The article will help you to remove MusicBox Live fully. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions given at the end of the article.
The MusicBox Live redirect is a recently discovered browser plugin that can be used for hijacker purposes. Interaction with it can hijack personal data belonging to the victims. Our in-depth article explores some of the dangers associated with its presence on infected hosts.
Threat Summary
| Name | MusicBox Live |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker redirect can alter the homepage, search engine and new tab on every browser application you have installed. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab and search engine of all your browsers will be switched to MusicBox Live. You will be redirected and could see sponsored content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MusicBox Live. |
MusicBox Live – Distribution Methods
The MusicBox Live redirect is caused by various infection techniques. The operators behind it are targeting users worldwide by using several different methods at once, this is being done to increase the number of affected users.
A common strategy is to rely on phishing email messages that contain elements taken from legitimate sites. In most of the cases the hackers rely on elements such as text, images and the overall design to fool users into thinking that they have received a notification from a well-known company or service. Attached directly to the messages or linked in the body contents they find scripts or applications that are disguised as legitimate apps, documents or tools. Upon interaction with them the MusicBox Live redirect infection sequence is activated.
A similar technique can be used with fake download sites that are constructed in a similar way. Along with the email messages these sites are among the primary delivery tactics for infected payloads. They represent packages that have been infected with the virus code and forwarded to the target users. There are two main groups that are the most likely culprits:
- Documents — The MusicBox Live redirect code can be inserted in files of various types such as documents, presentations, spreadsheets, databases and text documents. As soon as they are opened by the users a message will appear asking them to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done then the infection sequence will be started.
- Software Install Packages — The criminals behind the redirect can manipulate popular application installers with the infection sequence. Typically the most popular installers are chosen: creativity suites, productivity and system utilities.
In addition the threat is made available on the respective web browser repositories. In most cases they are made available for the most popular web browsers and feature extensive descriptions and (counterfeit) user reviews.
MusicBox Live – Detailed Description
The MusicBox Live redirect is devised to look like an Internet service that serves music to its clients. Once the users install the browser-based extension they will be redirected to a hacker-controlled domain. In our test cases this linked to a domain that is still not functioning directly which means that it is probable that the site is in transition or the built-in list of addresses has not been updated.
The reason why threats such as this one are discouraged by the security experts is the fact that they often change the default browser settings (by changing the default home page, new tabs page and search engine to point to the site) and can also acquire all stored information. This includes any of the following data sets:
- Cookies
- History
- Bookmarks
- Settings
- Passwords
These plugins are typically configured to perform several malicious actions on the infected machines.
First of all they may start a data harvesting campaign that is used to hijack sensitive information that can be used to optimize future campaigns or directly expose the victim’s identity. Such data can include strings that look out for their name, address, interests, location, passwords and certain operating system data — user-set regional settings, hardware components and etc.
Following this the hijacker code can institute itself as a persistent threat, this means that the underlying dangerous code will automatically start itself once the computer is booted. This action can be run alongside a command that will disable the boot recovery menu. A consequence of this is the inability to use certain manual recovery options.
These type of threats may be combined with a Trojan instance that creates a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It can be used to spy on the victims, install additional threats and take over control of the machines.
While the redirect does not point to a specific site at the moment, we presume that the operators behind it will soon switch addresses and point to a working site.
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 MusicBox Live from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for MusicBox Live with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live (Windows).
Get rid of MusicBox Live from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live. 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MusicBox Live, 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 MusicBox Live (Mac)
Remove MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live will be removed.
Eliminate MusicBox Live 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".
MusicBox Live-FAQ
What Is MusicBox Live?
The MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live?
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 MusicBox Live?
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 MusicBox Live Work?
Once installed, MusicBox Live 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.
MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MusicBox Live 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 MusicBox Live?
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 MusicBox Live threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.