Remove Rogue Antivirus & Security Tool Malware - Guide

Dealing with a Security Tool Infection

If your personal computer is affected by Security Tool, you are likely seeking guidance on its removal. Fortunately, detailed instructions are available to assist you in eliminating this malicious software.

Security Tool represents a category of deceptive antivirus programs, similar to Antivirus Live, Advanced Virus Remover, and Internet Security 2010. These applications often take control of a computer, demanding payment under the guise of a ransom. They falsely report infections and obstruct legitimate removal attempts.

Impact of the Infection

This specific virus restricts typical computer functions, including access to the Task Manager.

Numerous spurious error messages persistently appear, disrupting normal operation.

Furthermore, it actively prevents the execution of legitimate malware removal tools.

We will outline both general removal steps and the specific procedure used to eliminate this particular threat.

General Rogue Antivirus Removal Guide

Several steps can generally be followed to eliminate most rogue antivirus infections, and indeed, many types of malware or spyware.

• Attempt to utilize the free, portable version of SUPERAntiSpyware for virus removal.
• If unsuccessful, restart your PC in safe mode with networking (accessed by pressing F8 before Windows loads).
• Again, try using the free, portable version of SUPERAntiSpyware to remove the viruses.
• Reboot your PC and re-enter safe mode with networking.
• Should safe mode be blocked, consider running ComboFix.
• Install MalwareBytes and perform a comprehensive system scan.
• Reboot your PC and conduct a full scan using your standard antivirus application (Microsoft Security Essentials is recommended).
• At this stage, your PC should typically be clean.

These steps are generally effective. However, some malware infections can block safe mode and prevent all other actions. Further guidance on these scenarios will be provided in a future article; subscribe to stay updated.

Specific Removal Instructions for Security Tool

Given that standard methods may not always suffice, and Security Tool proved adept at disabling malware removal tools, an alternative approach was necessary.

First, determine your username. If unsure, right-click the Start button and select Open; the username will be visible in the location bar.

Open the Start Menu, click Run (or use the Win+R shortcut), and enter the following command, replacing "administrator" with your actual username if different:

taskkill /f /fi "username eq administrator"

If the command doesn't immediately terminate the virus, repeat it. The disappearance of the Start Menu is normal.

If successful, the virus is neutralized, along with other system elements, including the Start Menu. Use the Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut to open Task Manager, then go to File -> Run and type "explorer" to restore the Start Menu and taskbar.

Repeat the process if the virus persists.

Cleaning with SUPERAntiSpyware

With the processes terminated, proceed to remove the malware itself by downloading and installing SUPERAntiSpyware. The full version or the portable version can be used.

If using the full version, check for updates and then click "Scan Your Computer." Perform a Complete Scan, selecting all drives.

Upon completion, remove all detected threats and reboot your system.

Final Scan with Malwarebytes

Install MalwareBytes and run a full system scan. This ensures comprehensive removal, as no single tool detects all malware variants.

Install Microsoft Security Essentials

Finally, install Microsoft Security Essentials and perform another full scan for added security.

If a USB drive was used during the process, scan it thoroughly to prevent reinfection.

Share Your Experiences

Have you encountered this virus or similar threats? Share your experiences and effective removal methods in the comments or email us at tips@howtogeek.com. Your feedback is valuable.