BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch

Alias: MSInfoSys, AutoSearch

Description: BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch is an Internet Explorer browser helper object, which hijacks address-bar searches. It knows about some of the other prevalent search-hijackers and will steal back any address bar searches they take over. Any address bar search you do is sent to a single page at www.tunders.com, which includes only static adverts.

Threat type:

BHO - A Browser Helper Object (BHO) is a software application that runs automatically whenever you start Internet Explorer. Browser Helper Objects are typically installed by other programs such as toolbar accessories and can track internet usage, create popup windows, display additional information on a viewed page and collect information that is transmitted by you over the internet. Malicious software that exploits this technology can replace banner advertisements with other ads, monitor your actions, change your home page, etc.

Hijacker - A Hijacker is a software application that takes control of your browser's settings. Usually it changes your home page and redirects it to some unknown site or modifies your search settings. It prevents you from changing back your browser's settings. An infected browser usually operates much slower.

Toolbar - A Toolbar is a group of buttons that performs different tasks. Unwanted toolbars are usually installed by adware programs that try to send users to their paying advertisers.

Advice: Remove This is a very high risk threat and should be removed immediately as to prevent harm to your computer or your privacy.

Detection:
SpyNoMore detects BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch: Yes

Threat risk: Medium Risk

Potentially dangerous malware. May collect sensitive user information and broadcast data back to a server with "opt-out" permission. Category includes most adware programs.

Symptoms:

BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch changes browser settings.

BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch hides from the user.

BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch Signature Details: The following information includes some of the standard signatures associated with this spyware threat. Please do not attempt to manually remove these items from your computer; Removing these items incorrectly or partially can cause your computer to experience critical errors, prevent your computer from restarting or cause loss of Internet connectivity. Should you be infected with BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/AutoSearch, you can clean your computer by downloading SpyNoMore now.

Running Process Signatures:
N/A

File Signatures:
%WINDOWS%\system\safesearch.dll
%WINDOWS%\system32\safesearch.dll

Registered Dll (Dynamic Link Library) Signatures:
N/A

Folder Signatures:
N/A

Registry Signatures:
HKCR\dting file
HKCR\clsid\{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001}
HKCR\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001}
HKCR\wink file
HKLM\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001}
HKCR\.wink

SpyNoMore Collected Residual File Signatures:
N/A

See Also:
Adware/Dialer/Downloader/AccessPlugin
Adware/BHO/Meridian
Dialer/SCData
Dialer/SexoDial
BHO/BrowserPal
Trojan/BHO/Backdoor/Small.i
BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/WishBone
BHO/LinkReplacer
Dialer/XLoader
Dialer/DialerActiveX