This article aims to explain what is the Microsoft Securoty Essentials fake antivirus and how to remove it from your computer system.
A fake copy of Microsoft Security Essentials has appeared on the web, aiming to lead victims to web pages that may be dangerous for their computer. The antivirus claims that the computer is heavily infected with malware and the victim should download antivirus by visiting a third-party website. It displays fake pop-ups when you click on each button and most of them give errors and scareware messages that the computer of the victim is infected. If you see the fake Microsoft Securoty Essentials program on your computer, we advise you to read the following article and learn how to remove this program from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | Microsoft Securoty Essentials |
| Type | Fake Antivirus |
| Short Description | Aims to get you to visit a website that may infect your computer with malware or adware |
| Symptoms | You may see a fake copy of Security Essentials, named “Microsoft Securoty Essentials”. |
| Distribution Method | Malware preinstalled on your computer or fake executables. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Microsoft Securoty Essentials. |
Microsoft Securoty Essentials – How Did I Get It
The main malicious file of this unwanted program has been reported to be the following executable, named MadarchodLocker.exe:
Once this fake antivirus is on your computer it is automatically ran and begins it’s malicious activity. The main method by which it could have ended up on your computer is if you have clicked on a malicious URL online that may have triggered a script causing the file to be downloaded and hidden somewhere on your computer.
Another way by which you may have ended up with this Microsoft Securoty Essentials program is if your PC has been compromised by an ad-supported program. Such programs, often referred to as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) aim to install fake programs or cause browser redirects to different websites, most of which may download and install such programs automatically on your PC and even infect your computer with malware. Programs, like there ad-supported software often spread via bundled setups posing “as free extra” to your current installation, but there is nothing free in them and the only extra you get is the advertisements they come with. In addition to this, users do believe that this program may have been installed as a result of a misleading page, claiming that your system is damaged, similar to the “Your Windows OS is damaged” misleading pop-up.
Microsoft Securoty Essentials Fake AV – More Information and Purpose
The program, which badly imitates Microsoft Security Essentials, runs automatically when it’s executed on your computer. It’s main executable file, may reside in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Windows%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
Once the file has been executed, the victim begins to see the following fake antivirus program.
When you click on Start Scan now, the program returns a pop-up with a message stating that the computer of the victim is heavily infected and it cannot scan and remove viruses. The victim is then advised to download an anti-virus from example.com. This likely suggests that the program is in development mode and can be sold to lead victims to absolutely any website. These websites may be either scamming sites or malicious ones and infect your computer with malware.
So if you encounter Microsoft Securoty Essentials we recommend that you immediately remove it from your computer system.
Remove Microsoft Securoty Essentials Fake Antivirus
Before actually starting to remove this program we advise you to make sure that the program is fake, by checking your System Tray icons (the icons on bottom right next to the clock). If the program is legitimate it will display a tray icon there with the official Microsoft Security Essentials logo. And if the program is ran on Windows 10 machines, be advised that Windows 10 comes with an embedded Windows Defender and does not support Microsoft Security Essentials at all. Another important factor is that the second word “Securoty” is written wrong and this is the most evident fact that the software is a fraud.
Once you have detected this program, you should remove it and it’s malicious files from your computer. You can do that either manually or automatically, by following the removal instructions underneath this article. They are created in order to help you to delete this program based on how much malware removal experience you have. For maximum effectiveness, be advised that security researchers recommend to delete this software automatically by downloading and scanning your computer by using an advanced anti-malware software. Such program will help you to remove all malicious and unwanted objects from your computer and protect it against intrusive software in the future as well.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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How to Remove Microsoft Securoty Essentials from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Microsoft Securoty Essentials with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials (Windows).
Get rid of Microsoft Securoty Essentials from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials. 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Microsoft Securoty Essentials, 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials (Mac)
Remove Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials will be removed.
Eliminate Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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".
Microsoft Securoty Essentials-FAQ
What Is Microsoft Securoty Essentials?
The Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials?
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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials?
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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials Work?
Once installed, Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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.
Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Microsoft Securoty Essentials 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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials?
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 Microsoft Securoty Essentials threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.