Mac Viruses

Back in 2016, KeRanger became the very first ransomware that attacked Mac users. Most users were mind-blown when realized that their data is locked because they downloaded a legitimate BitTorrent Client called Transmission. At that time, cybercriminals managed to hack their website and ingrain a file-encrypting virus into a new version that was about to come out. Therefore, users inadvertently caught a malware attack by updating the previously installed application. Unfortunately, laboratories have not identified the appropriate measure to decrypt the inflicted data. Instead, victims offer a paid solution which is buying a decryption program. The transaction has to be made via the Tor browser by paying 1 BTC (around 407 at that time), now Bitcoin accounts for roughly $5,260. Extortionists also claim that they will answer any of your questions if you are really motivated to pay a ransom. You can also decrypt 1 file via the Tor page linked in the note. As mentioned, third-parties tools are currently unable to decipher the locked data.

Whilst most ransomware developers focus on infecting Windows-based systems, AgeLocker targets Mac and Linux, instead. The ransomware positions itself as a business-oriented virus that spreads on corporative companies, however, attacks on regular users happen as well. The encryption process looks pretty similar to Windows, the only difference is using different extensions and file formats. AgeLocker applies its personal command prompt to run the encryption process. Files that have been impacted by AgeLocker get assigned with personalized extensions based on user's names. It is impossible to identify which file was infected because of AgeLocker ciphers the original name and adds a random extension at the end. Some people reported that their files were added with the .sthd2 extension and the name of encrypted files starts with the age-encryption.org URL-address. Once all files get locked successfully, the virus sends a ransom note (security_audit_.eml) to the victim's e-mail.

B-ok.org (a.k.a. ZLibrary, B-ok.cc) is classified as a browser hijacker that alters your homepage adding an ostensibly better search engine. It stands for the largest ebook library with advanced search options to make the searching process more accurate and faster. Unfortunately, B-ok.org is implicated in shady activity - showing unwanted ads and random redirects during the browsing session. It does not necessarily mean that B-ok.org is a virus, but a browser hijacker that should be removed from your PC to prevent identity threats. This is because such applications can track browser history, passwords, and other data entered along with the usage. Get down the article below to find removal instructions as well as protection tips to avert further infiltrations.

Chrome Tools is classified as an adware program because it runs shady algorithms that overlay your browser with dubious ads. Such applications have nothing to say about improving the browsing experience. Their main purpose is to earn money by showing deceptive banners, ads, coupons, surveys, and other misleading content during the session. Moreover, adware programs have the ability to record personal data (IP-addresses, passwords, geolocations, browser history) that can be easily sold to third-parties organizations. Chrome Tools may, in fact, be dangerous and harm your privacy. This is why we recommend you delete it as soon as possible to prevent inadvertent leaks.

HDConverterSearch is an unwanted piece delivered as a browser extension. It is presented as a tool to improve the searching process by altering your homepage and search engine as well. To illustrate, if you open a browser, you will see that the original homepage has changed its address to portal.hdconvertersearch.com. Unfortunately, HDConverterSearch operates as a hijacker that is supposed to track your browser's activity and show unwanted advertisements apparently as a way to gain profit. Most fabricated search engines are not capable of generating unique search results, so they dispatch your queries over to Google, Yahoo, Bing, or other legitimate engines. HDConverterSearch is not an exception, it redirects you to the Yahoo search engine. Besides that, such apps can gather sensitive data such as IP-addresses, passwords, geolocations, and other valuable info). Extensions of such type are hard to remove because they install additional files that prevent you from manual removal.

Moatads.com is a type of infection that acts as browser hijackers. The biggest change affected by such programs is browser appearance. Once opened, you may see the new search engine and widgets like weather and fast links to popular platforms. Moatads.com, however, imitates the website of Moat, which is a legitimate marketing tool developed to measure Analytics of Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter as well. It helps people cultivate personal brands by generating ads to boost users' activity on different platforms. Moatads.com has no relationship with the legitimate service. It can use hijacked settings to record valuable data and send it to cybercriminals. This is why we recommend you delete the browser hijacker unless you want your data to slip away. Scroll down the guide below to find removal instructions.

Covenant Eyes is a legitimate piece of software that offers a range of features, mainly designed to prevent people from watching adult content. It helps users become free of porn-addiction by monitoring your screen and sending a report to a trusted ally who analyzes your online activity. They call it Screen Accountability which should make you feel ashamed whenever you decide to break the rules. Covenant Eyes also provides a span of literature that helps you discover scientific studies and proven ways to solve the addiction. Whilst such features can be useful to help people establish parental control over offsprings and defeat multiple habits, there is also a downside of Covenant Eyes. Developers made it quite hard to implement manual removal - they even posted a list of instructions that explains how to delete Covenant Eyes on different platforms. The only snug that might bother people is that they should get an uninstall code by contacting the Account Administrator, enter it in their online account, and only then get the ability to uninstall Covenant Eyes.

Being part of the Mindspark adware family, Hp.myway.com is classified as a browser hijacker that targets Chrome, Firefox, and other popular browsers. In fact, it is a search engine assigned by a browser extension that could be installed alongside other software. If you saw a sudden difference in browser appearance, there might be something initiating these changes in the form of potentially unwanted programs. Browser hijackers have a tendency to mimic or even copy the features of legitimate services to make their software look better. For example, Hp.myway.com redirects entered queries through the Google engine. You can see Enhanced by Google right next to the searching bar on your homepage. Moreover, it necessary to mention that having such add-ons installed in your browser, can compromise personal data and lead to privacy loss.