Malware Removal
- Image by twenty_questions via Flickr
Antivirus 360 is one of the dirtiest little malware applications I’ve had the pleasure of coming across lately. It embeds itself in Word documents generally received through email or MSN from “friends” who are infected as well. Characterized by popups and warnings telling you that your computer is infected (no kidding?), it links you to a website that wants you to pay for an application to remove the virus. This is the new definition of “viral marketing”.
I’ve seen this particular virus popping up quite often lately, and I’ve had first hand experience removing it from several computers, so I figured I’d post my 4 step guide to removing Antivirus 360 in under 10 minutes.
1) Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
2) Install and run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (deep scan)
3) ????
4) Profit!
Note: Be absolutely SURE to remove all your restore points afterward as I guarantee you it has embedded itself in one if not all of your restore points. A scan of all disinfected computers with Avast! Antivirus has confirmed this behavior. AV360 tends to block the execution of Malwarebytes, but it can be closed easily with task manager as long as there are no browser windows open.
Sometimes if you’ve tried to remove this program manually it can leave you with an incredibly annoying error popup saying that it can’t find certain files. This can be removed using Autorun Eater from Download.com (don’t be afraid, it’s supposed to make that goat noise).
Quick Recap:
