Need help to fix Smitfraud?
What is Smitfraud?
Once you install the codec your system is compromised and hackers now have access to your computer.
Smitfraud is a Trojan / Spyware program that gains access to users' computers. Once the people behind Smitfraud have access to your machine it can be used for all sorts of purposes such as spamming, or attacking web servers in order to overload and crash them.
How did I get infected with Smitfraud?
One common deception that Smitfraud uses is to offer a free video online, all you have to do is download and install their "codec" to watch the video. Once you install the codec your system is compromised and hackers now have access to your computer. Smitfraud may also be installed via a "drive-by" installation of the program. If the installation is of the "drive-by" variety, the user is completely unaware that the program has been installed.
Smitfraud has accessed my system, what can I expect?
Once Smitfraud is installed it begins to make contact with outside websites and will start to download additional malware onto your computer system. You will see fake alerts that appear to be from Microsoft telling you that your computer has a "critical system error" and that to fix it you need to download their bogus anti-spyware program. This alert will come from a flashing icon found down near the bottom right of your screen near the time and date. Some other symptoms that you may experience are:
- your desktop background is changed and you cannot change it back
- your internet home page is changed and you cannot change it back
- you may not be able to open your task manager
- your system files may become corrupted
- your wininet.dll system file becomes infected and is hijacked by smitfraud
- you become bombarded with fake popup alerts
- your internet bill may be increased due to overages of internet usage, caused by smitfraud making additional connections with outside websites and sending your personal private information back to its home-base.
Which files, folders and aliases are connected with Smitfraud?
- 4Alfacleaner
- Alfa-cleaner
- Antivirus Gold
- AntivirusGold
- Desktophijack.C
- FAKEALE-C TROJAN
- Pest Trap
- PestTrap
- PSGuard Spyware Remover
- Security Toolbar
- Spy Axe
- Spy Sheriff
- Spy Trooper
- SpyAxe
- SpySheriff
- SpyTrooper
- Virus Blast
- Virus Blaster
- Virus Burst
- Virus Burster
- VirusBlast
- VirusBlaster
- VirusBurst
- VirusBurster
- Win Antivirus Gold
- Win Hound
- WinAntivirusGold
- WinHound
- Zlob Trojan Downloader
- Zlob.A Trojan Downloader
- ad.html
- adservice.bat
- adwerkz.dll
- amm06.ocx
- atmtd.dll
- atmtd.dll._
- bsw.exe
- casino.ico
- date.ico
- dwdsregt.exe
- free ipod nano.url
- games.ico
- guninst.exe
- helper.exe
- hhk.dll
- ianitime
- icdregocx0
- in3rd
- intmon.exe
- intmonp.exe
- ipodnano.ico
- irssyncd
- log files
- mailpart0
- mobile.ico
- msmsgs.exe
- msole32.exe
- network.ico
- ole32vbs.exe
- package_adp_siac.exe
- param32.dll
- pharm.ico
- pharm2.ico
- popuper.exe
- safe.tlb
- scanner.ico
- search maid
- shnlog.exe
- sites.ini
- smithbarney.html
- spam.ico
- spyware.ico
- suprox.dll
- virtual maid
- vsl04.exe
- vzvbvs.exe
- wallp2.exe
- wallpap.zip
- winats.dll
- z_start.lnk
How do I fix Smitfraud?
Smitfraud removal is not an easy task. If you try the normal methods of removing a program you may easily find yourself frustrated as this program has the ability to fix itself and cause further damage. Thus, Smitfraud continues to live on your machine with or without your permission. Moreover, fixing Smitfraud requires modifying the registry and system files as well as removing the files associated with this Trojan. Now if you are an advanced computer user and you know the risks of modifying the registry and system files and are comfortable with using the command prompt, do a search online for instructions on how to fix Smitfraud. Otherwise, if that is not you and you are not sure what the registry or command prompt are, then please do not attempt this on your own, you run the risk of seriously damaging your machine. If you want to fix Smitfraud your best option is to seek out help from the experts at YourTechOnline.com. They can remove Smitfraud for you while you watch in the comfort of your own home.
How do I prevent getting infected with Smitfraud or one of its variants?
First, install all available updates for your Windows operating system and software.
Second, install a trusted antivirus program such as AVG by Grisoft and set up a hardware firewall for your computer (make sure you only have one antivirus and firewall program installed, otherwise they may fight with one another and cause 'false positives'). Home hardware firewalls are generally called routers. You can pick up a router from your local computer store.
Third, download and install Spybot Search and Destroy, by Safer Networking Ltd. Update the program and setup the immunize feature that will prevent your computer from downloading from "known bad websites".
Lastly, use safer web surfing habits. Only download from trusted websites and beware of the websites that offer videos, games, emoticons, screensavers, and other computer software for free. Do some research on the website and the program before downloading their product.
