| Name | TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | The page may look like a regular search engine with links to well-known pages. |
| Symptoms | The user may have the website set as his homepage without his approval. |
| Distribution Method | Bundling. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker |
FaceLiker is a type of Trojan that is specifically designed to remain undetected in the infected PC for longer periods of time with one and only purpose – generating profit to its owner. It has several variants all of which are made to execute connections from the infected machine to other sites. This is usually done with the purpose of generating profits for different sites, increasing the traffic to those and hence the profit. It can also be used to attack other sites’ funds visiting from referral links that generate profit.
TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker – How Did I Get Infected?
Most clicker Trojans are usually distributed via Spam mail campaigns. Such emails may contain one or more documents with the following file formats in them:
→.bat, .cmd, .exe, .pif, .scr, or .zip
Most spam mails may look extremely legitimate and may even be spoofed. This means that the e-mail message may be set to resemble or be the same as someone in your contact list or from some legitimate site that you may have registration in. These can be eBay, PayPal and others. The attachments may contain the trojan horse in them.
Another method of distribution of this vile threat is by social media. We are talking about sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and others. The malware may be redistributed in the form of a suspicious java or flash update to watch a video posted online that redirects to third-party sites.
TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker – More About It
According to Microsoft security researchers, once executed in a victim’s computer, the Trojan creates the following objects:
→%LOCALAPPDATA%\tempscreen.exe
\screenshot.lnk
The malware also may execute malicious script, known in the underground as cryptor that will mask its presence from any antivirus programs that are not scanning for it. More to it than that it also contains programmed scripts that execute connection to certain pre-set websites. Users even report seeing this FaceLiker variants to like random Facebook posts on users’ behalf.
More to it than that, the malware may modify certain registry settings in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. Such settings may vary, but are mostly connected with enabling the malware to operate undetected and run on start-up. This trojan may be dangerous for the user for several different reasons:
- It may also steal information from the user, such as credentials, passwords, etc.
- It may open certain sites that are malicious and may infect the PC with other malware.
- The trojan may be combined in a pack with other functions such as downloader, ransomware file encryptor, rootkit, keylogger and others.
Experts advise that if you observe one of the following symptoms to immediately check your computer for TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker:
- Likes, followings in your social networks to other pages without your explicit consent.
- Random browser redirects to web pages you have nothing to do with.
- Active connections with more than the usual and unfamiliar IP Addresses (check with the netstat –n function in Windows Command Prompt)
TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker – Detection and Removal
In case you are looking for a solution against this threat to your computer, make sure you act fast. For best results you should first isolate the threat by disconnecting from the internet. After this you should follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided for you below. You should also locate and download a reputable anti-malware solution for your computer. Such software will not only detect and remove any objects associated with TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker, but it also protects your computer from any future intrusions.
Step 1: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker.
Removing TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Removing TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Substep 1:
Open the Start Menu
Substep 2:
Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Substep 3:
After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Substep 4:
You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Substep 5:
After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Substep 6:
Click on Restart.
Substep 7:
A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker.
Step 2: Remove TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all TrojanClicker:MSIL/FaceLiker associated objects.
