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Potential undetected malware, what steps to take ?


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For context, I use Synergy which links my keyboard and mouse between my laptop (win 11) and desktop (win 10). 

It started focusing on my desktop by itself, which I thought was a bug, until it happened a second time a few seconds later. So I stopped touching anything altogether and waiting while being mouse-focused on my laptop, then my laptop microphone turned on. 

I ran a malwarebyte scan on both devices -> no threat found 

Then once the scan was finished I noticed my keyboard layout had changed by itself from ''French (France)" to something called ''Private use (qaa-Latn)". 

So I shut down my desktop and nothing happened ever since. I'm convinved that if this isn't just some bug, the threat comes from my desktop and Synergy redirected the actions towards my laptop because that's what Synergy does. 

Is such a bug possible, or is it pretty likely to be a malware? 

If it is a malware, my plan is to turn on my desktop again with the ethernet cable unplugged, grab 1 or 2 work-related files, and do a clean OS install. 

I'm kind of surprised it wouldn't have been detected though. How would someone go about analyzing such malware and help report it so it gets detected in the future? I'd love to help.

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  • Root Admin

Hello @jjiivvbb and :welcome:

Let's do some scanning and see what we can find. For now please disconnect the two computers from each other so they are isolated. We'll scan each individually.

 

 

Please run the following steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.
Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software first. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download software below if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
If you still have trouble downloading the software please click on Reveal Hidden Contents below for examples of how to allow the download.

 

Spoiler
 
 
 
 
Spoiler

When downloading with some browsers you may see a different style of screens that may block FRST from downloading. The program is safe and used hundreds of times a week by many users.

Example of Microsoft Edge blocking the download

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STEP 01

  • If you already have Malwarebytes installed then open Malwarebytes and click on the Scan button. It will automatically check for updates and run a Threat Scan.
  • If you don't have Malwarebytes installed yet please download it from here and install it.
  • Once installed then open Malwarebytes and select Scan and let it run.
  • Once the scan is completed make sure you have it quarantine any detections it finds.
  • If no detections were found click on the Save results drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
  • If there were detections then once the quarantine has completed click on the View report button, Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
  • If the computer restarted to quarantine you can access the logs from the Detection History, then the History tab. Highlight the most recent scan and double-click to open it. Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  button, and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find and attach that log on your next reply.
  • If Malwarebytes won't run then please skip to the next step and let me know in your next reply that the scanner would not run.

STEP 02

Please download AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes and save the file to your Desktop.

  • Double-click to run the program
  • Accept the End User License Agreement.
  • Wait until the database is updated.
  • Click Scan Now.
  • When finished, if items are found please click Quarantine.
  • Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
  • After reboot, a log file will be opened. Attach or Copy its content into your next reply.

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

STEP 03
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system. You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

  • Double-click to run it. When the tool opens, click Yes to disclaimer.
  • Press the Scan button.
  • It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your reply.
  • The first time the tool is run, it also makes another log (Addition.txt). If you've, run the tool before you need to place a check mark here each time
  • Please attach the Additions.txt log to your reply as well.
  • On your next reply, you should be attaching frst.txt and additions.txt to your post, every time.

 

Thanks

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  • Root Admin

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop or location where you ran FRST from.
NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST or FRST64, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Run FRST or FRST64 and press the Fix button just once and wait.
If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or wherever you ran FRST from. Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

NOTE-1:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files. It will also run a disk check on the restart to ensure disk integrity. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 30 minutes or more.

NOTE-2: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications will be automatically closed. Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies will also be removed. The use of an external password manager is highly recommended instead of using your browser to store passwords.

NOTE-3: As part of this fix it will also reset the network to default settings including the firewall. If you have custom firewall rules you need to save please export or save them first before running this fix.

The following directories are emptied:

  • Windows Temp
  • Users Temp folders
  • Edge, IE, FF, Chrome, and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
  • Recently opened files cache
  • Flash Player cache
  • Java cache
  • Steam HTML cache
  • Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
  • BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
  • Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run.

fixlist.txt

Thanks

 

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32 minutes ago, jjiivvbb said:

Hello thank you for the reply, you mentioned running FRST however i'm not sure how to do that, didn't you mean fixlist instead which is the file you sent me ? 

But even then, they are .txt files so how do I run them ?

Nevermind I just realized FRST is also the name of one of the .exe I ran last week. Okay I will do all this!

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I've started Farbar Recovery Scan Tool in the same directory as the FRST and the fixlist (they are on my desktop) and it's now been 2 hours, is this normal ? I think it's stuck.

On 4/9/2022 at 12:45 AM, AdvancedSetup said:

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop or location where you ran FRST from.
NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST or FRST64, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Run FRST or FRST64 and press the Fix button just once and wait.
If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or wherever you ran FRST from. Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

NOTE-1:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files. It will also run a disk check on the restart to ensure disk integrity. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 30 minutes or more.

NOTE-2: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications will be automatically closed. Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies will also be removed. The use of an external password manager is highly recommended instead of using your browser to store passwords.

NOTE-3: As part of this fix it will also reset the network to default settings including the firewall. If you have custom firewall rules you need to save please export or save them first before running this fix.

The following directories are emptied:

  • Windows Temp
  • Users Temp folders
  • Edge, IE, FF, Chrome, and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
  • Recently opened files cache
  • Flash Player cache
  • Java cache
  • Steam HTML cache
  • Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
  • BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
  • Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run.

fixlist.txt 10.51 kB · 2 downloads

Thanks

 

Screenshot_20220411_181345.jpg

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3 minutes ago, AdvancedSetup said:

Yes, if it's been running that long it's stuck. The script has a sixty minute time-out built-in to prevent it from running too long.

Please go ahead and try to end it if possible or if needed, restart the computer and let me know.

 

I restarted, should I try running it again ?

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On 4/9/2022 at 12:45 AM, AdvancedSetup said:

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop or location where you ran FRST from.
NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST or FRST64, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Run FRST or FRST64 and press the Fix button just once and wait.
If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or wherever you ran FRST from. Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

NOTE-1:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files. It will also run a disk check on the restart to ensure disk integrity. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 30 minutes or more.

NOTE-2: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications will be automatically closed. Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies will also be removed. The use of an external password manager is highly recommended instead of using your browser to store passwords.

NOTE-3: As part of this fix it will also reset the network to default settings including the firewall. If you have custom firewall rules you need to save please export or save them first before running this fix.

The following directories are emptied:

  • Windows Temp
  • Users Temp folders
  • Edge, IE, FF, Chrome, and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
  • Recently opened files cache
  • Flash Player cache
  • Java cache
  • Steam HTML cache
  • Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
  • BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
  • Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run.

fixlist.txt 10.51 kB · 3 downloads

Thanks

 

 

Fixlog.txt

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  • Root Admin

We'll look at the other computer once we're done with this one. We don't need to confuse scans and fixes.

Please run the following on the computer you just ran the FIX on.

 

 

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Please make sure you Exit out of any other program you might have open so that the sole task is to run the following scan.   
That goes especially for web browsers, make sure all are fully exited out of and messenger programs are exited and closed as well
 

STEP 1

Please set File Explorer to SHOW ALL folders, all files, including hidden ones.  Use OPTION ONE or TWO of this article

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/7078-turn-off-show-all-folders-windows-10-navigation-pane.html

STEP 2

I suggest a new scan for viruses & other malware. This may take several hours, depending on the number of files on the system and the speed of the computer.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted software from a system. 

The download links & the how-to-run-the tool are at this link at Microsoft 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download

 

Look on the Scan Options & select the FULL scan.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. It may take several hours.

  • Once you see it has started, take a long long break;  walk away.  Do not pay credence if you see some intermediate early flash messages on the screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
  • The scan will take several hours.  Leave it alone. It will remove any other remaining threats as it goes along.  Take a very long break, do your normal personal errands .....just do not use the computer during this scan.

This is likely to run for many hours as previously mentioned  ( depending on the number of files on your machine & the speed of the hardware.)

The log is named MSERT.log  and the log will be at C:\Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your next reply.

Thank you

 

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@AdvancedSetup Sorry for the ping it's just that I really need to get going with the scans as I can't work until it's done. 

Note: Synergy stopped working after the scans which makes me think there is a firewall issue. 

To make sure it is a firewall issue i'll have to disable my firewall on both the client (desktop) and the server (laptop) as suggested by the Synergy team. However I will not do this until we've scanned my desktop too and until I have your input on the scan results of my laptop, for security reasons. 

I hope that makes sense, waiting to hear from you, thank you 🙂

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  • Root Admin

I would HIGHLY suggest you do not disable your firewall. That is an integral part of helping to keep your computer safe. If that software needs to talk to another computer then add a very specific port opening for it. Do not simply disable the firewall. That is asking for trouble sooner or later.

 

Please run the following scan. Temporarily disable any other real-time protection while it runs.

 

 

Let me have you run a different scanner to double-check. I don't expect it to find anything, but no harm in checking.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner

Go to https://download.eset.com/com/eset/tools/online_scanner/latest/esetonlinescanner.exe

  • It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner.exe"
  • Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.
  • Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started. 
  • When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".
  • Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes 
  • When prompted for scan type, Click on Full scan 
  • Look at & tick  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on the Start scan button.
  • Have patience.  The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
  • There is a progress window display.
  • You should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.   ( e.g. their standard program).   You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.
  • When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.
  • Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.
  • If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  ( in blue, at the bottom).
  • Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

 

Note: If you do need to do a File Restore from ESET please follow the directions below

[KB2915] Restore files quarantined by the ESET Online Scanner version 3

https://support.eset.com/en/kb2915-restore-files-quarantined-by-the-eset-online-scanner

 

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17 hours ago, AdvancedSetup said:

I would HIGHLY suggest you do not disable your firewall. That is an integral part of helping to keep your computer safe. If that software needs to talk to another computer then add a very specific port opening for it. Do not simply disable the firewall. That is asking for trouble sooner or later.

 

Please run the following scan. Temporarily disable any other real-time protection while it runs.

 

 

Let me have you run a different scanner to double-check. I don't expect it to find anything, but no harm in checking.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner

Go to https://download.eset.com/com/eset/tools/online_scanner/latest/esetonlinescanner.exe

  • It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner.exe"
  • Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.
  • Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started. 
  • When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".
  • Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes 
  • When prompted for scan type, Click on Full scan 
  • Look at & tick  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on the Start scan button.
  • Have patience.  The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
  • There is a progress window display.
  • You should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.   ( e.g. their standard program).   You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.
  • When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.
  • Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.
  • If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  ( in blue, at the bottom).
  • Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

 

Note: If you do need to do a File Restore from ESET please follow the directions below

[KB2915] Restore files quarantined by the ESET Online Scanner version 3

https://support.eset.com/en/kb2915-restore-files-quarantined-by-the-eset-online-scanner

 

No threat was found

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  • Root Admin

That's great to hear and helps to confirm that the computer is not infected at this time.

 

SecurityCheck by glax24              

I would like you to run a tool named SecurityCheck to inquire about the current security update status of some applications.

  • Download SecurityCheck by glax24: https://tools.safezone.cc/glax24/SecurityCheck/SecurityCheck.exe
  • If Microsoft SmartScreen blocks the download, click through to save the file
  • This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.
  • If SmartScreen blocks the file from running click on More info and Run anyway
  • Right-click  with your mouse on the Securitycheck.exe  and select "Run as administrator"  and reply YES to allow to run & go forward
  • Wait for the scan to finish. It will open a text file named SecurityCheck.txt Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
  • You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

 

image.png

image.png

image.png

 

Thank you

 

 

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  • Root Admin

Please uninstall, updated, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your system.

 

--------------------------- [ OtherUtilities ] ----------------------------

Python 2.7.15 (64-bit) v.2.7.15150 Warning! Download Update

Node.js v.16.13.2 Warning! Download Update

Microsoft Visual Studio Code v.1.63.2 Warning! Download Update

Microsoft Visual Studio Code (User) v.1.66.2 [+]

Python 3.10.1 (64-bit) v.3.10.1150.0 Warning! Download Update

Python 3.9.1 (64-bit) v.3.9.1150.0 Warning! Download Update

 

------------------------------ [ ArchAndFM ] ------------------------------

7-Zip 19.00 (x64) v.19.00 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one.

 

-------------------------- [ IMAndCollaborate ] ---------------------------

Discord v.0.0.309 Warning! Download Update

Zoom v.5.5.2 (12494.0204) Warning! Download Update


--------------------------------- [ P2P ] ---------------------------------

Vuze v.5.7.7.0 Warning! Ad-supported P2P-client.


-------------------------------- [ Media ] --------------------------------

Spotify v.1.1.56.595.g2d2da0de Warning! Download Update

VLC media player v.3.0.11 Warning! Download Update

 

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4 minutes ago, AdvancedSetup said:

Please uninstall, updated, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your system.

 

--------------------------- [ OtherUtilities ] ----------------------------

Python 2.7.15 (64-bit) v.2.7.15150 Warning! Download Update

Node.js v.16.13.2 Warning! Download Update

Microsoft Visual Studio Code v.1.63.2 Warning! Download Update

Microsoft Visual Studio Code (User) v.1.66.2 [+]

Python 3.10.1 (64-bit) v.3.10.1150.0 Warning! Download Update

Python 3.9.1 (64-bit) v.3.9.1150.0 Warning! Download Update

 

------------------------------ [ ArchAndFM ] ------------------------------

7-Zip 19.00 (x64) v.19.00 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one.

 

-------------------------- [ IMAndCollaborate ] ---------------------------

Discord v.0.0.309 Warning! Download Update

Zoom v.5.5.2 (12494.0204) Warning! Download Update


--------------------------------- [ P2P ] ---------------------------------

Vuze v.5.7.7.0 Warning! Ad-supported P2P-client.


-------------------------------- [ Media ] --------------------------------

Spotify v.1.1.56.595.g2d2da0de Warning! Download Update

VLC media player v.3.0.11 Warning! Download Update

 

Those are all good

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  • Root Admin

Using old software can lead to a possible exploit and infection. Many updates today from vendors are for security reasons. I highly suggest you not just ignore it, but it's your computer.

If there is nothing else we should be done here. The logs do not show an ongoing infection at this time.

 

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2 minutes ago, AdvancedSetup said:

Using old software can lead to a possible exploit and infection. Many updates today from vendors are for security reasons. I highly suggest you not just ignore it, but it's your computer.

If there is nothing else we should be done here. The logs do not show an ongoing infection at this time.

 

Ah I see you meant to verify that the versions are the most up to date. Then I will do that!

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1 hour ago, AdvancedSetup said:

Please uninstall, updated, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your system.

 

--------------------------- [ OtherUtilities ] ----------------------------

Python 2.7.15 (64-bit) v.2.7.15150 Warning! Download Update

Node.js v.16.13.2 Warning! Download Update

Microsoft Visual Studio Code v.1.63.2 Warning! Download Update

Microsoft Visual Studio Code (User) v.1.66.2 [+]

Python 3.10.1 (64-bit) v.3.10.1150.0 Warning! Download Update

Python 3.9.1 (64-bit) v.3.9.1150.0 Warning! Download Update

 

------------------------------ [ ArchAndFM ] ------------------------------

7-Zip 19.00 (x64) v.19.00 Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one.

 

-------------------------- [ IMAndCollaborate ] ---------------------------

Discord v.0.0.309 Warning! Download Update

Zoom v.5.5.2 (12494.0204) Warning! Download Update


--------------------------------- [ P2P ] ---------------------------------

Vuze v.5.7.7.0 Warning! Ad-supported P2P-client.


-------------------------------- [ Media ] --------------------------------

Spotify v.1.1.56.595.g2d2da0de Warning! Download Update

VLC media player v.3.0.11 Warning! Download Update

 

Okay everything is up to date, thank you, I used the patchmypc app.

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  • Root Admin

Let's go ahead and do some clean-up work and remove the tools and logs we've run.

Please download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.

  • right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
  • Read and accept the disclaimer.
  • When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
  • Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
  • Once complete, click OK.
  • A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
  • Please attach that file to your next reply. (not compulsory)

 

  1. Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.
    https://www.howtogeek.com/240255/password-managers-compared-lastpass-vs-keepass-vs-dashlane-vs-1password/
  2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
  3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
  4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
  5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
  6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

uBlock Origin

 

Further reading if you like to keep up on the malware threat scene: Malwarebytes Blog  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

Hopefully, we've been able to assist you with correcting your system issues.

Thank you for using Malwarebytes

 

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