This article has been created in order to explain the idea behind the “Your Device is Showing Supsicious Surfing Behaviour” Scam and how to remove this pop-up from your web browser.
A new scam promoting a browser redirect web page, which accuses the user of “suspicious surfing behavior” has been reported by cyber-security researchers. The pop-up displays a screen which begins to mine for the cryptocurrency Monero as the victim sits and does absolutely nothing. The pop-up asks from victims to type a captcha in order to discontinue the mining operation, however many have reported this not to be advisable as a course of action. If you have started seeing pop-ups accusing you of suspicious browsing behavior, such as the one on the picture on the right, we recommend that you read the following article in order to learn how to stop seeing such pop-ups in the future.
Threat Summary
| Name | “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” |
| Type | PUA/Miner |
| Short Description | Aims to mine for various different cryptocurrencies as a result of a browser redirect, caused by unwanted advertisements or banners. |
| Symptoms | Random browser redirects caused by unwanted program residing on the victim’s computer. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your PC. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”. |
“Suspicious Surfing Behavior” – Distribution Methods
“Suspicious Surfing Behavior” pop-up may have found itself on your PC as a result of you visiting a website that may have the JavaScript code in it, causing browser redirects to such suspicious and malicious web links.
Another method by which this browser redirect may have situated itself onto your computer system is via a potentially unwanted program, whose primary purpose is to display such redirects as a result of a scheme that generates funds to it’s creators. Such unwanted software is usually spread when you download the setup of a free program which you may be looking for online, such as a free extension or a free media player, torrent downloader or other type of freewar. What happens is that most sites “advertise” ad-supported programs since this is one way to generate income. And some of those sites do not mind what types of programs they advertise as long as the publishers of freeware get paid.
“Suspicious Surfing Behavior More Information
As soon as it find itself on your computer system this program’s primary purpose is to inject JavaScript. This JavaScript aims to attack your CPU and GPU and use them in order to perform the so-called hashing operation, which is basically the mining procedure for the Monero cryptocurrency. Monero usually overloads the GPU (VideoCard) of the computers in which it is mined, since it’s most often used mining algorithm is called “Cryptonight” and it is used by many legitimate miners as well. What the first activity of this JavaScript is, is to connect your computer to various different types of CryptoCurrency mining pools – virtual places where the infected computers combine mining power in order to generate more of the Monero tokens which the miner hashes for.
The pop-up itself aims to get victims to write down captcha in order to stop it, however we’d advise against It as this may lead to more problems for your computer. Instead, since the Monero miner may lead to more trouble on your computer, we’d advise you to remove it as soon as possible, preferrably by following the instructions below.
Remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Miner from Your Compter
Since this miner may also be associated with other types of unwanted software and malware which can also obtain your crucial information, like web passwords keystrokes you have typed and other info, we would advise that you follow the removal instructions down below to discontinue the software causing these pop-ups to appear. If the manual removal does not solve your issue, be advised that security experts often advise removing the malware automatically by scanning your computer with an advanced anti-malware software. Such will make sure that the “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” miner is fully gone from your PC and it stays protected against various forms of online threats and the newest malware at all times.
Delete “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” from Windows and Your Browser
Remove or Uninstall “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” in Windows.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”.
Remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” from Your Browser.
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” and click “Remove“
After “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” 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 “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
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 “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” will be removed.
Remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
Remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”.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 “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” 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.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” should be restored.
Remove “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
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.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
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.
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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Preparation before removing “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” on your computer.
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 “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” 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.Step 3: Find virus files created by “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
“Suspicious Surfing Behavior” FAQ
What Does “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Trojan Do?
The “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on “Suspicious Surfing Behavior”?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the “Suspicious Surfing Behavior” threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.