Fake Antivirus (FakeAV) Removal Tool

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Solution ID Last Updated
1056510 Date : 2013/06/07 Time:8:33 AM , (PST)


Product/Version Platform
Client / Server Suite for SMB - 3.6;Client/Server Security SMB - 3.6;Client/Server/Messaging Security SMB - 3.6;Endpoint Security Platform - 7.2, Endpoint Security Platform - 8.0;OfficeScan - 10.0, OfficeScan - 10.5, OfficeScan - 10.6, OfficeScan - 8.0;PC-cillin Internet Security - 2005, PC-cillin Internet Security - 2006, PC-cillin Internet Security - 2007;PC-cillin Internet Security for Dell - 14.7, PC-cillin Internet Security for Dell - 14, PC-cillin Internet Security for Dell - 2005;Titanium AntiVirus + - 2011, Titanium AntiVirus + - 2012, Titanium AntiVirus + - 2013;Titanium Internet Security - 2011, Titanium Internet Security - 2012, Titanium Internet Security - 2013;Titanium Internet Security for Dell - 2011, Titanium Internet Security for Dell - 2011;Titanium Maximum Security - 2011, Titanium Maximum Security - 2012, Titanium Maximum Security - 2013;Titanium Smart Surfing for PC - 2011;Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware - 2008, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware - 2009, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware - 2010;Trend Micro Internet Security - 2008, Trend Micro Internet Security - 2009, Trend Micro Internet Security - 2010;Trend Micro Internet Security Pro - 2008, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro - 2009, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro - 2010;Worry-Free Business Security Services - 5.1;Worry-Free Business Security Services - 5.2;Worry-Free Business Security Services for Dell - 5.1;Worry-Free Business Security Services for Dell - 5.2;Worry-Free Business Security Standard/Advanced - 5.1, Worry-Free Business Security Standard/Advanced - 6.0, Worry-Free Business Security Standard/Advanced - 7.0, Worry-Free Business Security Standard/Advanced - 8.0;
Windows - 2000 Advanced Server, 2000 Datacenter Server, 2000 Professional, 2000 Server, 2000 Small Business Server, 2003 Compute Cluster Server, 2003 Datacenter Server, 2003 Datacenter Server Edition 64-bit, 2003 Enterprise Server, 2003 Home Server, 2003 Small Business Server, 2003 Standard Server Edition, 2003 Standard Server Edition 64-bit, 2003 Storage Server, 2003 Web Server Edition, 2008 Datacenter Server, 2008 Datacenter Server Edition 64-bit, 2008 Enterprise Server, 2008 Enterprise Server Edition 64-bit, 2008 Essential Business Server, 2008 Small Business Server, 2008 Standard Server Edition, 2008 Standard Server Edition 64-bit, 2008 Storage Server, 2008 Web Server Edition, 2008 Web Server Edition 64-bit, 7 32-bit, 7 64-bit, Vista 32-bit, Vista 64-bit, XP Home, XP Professional, XP Professional 64-bit, 8 32-bit, 8 64-bit

Problem Description

Fake Antivirus (FakeAV) threats have been rampant in the past few years. Various FAKEAV variants have infected millions of PCs and are continuously spreading worldwide.
One reason why FAKEAV infections have become well-known to users is because they have visual payloads. Variants of the malware family often display pop-up messages telling users that their machines have been infected. This may cause panic among users, pressuring them to purchase rogue antivirus applications in the hope of resolving the issue. Users, however, should never purchase antivirus software from unknown sources.

Solution

Notes:
  • The FakeAV Removal Tool also works for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • The standalone FakeAV Removal Tool has been archived. Though you can acquire it by contacting Trend Micro Support, we recommend the use of this new build.
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Using the ATTK FakeAV Removal Tool

To use the removal tool, do the following:
  1. Download one of the following packages depending on your operating system:
    • Graphical User Interface mode
      This package provides a simple user interface to use and is recommended for home users.
      Note: Clicking the link will open the Trend Micro License Agreement on another window. Read the License Agreement and click I Accept to download the Fake AV removal tool.
    • Command Line Interface mode
      This is recommended for advanced users who only wants to see the CMD screen.
  2. Run the executable file. If you are having problems running the file because the Fake AV is blocking it, you can do the following:
    1. Rename the attk_far tool to svchost.exe or iexplore.exe.
    2. Change the file extension of the attk_far tool into .com. Renaming the tool will trick the Fake AV that you are running a critical windows process.
      Note: If you are using Windows Vista/7, right-click the tool and select Run as Administrator to make sure that the application is not blocked from running.
  3. Accept the license agreement.
  4. Click Scan Now.
  5. Tick the items that are associated with the FakeAV infection, then click Clean.
    Note: Restart your computer if you are prompted.

 

Features of the ATTK FakeAV Removal Tool

The ATTK build of Fake Antivirus Removal Tool has the following features:
  • Enhanced correlation for detection
  • Supports x64 process scanning
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