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Removal instructions for PrivacyClear


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What is PrivacyClear?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that PrivacyClear is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with PrivacyClear?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:

main.png

You will find these icons in your taskbar and on your desktop:

icons.png

And see these warnings:

warning1.png

warning2.png

warning3.png

warning4.png

How did PrivacyClear get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was downloaded from their site.

How do I remove PrivacyClear?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application.

  • Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  • Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
    • Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
    • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

    [*]Then click Finish.

    [*]If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.

    [*]Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.

    [*]When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.

    [*]Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Reboot your computer if prompted.

    [*]When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of PrivacyClear?

  • The shortcut called �����̹���Ŭ���� on the desktop can be deleted if it belonged to the rogue. If you are unsure, compare the icon to the one posted above.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the PrivacyClear rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

protection1.png

protection.png

Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:

C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClearMtr.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrivacyClear] "C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe" /run1

Alterations made by the installer:



File System
===============
In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
Adds the file �����̹���Ŭ����.lnk"="09:45 01/12/12 730 bytes
Adds the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\�����̹���Ŭ����
Adds the file �����̹���Ŭ����.lnk"="09:45 01/12/12 742 bytes
Adds the file �����̹���Ŭ���� ����.lnk"="09:45 01/12/12 535 bytes
Adds the folder C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear
Adds the file uninst.exe"="09:45 01/12/12 142954 bytes
Adds the file RepairCode.exe"="09:55 23/04/12 20480 bytes
Adds the file RCEngine.dll"="03:19 12/06/12 647168 bytes
Adds the file PrivacyClearuck.exe"="09:45 14/08/12 576656 bytes
Adds the file PrivacyClearMtr.exe"="02:06 09/11/12 882320 bytes
Adds the file PrivacyClear.exe"="02:06 09/11/12 5407888 bytes
Adds the file filter.dll"="02:38 08/11/11 232 bytes
Adds the file adsub.dat"="08:16 13/03/12 233656 bytes
Adds the file AddScheduler.exe"="05:43 17/01/12 394888 bytes

Registry
===============
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PrivacyClear]
"Environment"="'11111111111111'"
"UpdateVersion"="'1.000'"
"Version"="'1.000'"
"InstallDate"="'20121201'"
"pid"="'home'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PrivacyClearPartner]
"install"="'install_check'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\intmedialab]
"PrivacyClear"="'2012120109'"
"name"="'PrivacyClear,'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\PrivacyClear.exe]
"(Default)"="'C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
"PrivacyClear"="'"C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe" /run1'"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\PrivacyClear]
"DisplayVersion"="'1.000'"
"DisplayIcon"="'C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe'"
"UninstallString"="'C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\uninst.exe'"
"DisplayName"="'�����̹���Ŭ����'"

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.65.1.1000
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.12.01.04

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [administrator]

12/1/2012 9:49:46 AM
mbam-log-2012-12-01 (09-49-46).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 179546
Time elapsed: 49 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 2
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> 1572 -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClearMtr.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> 1084 -> Delete on reboot.

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 4
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\PrivacyClear (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\PrivacyClear (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\PrivacyClearPartner (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\PrivacyClear.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Detected: 1
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run|PrivacyClear (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Data: "C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe" /run1 -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 1
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Delete on reboot.

Files Detected: 10
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Desktop\PrivacyClear_Setup.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\RCEngine.dll (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\AddScheduler.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\adsub.dat (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\filter.dll (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClear.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClearMtr.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Delete on reboot.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\PrivacyClearuck.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\RepairCode.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\PrivacyClear\uninst.exe (Rogue.PrivacyClear) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(end)

As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.

We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):

  • Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
  • Malware Execution Prevention

Save yourself the hassle and get protected.

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