Good thing, I've heard of XP SecurityCenter a few days ago. I immediately cancel everything. The question now is: How did XP SecurityCenter got into my computer? Did XP SecurityCenter disable my Avira antivirus?
Anyway, doing some research, 411-spyware.com says:
How Did I Get XP SecurityCenter?
You may be wondering how XP SecurityCenter ended up on your PC. If you’re infected with XP SecurityCenter or other spyware, your system’s and web browser’s security settings may be set too low, you may not follow safe web browsing and email habits, and you may need to regularly use a good anti-spyware application. Unsafe computer behavior that may lead to your PC having XP SecurityCenter includes:
Freeware or Shareware:
Did you download and install shareware or freeware? These low-cost or free software applications may come bundled with spyware, adware, or programs like XP SecurityCenter. Sometimes adware is attached to the free software to “pay” developers for the cost of creating the software, and more often spyware is secretly and maliciously attached to free software to harm your computer and steal your personal and financial information.
Peer-to-Peer Software:
Do you use a peer-to-peer (P2P) program or other application with a shared network? When you use these applications, you put your system at risk for unknowingly downloading an infected file, including applications like XP SecurityCenter.
Questionable Websites: Did you visit a website that’s of questionable nature? When you visit malicious sites that are fishy and phishy, Trojans, spyware, and adware may be automatically downloaded and installed onto your computer, sometimes including applications like XP SecurityCenter.
It’s important to practice safer online habits to prevent being infected with XP SecurityCenter . You may want to scan your computer for the latest version of XP SecurityCenter and other security threats.
411-spyware.com offers a free anti-spyware software, thank you guys! But spyhunter from 411-spyware only scans for free, you have to register to be able to use the "remove" feature. Also, I did not do anything written above on how I got XP SecurityCenter; there must be something else. I'm an advanced user and I practiced safe online habits.
Another site, malwarebytes.org also has a free spyware removal tool that helps remove XP SecurityCenter, malwarebytes was able to detect and remove spywares but it did not detect registry entries detected by spyhunter, but no big deal, it's totally FREE and I could always use a FREE registry cleaner like CCleaner. Post by Marcin Kleczynski below:
Rogue software uses intentional false positives to convince the user that their system has been compromised and then demands money to remove these false threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. If XP SecurityCenter has been installed on your system without your permission or you are seeing popup advertising or recommending that you use XP SecurityCenter your system is infected with the zlob trojan. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.
Our program, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application for free. 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 checkmark 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.
- When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.
We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current anti-virus solution let this infection through please consider purchasing the PRO version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware for additional protection.
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Marcin Kleczynski
Malwarebytes Lead Developer
