security, may offer users to buy it after the victim clicks on a banner or a pop-up while surfing the internet. Usually, a Trojan is installed to a victim’s computer after clicking on the advertisement. It then proceeds to download or even install Smart Security, which is another way for Rogue Anti-Spyware to spread itself.
Most of rogue Anti-Spyware, such as Smart Security, is nearly impossible to remove manually.
It is important to note this is not the same as ESET Smart Security, being a valid internet security software suite.