How to identify and remove Fake Alert Trojans

Summary

New variants of the FakeAlert-AZ Trojan are periodically released and can infect computers. This Trojan affects products from multiple security companies, including McAfee.

If your system is infected with this Trojan, your web browser and other Internet applications cannot access the intended website, and are instead redirected to unwanted websites or receive a Page cannot be displayed error. These errors occur when you attempt to update your McAfee products, virus definition (DAT) files, or access McAfee websites. If you are a new customer and are trying to install McAfee software, the unwanted site might be displayed within the McAfee Download Manager window.

Additionally, you might see numerous popups similar to these shown below:

Fake or rogue software and FakeAlert Trojans are illegitimate security applications that are presented as valid, for monetary gain. This scam involves the distribution or aggressive promotion of a Trojan disguised as legitimate security software. While these programs usually use scare tactics and behave aggressively, it may still be difficult to recognize the illegitimate behavior and distinguish a valid product from a fake or rogue software product. DO NOT GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD OR PERSONAL INFORMATION. Below is an example of how this family of malware will present itself:

Other common symptoms of an infection include:

• Multiple pop-up messages stating that your system is infected, with prompts to download specific software to remove the infection.
   
• Notifications from an application that you have never seen before stating that there are an unusually high number of viruses or other malware on your computer. The application will not clean the infections unless you purchase the product.
   
• New icons for an unknown program appear on your desktop or in the taskbar beside your clock.
   
• Unexpected network connections to unknown domain(s): when you open your web browser or while browsing the Internet, you are directed to a page other than your home page or intended destination.
   

IMPORTANT: Do not click directly on these pop-up messages, even to close them. Clicking Cancel or the X in the top right corner can sometimes cause the application to install itself.
If you receive an unexpected message from a rogue application, use the steps below to close the task: 

1. Right-click an empty spot on your Windows taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Click the Applications tab, highlight the false notification message, then click End Task. 
3. If you are unable to end the task in this manner, shut down and restart your computer to clear the notification. This will not remove the malware, but will allow you use of your computer so you can then remove the infection. 

Solution

McAfee recommends that you clear the cached (stored) data in your web browser after ending the malware task, then download and run the Stinger tool.

1. Clear your browser cache:
   
   Internet Explorer
   1. Click Tools, Internet Options.
   2. Under Browsing History, click Delete.
   3. Click Delete Files.
   4. Click Yes.
   5. Click Delete Cookies.
   6. Click Yes.
       
   FireFox
   1. Click Tools and select Clear Private Data.
   2. Ensure only Cache, Cookies, and Offline Website Data are selected.
   3. Click Clear Private Data Now.
       
2. In your web browser, go to the McAfee Labs Stinger page:
   
   http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/stinger.aspx
    
3. Click Download this tool now.
4. Click Download Now and save the Stinger to your desktop.
   
   IMPORTANT: McAfee Labs recommends that you disable the Windows System Restore feature before you run Stinger, because many threats can save copies of themselves to your restore points. Disabling System Restore will delete your existing restore points, so you will be unable to use System Restore until you re-enable it and create new restore points. For instructions on how to disable System Restore, click the following link:
   
   http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/disabling-system-restore.aspx
    
5. Double-click the Stinger application you saved to your desktop.
   
   NOTE: If you are a Windows 7 or Windows Vista user, right-click the file and select Run As Administrator.
    
6. If a security warning is displayed, click Continue or Run.
7. Click Add or Browse to add additional drives or directories (by default, Stinger scans the entire C: drive).
8. Click Scan Now. Stinger repairs all infected files found. 

To enable Artemis Technology in Stinger, click Preferences and then select the required sensitivity level. If you select High or Very High, McAfee Labs recommends that you set the On virus detection action to Report only for the first scan to make sure valid files are not accidentally removed.

How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee products using the Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR)

Summary

Use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool (MCPR) to remove data completely for a McAfee Security product installation on a supported Windows operating system. The tool can clean up data from 2005 - 2013 versions of McAfee Security home user products for Windows.

NOTE: MCPR is not compatible with McAfee Anti-Theft (MAT) 2.0 and Intel Anti-Theft Service (IATS) 2.0. You must unsubscribe your Anti-Theft service before you run MCPR.

IMPORTANT: You must uninstall your McAfee products using the Windows Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows 7 and Windows Vista) before you run MCPR. Otherwise, the number of your licenses might be incorrectly counted.

If you cannot uninstall successfully using Windows Add/Remove Programs, or you have already run MCPR without uninstalling, you can access your McAfee account and deactivate the license for your computer to ensure that the license is released for a later installation. Do the following to deactivate a license from your current McAfee subscription and release the license for use with a different computer:

1. Open a web browser and go to http://home.mcafee.com.
2. Click My Account in the upper-right corner.
3. Type your McAfee user account email and password.
4. Click Log In.
   
   NOTE: If you want your browser to remember your email address, select the Remember Me option.
    
5. Select the computer you want to deactivate and click Deactivate.

Solution

IMPORTANT: If your McAfee products were preinstalled by your computer manufacturer, ensure that you activate your McAfee subscription before you uninstall them. Reinstalling from a CD or download only installs your McAfee home user applications, but might not recover your paid subscription term information. 

1. Uninstall your McAfee home user products using Add/Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel:
   Windows 7 and Vista users
   1. Close all McAfee program windows.
   2. Click Start, Search, type Programs and Features, and click Go.
   3. Double-click Programs and Features.
   4. Select McAfee SecurityCenter.
   5. Click Uninstall and follow any on-screen prompts.

Windows XP users

1. Close all McAfee program windows.
2. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Select McAfee SecurityCenter.
5. Click Remove and follow any on-screen prompts.

2. Download and run the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool:

1. Download the MCPR tool from: http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe and save it to a folder on your computer.
   
   IMPORTANT: The MCPR tool is updated periodically when new products and updates are released. Always download a new copy of the MCPR tool before using it to uninstall your product.
    
2. Navigate to the folder where you saved the file, and double-click MCPR.exe. 
   
   NOTE: Windows 7 and Windows users, right-click MCPR.exe, and select Run as Administrator.
    
3. When you see the User Account Control dialog box, click Yes.
4. At the McAfee Software Removal screen, click Next.
5. At the End User License Agreement (EULA) dialog box, click Next to accept the agreement.
6. When prompted, type the Captcha information, which is case sensitive, to validate to application security, and then click Next.

• If you have Family Protection installed, type your Administrator user name and password and click Next.
• If you cannot authenticate, follow the on-screen instructions to obtain an uninstall code. If you do not have Family Protection installed, you will not receive this authentication prompt.

7. When you see the message CleanUp Successful, restart your computer. Your McAfee product will not be fully removed until after the restart.

IMPORTANT: If you see the message Cleanup Unsuccessful, save your MCPR log files for analysis by Technical Support:

1. At the Cleanup Unsuccessful dialog box, click View Logs. Your troubleshooting log opens in a Notepad window.
2. Click File, Save As, and save the file to your Desktop. Name the file MCPR_date.txt (for example, MCPR_Jan10_12.txt).
3. Contact McAfee Technical Support and provide the log file to your technician for troubleshooting.
4. Confirm that all McAfee products have been removed from your computer.

3. Reinstall your McAfee products.
   NOTE: Refer to the instructions from the partner that you purchased your McAfee consumer product from, or reinstall using the following partner links:
   
   
   • If you purchased your software directly from McAfee, go to https://home.mcafee.com/Secure/Protected/Login.aspx to log in and download your software.
   • AT&T users, go to https://uversecentral1.att.com/uvp/myhome/mam/ISS/.
   • Cox users, go to http://www.cox.net.
   • DELL users, go to https://us.mcafee.com/root/login.asp?affid=105.
   • MSN users, go to http://membercenter.msn.com.
   • AOL users, search on keyword: Safety (http://daol.aol.com/safetycenter). On the AOL Safety & Security page, click Download Now.

How To Install McAfee All Access 2013

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

NEW McAfee® SafeKey—Simplify and Secure your Online Experience

Never forget your passwords again with McAfee SafeKey password manager. Managing all your usernames and passwords for multiple accounts, on multiple browsers, on multiple devices, can get tiresome. McAfee SafeKey securely stores your usernames and passwords for your favorite sites, and logs in for you—with just one click. Simplify and secure your online experience with McAfee SafeKey.

Unlimited* Protection for All the Devices You Own

Your digital life can be complex. It should be easy to get all your stuff protected.

• Easy Licensing —Buy one simple subscription and protect your PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and netbooks.
• NEW Easy, Automated Installation—Secure all your devices quickly and simply, using one link and auto detection of device types.
• NEW Centralized Visibility into Protection—Easily see the products you have running and download other protections that come with your subscription to achieve the best security.

* Certain limitations apply; see system description page for supported platforms.

Organize and Manage All Your Security from the Cloud

As your digital life and Internet security needs change, keep track and keep everything up to date.

• NEW Dashboard—Log in to your personal portal to see what’s been happening, from malware events to web use.
• NEW Click to Act—Quickly adjust settings, approve websites, lock, locate, or remotely wipe a lost phone, and more.
• Automated Updates—Let automatic refreshes keep your protections up to date and effective.

Protect Your Smartphones and Tablets

To explore the mobile world with confidence, protect against dangerous apps and sites—and the loss of your device.

• Antimalware and More—Scan for viruses, adware, and spyware from files, SD cards, apps, and Internet downloads.
• Device and Data Security—Remotely lock, back up, locate, restore, or wipe your device.
• Safe Surfing for Android—Block phishing sites, browser exploits, and malicious links in text messages, email, social sites, and QR codes.
• Call and SMS Blocking—Filter out mobile spammers, incorrect numbers, and unwanted texts.*
• App Protection for Android—Learn how your apps access your private data, location, and device details and remove apps that go too far.

* Features vary by platform and support smartphones only.

Protect Your Mac

Mac users are now just as susceptible to online risks as PC users.

• Antimalware and Antiphishing—Avoid dangerous emails, risky web content, and online threats.
• Two-way Firewall—Restrict access to and from specific applications communicating over the Internet or local area network.
• Safe Searching and Shopping—Know before you click which sites are safe and which may install malicious code, phish for your identity, or send spam.
• Content Filtering—Block up to 35 categories of websites and filter inappropriate content on YouTube and iTunes.
• Online Activity Monitoring and Scheduling—Find out what your children are doing online and set boundaries on Internet use.

Protect Your Social Network

Our tools make it easy to share ideas with friends and family without sharing dangerous links.

• Safe URL Sharing—Protect your friends if a link you send becomes risky.
• URL Shortener—Create brief, trustworthy URLs to spread the news without spam or malware.

Protect Against Hackers and Thieves

Layers of defense are the best strategy for keeping the bad guys out of your digital life.

• Wireless Network Protection—Keep eavesdroppers from your passwords and personal files.
• Antiphishing—Avoid risky and phishing URLS sent through email and instant messages.

Protect Your Identity

The loss, theft, or hacking of your PC or laptop doesn’t have to expose your confidential files.

• Encrypted Storage—Lock confidential files in a personal password-protected vault to keep your identity and data safe.

Block Spam and Dangerous Email

Who needs an inbox full of phishing messages, junk mail, and virus-laden attachments?

• STRONGER Antispam—Let fine-grained, accurate, dynamic filters get rid of offensive and dangerous messages.

Protect Your Family

Visibility and control help you manage your kids’ Internet use to permit their fun and your peace of mind.

• Parental Controls—Apply adjustable rules to block inappropriate sites and limit online time.
• Surf Report—Check login times by user, attempts to access forbidden sites, and total online time.
• IMPROVED Summaries—See and print one usage report for all your kids.

Protect Against Viruses and Malware

Our powerful combination of performance, accuracy, and reinforcing protections keeps criminals away from your PC and data.

• NEW Unobtrusive, High Speed Scanning Engine—From startup to on-access scans, get high performance to minimize scan times and extend battery life.
• NEW Vulnerability Scanner—Find and seal up holes in Windows and your favorite browsers and applications.
• Real-time Antimalware—Block threats like viruses, Trojans, and spyware in your files, email, and web downloads using instant risk assessments through the cloud.
• Adaptive Two-Way Firewall—Let our advanced firewall with buffer overflow protection prevent software from exploiting your OS or stealing information, even in hotspots.
• NEW Malicious Ad Protection—Block cybercrime networks and their malicious ads and hidden iFrame code from loading and infecting your PC.
• ENHANCED Digital Data Shredder—Destroy sensitive data and erase cookies, memory, cache, browser history, and more.
• IMPROVED Safe Socializing, Searching, and Shopping—Click with confidence because you know which sites are safe.
• BETTER Anti-bot Protection—Block contact with criminals’ computers based on the very latest research and reputation.
• NEW Home Screen—Navigate easily through common security tasks with a redesigned home screen that supports touch-friendly devices.
• ENHANCED Reports—Quickly understand how your protections are securing your data and system.
• PC Tune-up—Remove unused applications, cached browser files, and other junk to speed up your PC.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit)
• Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit)
• Windows XP SP3 or higher (32-bit)
• Windows Vista SP1 (32- and 64-bit)
• Mac OS X 10.6 or higher
• Google Android smartphones and tablets 2.x, 3.2, and 4.0 (runs on Kindle Fire Devices)
• BlackBerry 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0
• iOS 5 or higher (only supported by McAfee SafeKey password manager)

Internet Connection Required

• High-speed connection recommended

How To Install McAfee All Access 2013

Installing on a PC or Mac for the first time

The first time you install your McAfee software, our account management dashboard will help you get started.

1. Open a web browser and go to http://home.mcafee.com. 
2. Click Log In.
3. Type your email address and password, and click Log In.
   
   If you do not have a McAfee account, select New User? Register Now, follow the prompts to create your McAfee account, and then click Log In.
   
   If you want the website to remember your username in the future, select Remember Me.
    
4. Click My Account.
   
   An install helper automatically displays to give you quick access to protect your devices.
    
5. Select the computer you are currently using from the pop-up and click Download.
6. Select the correct product subscription, and then click Download again.
   
   NOTE: You can also choose to install additional protection programs you have purchased, such as McAfee Family Protection, from this product subscription selection.
    
7. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click I Agree to accept the terms and continue to the download and installation.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure your McAfee software on your computer.

Installing to additional computers

After your first installation, you can install to additional devices (providing you purchased enough licenses).

1. Log in to your McAfee account at http://home.mcafee.com from the computer you want to protect.Click the (+) icon.
   
   An install helper automatically displays to give you quick access to protect your devices.
    
2. Select the computer you want to protect and click Download.  
3. Select the correct product subscription, then click Download again.
4. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click I Agree to accept the terms and continue to the download and installation.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure your McAfee software.

How To Install McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2013

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Protect Against Viruses and Malware

Our powerful combination of performance, accuracy, and reinforcing protections keeps criminals away from your PC and data.

• NEW Unobtrusive, High Speed Scanning Engine—From startup to on-access scans, get high performance to minimize scan times and extend battery life.
• NEW Vulnerability Scanner—Find and seal up holes in Windows and your favorite browsers and applications.
• Real-time Antimalware—Block threats like viruses, Trojans, and spyware in your files, email, and web downloads using instant risk assessments through the cloud.
• Adaptive Two-Way Firewall—Let our advanced firewall with buffer overflow protection prevent software from exploiting your OS or stealing information, even in hotspots.
• NEW Malicious Ad Protection—Block cybercrime networks and their malicious ads and hidden iFrame code from loading and infecting your PC.
• ENHANCED Digital Data Shredder—Destroy sensitive data and erase cookies, memory, cache, browser history, and more.
• IMPROVED Safe Socializing, Searching, and Shopping—Click with confidence because you know which sites are safe.
• BETTER Anti-bot Protection—Block contact with criminals’ computers based on the very latest research and reputation.
• NEW Home Screen—Navigate easily through common security tasks with a redesigned home screen that supports touch-friendly devices.
• ENHANCED Reports—Quickly understand how your protections are securing your data and system.
• PC Tune-up—Remove unused applications, cached browser files, and other junk to speed up your PC.
  
  

  Supported Operating Systems

  • Windows XP SP3 or higher (32-bit)
  • Windows Vista SP1 (32- and 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit)
  • Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit)
  • 512 MB RAM for XP
  • 2 GB RAM for Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
  • 500 MB free drive space
  • 1 GHz processor

     

  Internet Connection Required

  • High-speed connection recommended

  How To Install McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2013

  Installing on a PC or Mac for the first time

  
  The first time you install your McAfee software, our account management dashboard will help you get started.

  1. Open a web browser and go to http://home.mcafee.com. 
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Type your email address and password, and click Log In.
     
     If you do not have a McAfee account, select New User? Register Now, follow the prompts to create your McAfee account, and then click Log In.
     
     If you want the website to remember your username in the future, select Remember Me.
      
  4. Click My Account.
     
     An install helper automatically displays to give you quick access to protect your devices.
      
  5. Select the computer you are currently using from the pop-up and click Download.
  6. Select the correct product subscription, and then click Download again.
     
     NOTE: You can also choose to install additional protection programs you have purchased, such as McAfee Family Protection, from this product subscription selection.
      
  7. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click I Agree to accept the terms and continue to the download and installation.
  8. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure your McAfee software on your computer.

  
  Installing to additional computers

  
  After your first installation, you can install to additional devices (providing you purchased enough licenses).

  1. Log in to your McAfee account at http://home.mcafee.com from the computer you want to protect.Click the (+) icon.
     
     An install helper automatically displays to give you quick access to protect your devices.
      
  2. Select the computer you want to protect and click Download.  
  3. Select the correct product subscription, then click Download again.
  4. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click I Agree to accept the terms and continue to the download and installation.
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure your McAfee software.

  
  

How To Install McAfee Internet Security 2013

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Block Spam and Dangerous Email

Who needs an inbox full of phishing messages, junk mail, and virus-laden attachments?

• STRONGER Antispam—Let fine-grained, accurate, dynamic filters get rid of offensive and dangerous messages.

Protect Your Family

Visibility and control help you manage your kids’ Internet use to permit their fun and your peace of mind.

• Parental Controls—Apply adjustable rules to block inappropriate sites and limit online time.
• Surf Report—Check login times by user, attempts to access forbidden sites, and total online time.
• IMPROVED Summaries—See and print one usage report for all your kids.

Protect Against Viruses and Malware

Our powerful combination of performance, accuracy, and reinforcing protections keeps criminals away from your PC and data.

• NEW Unobtrusive, High Speed Scanning Engine—From startup to on-access scans, get high performance to minimize scan times and extend battery life.
• NEW Vulnerability Scanner—Find and seal up holes in Windows and your favorite browsers and applications.
• Real-time Antimalware—Block threats like viruses, Trojans, and spyware in your files, email, and web downloads using instant risk assessments through the cloud.
• Adaptive Two-Way Firewall—Let our advanced firewall with buffer overflow protection prevent software from exploiting your OS or stealing information, even in hotspots.
• NEW Malicious Ad Protection—Block cybercrime networks and their malicious ads and hidden iFrame code from loading and infecting your PC.
• ENHANCED Digital Data Shredder—Destroy sensitive data and erase cookies, memory, cache, browser history, and more.
• IMPROVED Safe Socializing, Searching, and Shopping—Click with confidence because you know which sites are safe.
• BETTER Anti-bot Protection—Block contact with criminals’ computers based on the very latest research and reputation.
• NEW Home Screen—Navigate easily through common security tasks with a redesigned home screen that supports touch-friendly devices.
• ENHANCED Reports—Quickly understand how your protections are securing your data and system.
• PC Tune-up—Remove unused applications, cached browser files, and other junk to speed up your PC.
  
  

  Supported Operating Systems

  • Windows XP SP3 or higher (32-bit)
  • Windows Vista SP1 (32- and 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit)
  • Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit)
  • 512 MB RAM for XP
  • 2 GB RAM for Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
  • 500 MB free drive space
  • 1 GHz processor

     

  Internet Connection Required

  • High-speed connection recommended

  How To Install McAfee Internet Security 2013

  Installing on a PC or Mac for the first time

  
  The first time you install your McAfee software, our account management dashboard will help you get started.

  1. Open a web browser and go to http://home.mcafee.com. 
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Type your email address and password, and click Log In.
     
     If you do not have a McAfee account, select New User? Register Now, follow the prompts to create your McAfee account, and then click Log In.
     
     If you want the website to remember your username in the future, select Remember Me.
      
  4. Click My Account.
     
     An install helper automatically displays to give you quick access to protect your devices.
      
  5. Select the computer you are currently using from the pop-up and click Download.
  6. Select the correct product subscription, and then click Download again.
     
     NOTE: You can also choose to install additional protection programs you have purchased, such as McAfee Family Protection, from this product subscription selection.
      
  7. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click I Agree to accept the terms and continue to the download and installation.
  8. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure your McAfee software on your computer.

  
  Installing to additional computers

  
  After your first installation, you can install to additional devices (providing you purchased enough licenses).

  1. Log in to your McAfee account at http://home.mcafee.com from the computer you want to protect.Click the (+) icon.
     
     An install helper automatically displays to give you quick access to protect your devices.
      
  2. Select the computer you want to protect and click Download.  
  3. Select the correct product subscription, then click Download again.
  4. Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and click I Agree to accept the terms and continue to the download and installation.
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and configure your McAfee software.