This article aims to help you by showing you how to remove the “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) virus!” from your PC and “Your system is heavily damaged by Four virus!” from your smartphone or tablet.
A new scamming virus-like messages have started appearing in the wild and they have been detected in both smartphones as well as computer. The messages can be seen on any mobile device, because they are actually a redirect to a web link and the same goes for computers as well. Their end goal is to convince the victims that they must install a suspicious phone app or install a program on your computer, called PCSmartCleanup. If you see messages from this virus on your computer or your smartphone, chances may as well be that it has been compromised by an app which may cause browser redirects to the “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) virus!” messages. This is why, we advise you to read this article and learn how to remove the “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) virus!” messages from your web browser or your smartphone and protect your devices in the future.
Threat Summary
| Name | Four (4) Virus |
| Type | Scam / Browser Redirect |
| Short Description | A browser redirect to a usually random URL which displays a tab locking message, asking victims to download a rogue antivirus program. |
| Symptoms | A new tab on your browser may display a message saying “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) virus!”. |
| Distribution Method | Via Adware or advertising malware installed on your computer or by being redirected from a suspicious site. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Four (4) Virus. |
How Does (4) Four Virus Spread
The (4) Four virus can be spread via any type of software which is causing browser redirects on your computer. Usually, most often these are browser hijacking PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). They aim to attach to your web browser and your computer as a suspicious browser extension or a program installed directly. They are usually installed via either another adware on your computer or via bundling. Bundling is a form of pushing the (4) Four virus software on your computer via adding the app that is causing redirects to it in the software setups of a free program you download online. This could be your favorite free torrent program, media player or any other free software.
In addition to this, you can receive a redirect to this website by simply visiting a suspicious URL which may cause a browser redirect as a result of having a script embedded in the website itself. Some sites go as far as bypassing ad-blocking software and this is the main reason why even if you have an Adblock installed to be careful which websites you visit.
(4) Four Virus – Activity and Purpose
The main purpose of this scamming software is to display it’s message and alongside it instructions on how to convince you to download a rogue antivirus program. Such fake antivirus programs pretend to discover fake malware on your computer and ask you to pay money in order to remove it. Some, more aggressive ones may even steal your financial details while you are purchasing their licensed versions. The messages of the (4) Four virus are very similar to one another, but they usually vary in what apps they push you to download. This is because they exist in all shapes and forms. The (4) Four virus pop-up can be seen in Windows machines, MacBooks and Apple and Android smartphones as well. The most often met message is the Windows one, which looks like the following:
It tries to get victims to panic by giving ~5 minutes deadline timer to click on the button “REMOVE VIRUSES” and warns that if the virus is not removed, it may corrupt the important files on your computer. This message should not be trusted and if you see it, you should immediately close your web browser. The complete message is the following:
Your system is heavily damaged by (4) virus!
{DATE}
We have detected that your Windows 7 is 28.1% DAMAGED because of (4) harmful viruses from recent
adult sites,
If you do not remove the virus now, it will cause permanent damage to your system, corrupt your photos,
data, applications, etc.
Here’s what you NEED to do (step by step):
Step 1: Tap the button and install PC SmartCIeanup for free now!
Step 2: Open the app to fix your system now!
3 minutes and 0 seconds
REMOVE VIRUSES>>
The version for smartphones is very similar, however it differs from the fact that it prompts to download a free app.
For MacBooks the message is rather the same, only it prompts to download the Mac version of the suspicious software:
In addition to simply aiming to display the message to you, the malicious web links to which you may be redirected contain completely random names, for example c38bd2xzdd.xys. They may also have tracking technologies embedded within them that may install various different tracking technologies on your computer as well, such as:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- LSOs (Local Shared Objects or Flash Cookies).
These tracking technologies may be used by the cyber-criminals to track your:
- Location.
- Language.
- Browsing activity.
- Online clicks on the page.
They may also be used from the website to which you are redirected when you try to download the suspicious software and they may even collect what you have typed on the site, like your name, address, credit card number, security code and other crucial information without malware actually being installed on your computer. Those cookies can only be removed via a specific anti-malware software which is designed to deal with threats like the (4) Four virus redirect intrusion.
How to Remove “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) Four virus!”
If you have encountered pop-ups like the ones above, we strongly urge you to immediately shut down your web browser and follow the removal instructions below. Since the “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) Four virus!” redirect can be seen on both smartphones and computer, you can follow the instructions which are specifically for your device below.
Since the “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) Four virus!” redirect may be caused by having a suspicious software installed on your computer, such as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), security experts strongly recommend that you scan your computer and remove any unwanted software automatically with a an advanced malware removal software.
PC Removal Instructions:
Manually delete Four (4) Virus from Windows and your browser
Note! Substantial notification about the Four (4) Virus threat: Manual removal of Four (4) Virus requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
Remove or Uninstall Four (4) Virus in Windows.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus.
Remove Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus and click “Remove“
After Four (4) Virus is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Four (4) Virus. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Four (4) Virus will be removed.
Automatically remove Four (4) Virus by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
Remove Four (4) Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Four (4) Virus.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Four (4) Virus.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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus.
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 Four (4) Virus.
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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus should be restored.
Remove Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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.
Smartphone and Tablet Removal Instructions:
Hard-Reset Your Smartphone
For Apple iPhone and iPad Devices:
Option I: Via the device
1.Back up your data using iCloud or another backup method.
2. Go to the Settings menu and go to General.
3. On the bottom, tap on Reset.
4. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Confirm it by tapping on the red Erase button and then type your password.
Option II: Via iTunes
1. Connect your device and open iTunes.
2. Click on the device‘s name and model to open the dialog box.
3. From there, click on the button “Restore”
For Android Devices:
After you have backed up your files, you should perform a clean wipe-out of your phone. This can happen either via one of the options in Safe Mode or by entering your device’s Recovery Mode. Several methods exist in order to enter Recovery Mode of your device:
For Nexus Devices: – Hold the Volume Down + Volume Up + Power button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset option. Nexus 4 may work with Volume Up + Power + Volume Down.
For Samsung Devices: – Hold the Volume Up + Power Button + Home Button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset option.
For Motorola Droid X Devices: Hold the Home Button + Power Button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset setting.
For other devices with camera buttons on them: Hold the Volume Up + Camera Button until a Recovery Menu appears. After this, you should choose the Wipe Data/Factory reset option.
Also in case you have backed up your device in a Google Account, you will be able to restore your data after a complete wipe-out by just logging into your Google Account with you email and password.
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 Four (4) Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Four (4) Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus (Windows).
Get rid of Four (4) Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus. 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Four (4) Virus, 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 Four (4) Virus (Mac)
Remove Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus will be removed.
Eliminate Four (4) Virus 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".
Four (4) Virus-FAQ
What Is Four (4) Virus?
The Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus?
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 Four (4) Virus?
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 Four (4) Virus Work?
Once installed, Four (4) Virus 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.
Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Four (4) Virus 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 Four (4) Virus?
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 Four (4) Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
I don’t know HOW to uninstall the virus in windows, or HOW to remove from brower, or HOW to fix registry entries, or even WHERE that is. And I was timed out on this typing two times by CAPCHA, what is that?? This is a common problem for old people, young people and people that are new to this all, I wish I had full instuctions, its very frustrating. I don’t have time to search for all these.
Hello, Sandy
If you keep seeing redirects related to this virus on your computer, the situation may be more complicated than it seems. Since such viruses create objects on your computer that reside under random names, it is often recommended to scan for and remove those objects intelligently and automatically, as what most experts would recommend doing. Here is one such software that can do the job for you and clean your PC without you having to reinstall Windows: sensorstechforum.com/spyhunter-anti-malware-tool