What is Caphaw? Is Caphaw legit or a scam? How to remove Caphaw PUP from your PC or Mac?
The Caphaw malware is a dangerous virus instance which can cause a variety of dangeorus actions upon infection. It can be spread using many distribution techniques and the users may not even notice having it active on their computers. Our complete Caphaw malware illustrated removal guide shows how victims can attempt to remove it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Caphaw Malware |
| Type | Malware, Scam Hacking Program |
| Short Description | A dangerous multi-purpose virus. |
| Symptoms | The victims may notice performance issues and can get infected with other malware. |
| Distribution Method | Mainly via download sites and file sharing networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Caphaw Malware. |
Caphaw – How Did I Get It
The Caphaw malware is a dangerous virus which can be acquired via different mechanisms. Depending on the exact campaign which is directed against the users the criminals may use one or several spread tactics.
Malware like this one can be distributed over phishing campaigns that usually are sent via email messages. They are sent in a BULK-like manner and include content that impersonates well-known sites and services. As soon as an user interacts with the dangerous code the Caphaw malware will be deployed on the given host.
The other technique of this type is the creation of phishing sites that are designed in a similar manner. They include stolen and fake content which impersonates sites and portals and are hosted on domain names that sound very similar to the real ones. The built-in security certificates can be either self-signed or stolen and will add a sense of safety for the visitors.
Larger attack campaigns can use malicious payload carriers such as macro-infected documents and malicious software installers which can be spread using these mechanisms. Alternatively they can spread over file-sharing like BitTorrent.
Alternatively the Caphaw malware can be spread through browser hijackers which are dangerous plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are uploaded to various extension repositories using fake descriptions that promise new feature additions or other types of enhancements. The descriptions are often accompanied by fake developer accounts and user reviews.
Caphaw – What Does It Do
As soon as the Caphaw malware is installed onto a given system it will immediately start its boot options modification component — the threat will automatically start as soon as the computer is powered on. In order to avoid detection by any installed security software it will bypass or remove them — this includes anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual machine hosts.
When this process has completed the Caphaw malware will be inserted to the system in a way which will make it very hard to remove. The main engine will copy down the virus data and rename it with system-specific names, the resulting files will be copied to the system folders. It may take the following names:
\lssas.exe — This is a dangerous consequence as a legitimate system file is located in this place. It can be overwritten which will result in system errors and data loss.- %windir% \assembly\nativeimages_v2.0.50727_32\temp\zapf.tmp\system.data.entity.design.dll — It will mask itself as a Windows DLL file.
- %windir% \svchost.exe — This file will overwrite the legitimate Windows component.
Once the malware has been implanted onto the system it will continue with the malware actions as intended. A partial list of the most popular ones include the following:
- Process Hookup — The malware engine can hookup to important system processes and applications. This means that it will be able to spy on the activities of the users and relay them to the hackers in real-time.
- Windows Registry Changes — The Caphaw malware may edit existing values in the Windows Registry or create new ones specific for the threat.
- Malware Delivery — Some of the analyzed samples have been found to drop rootkits and Trojans whch allows the operators to take over control of the victims.
- MBR Modifications — Some of the captured samples have been found to modify the Master Boot Record of the infected systems which makes it very difficult to restore the computers.
Some of the Caphaw malware strains have been found to manipulate and interact with the Skype installations and Facebook profiles. This means that the viruses have been able to penetrate the compromised hosts to a very deep state.
One of the most dangerous consequences of having an active Caphaw malware infection is that it can be used with a special module allowing it to launch an extensive banking Trojan. It will automatically detect if an online banking service is being used by the victim and harvest the input account credentials. It can also manipulate bank transfer fields without the users noticing.
All of this shows that active Caphaw malware infections should be removed as soon as possible. Read our thorough illustrated removal guide in order to learn how to rid yourself of contaminated viruses.
How to Remove Caphaw
In order to fully remove Caphaw from your computer system, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. If the first two manual removal steps do not seem to work and you still see Caphaw or programs, related to it, we suggest what most security experts advise – to download and run a scan of your comptuer with a reputable anti-malware program. Downloading this software will not only save you some time, but will remove all of Caphaw files and programs related to it and will protect your computer against such intrusive apps and malware in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove Caphaw Malware from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Caphaw Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Caphaw Malware and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Caphaw Malware on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Caphaw Malware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Caphaw Malware (Windows).
Get rid of Caphaw Malware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Caphaw Malware and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Caphaw Malware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Caphaw Malware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Caphaw Malware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Caphaw Malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Caphaw Malware (Mac)
Remove Caphaw Malware from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Caphaw Malware from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Caphaw Malware from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Caphaw Malware from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Caphaw Malware will be removed.
Eliminate Caphaw Malware from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Caphaw Malware-FAQ
What Is Caphaw Malware?
The Caphaw Malware threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Caphaw Malware?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Caphaw Malware?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Caphaw Malware Work?
Once installed, Caphaw Malware can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Caphaw Malware can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Caphaw Malware Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Caphaw Malware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Caphaw Malware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Caphaw Malware?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Caphaw Malware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.