“Virusdefense.info” is the domain of a fake tech support website; but it can also have a browser extension or a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) installed on a victim’s PC. The user may be constantly redirected to the domain and unable to get out of the domain or browser. There are also pop-ups that support the scam, claiming that the user is infected with viruses and in order to prevent data loss, the user “must” call a phone number.
| Name | Virusdefense.info |
| Type | Tech Support Scam, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to deceive users into believing that their system is infected with Trojans, worms, and other malware. Features a phone number. |
| Symptoms | Background imitating a legitimate anti-virus program screen with pop-ups claiming that users must call a number to remove viruses on their computer. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware installers, Visiting suspicious websites, Browser Redirects |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about Virusdefense.info. |
Virusdefense.info – How Did I Get It?
The PUP and/or browser extension that support the “Virusdefense.info” domain usually get into your computer via third-party installers. They can sneak into your computer without your consent, by concealing themselves in freeware installations and bundled packages.
In these packages, additional components for installation are not always disclosed properly, and people get tricked into installing potentially unwanted programs such as those related to “Virusdefense.info”. Sometimes that can be avoided by clicking on the “Advanced” or “Custom” option in an installation setup to see what will be installed.
Other ways of getting infected are by opening spam emails and downloading e-mail attachments, or by clicking on various ads and banners containing malicious content.
Virusdefense.info – More About It
“Virusdefense.info” is a malicious domain of a fake tech support website. It has another variant as “Virusdefense.info/us”. It claims that your computer is infected with different forms of malware and viruses. It also claims to be able to remove them if call the phone number “1-866-848-6738”. You are supposed to say the security “error message” that keeps popping up “S1M457”.
The truth is that this may be the most expensive call in your life. It is definitely not free, and it will cost a lot of money per impulse. That is not the only reason you should NOT in any circumstances call the fake support number – the scammers that run the website, may also try to get you to tell them personal details and financial information using different tricky techniques. Then they can sell that data to the highest bidder or take advantage of it themselves according to their interests.
Another interesting thing is that the site represents only a picture, which is not even in high quality:
You may not be able to figure out it is only a picture, due to the constant windows that keep popping up. Thus you see everything of that background very blurry. From the redirects and the pop-ups that you may get, you could be unable to surf the internet or even close the browser. Everything is done in such a matter to scare you and for you to rush in and abide by the site’s rules. So you can give money to the scammers as described above.
“Virusdefense.info” may also collect information about you through cookies and custom Java Script files injected through the browser extension or a program installed on your PC that is assisting the fake support site.
Remove Virusdefense.info Fully from Your PC
To remove “Virusdefense.info” manually from your computer, make sure to follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided down below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser redirects and PUPs completely, you should search for and remove the leftovers with an advanced anti-malware program. Installing such a program will also make certain that your system is secure from other threats you may run into.
1. Remove Virusdefense.info from your browser and restart it.
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox and reset it
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome and reset it.
Remove an add-on from Internet Explorer and reset it.
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.Step 1:Remove Firefox Add-ons
Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select Virusdefense.info and click “Remove“
After Virusdefense.info is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Step 2: Reset Firefox
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Firefox make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Right-click on Firefox on its icon in the taskbar and click New Private Window to enter private browsing.
Type about:support in your address bar.
Click on the ‘Refresh Firefox’ and accept any prompts from Firefox to save your old data before resetting.
Step 1: Remoove Google Chrome Extensions
Step 2: Reset Google Chrome
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Google Chrome make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Right-click on the Chrome taskbar icon and then choose ‘New Incognito Window’. This will start Chrome without any home pages.
Type chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings and then click on the ‘Reset’ button.
Step 1: Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer
Start Internet Explorer:
Select Virusdefense.info to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After Virusdefense.info has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Internet Explorer make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Right-click on Internet Explorer’s icon and choose Start In-Private Browsing.
Click the gear leaver icon in the top right side of IE and choose Internet Options from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Advanced Tab after which click the ‘Reset’ button. Wait a little for the ticks to complete and you should be fine.
Step 1: Remove Safari extensions
Start Safari
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on Virusdefense.info
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Virusdefense.info. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Virusdefense.info will be removed.
Step 2: Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.
Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.
2. Remove Virusdefense.info with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Virusdefense.info.3. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Virusdefense.info.Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Virusdefense.info files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
3. Remove Virusdefense.info with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Virusdefense.info. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Virusdefense.info associated files automatically.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.
Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
4. Remove Virusdefense.info with STOPZilla AntiMalware
1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Virusdefense.info. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Virusdefense.info associated files completely.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Virusdefense.info from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Virusdefense.info with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Virusdefense.info and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info (Windows).
Get rid of Virusdefense.info from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info. 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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Virusdefense.info, 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 Virusdefense.info (Mac)
Remove Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info will be removed.
Eliminate Virusdefense.info 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".
Virusdefense.info-FAQ
What Is Virusdefense.info?
The Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info?
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 Virusdefense.info?
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 Virusdefense.info Work?
Once installed, Virusdefense.info 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.
Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Virusdefense.info 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 Virusdefense.info?
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 Virusdefense.info threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.