What is FaceSmooch (Face Smooch virus)?
FaceSmooch is malware categorized as a browser hijacker, discovered by Sean Doyle that claims to be a free and secure Facebook extension used to get smileys, emoticons, and more for Facebook chat. The FaceSmooch add-on and extension can be manually and voluntarily installed for Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer from a variety of websites including facesmooch.com. Even though FaceSmooch can be manually downloaded, FaceSmooch ultimately targets and entraps unsuspecting victims to their terms, as well as additional third party terms, which may include the installment of additional malware. In particular the FaceSmooch virus primarily bundles with third-party add-ons and extensions including Add Lyrics and FBPhotoZoom.
FaceSmooch, via http://www.FaceSmooch.com, attempts to appear like a legitimate tool used for Facebook chat. Though FaceSmooch may produce Facebook emoticons (because Facebook allows you to create emoticons, Google it!), FaceSmooch malware participates in unethical practices and tactics including marketing schemes, entrapment, and social engineering.
- Similar malware: Facemoods, FBPhotoZoom
Is FaceSmooch safe?
The FaceSmooch browser hijacker is not necessarily safe for reasons concerning cyber criminal behavior and the invasion of privacy. Furthermore, FaceSmooch is an unnecessary browser extension that may associated with common Facebook scams capable of hijacking Facebook accounts, in order to spam compromised Facebook posts with malware.
FaceSmooch malware: Additional information
- FaceSmooch may install to a computer and attach to an internet browser as a FaceSmooch add-on and extension without consent of the computer user. FaceSmooch may also install alongside third-party programs, meaning FaceSmooch and additional browser attachments may be present if voluntarily installing the FaceSmooch extension or if your computer faces symptoms of FaceSmooch malware (such as a redirect). Even though Face Smooch gives voluntary users the opportunity to “opt out” of installing malware such as Add Lyrics, FaceSmooch has been reported to install the software anyways.
- It has been reported that FaceSmooch may change internet browser settings without permission, causing infected internet browsers to redirect to unwanted websites. This includes the home page and default search engine of popular internet browsers.
- FaceSmooch may install additional malware to the infected computer system including adware, spyware, and especially third-party browser hijackers.
- FaceSmooch can be difficult to uninstall, often forcing victims of FaceSmooch malware through unethical removal procedures.
- FaceSmooch promotes itself as a tool specifically used for Facebook chat and does not directly notify the public what they’re getting into. Meaning FaceSmooch also claims to be used for suggested search and may include freeware such as radio player malware.
If your computer is infected with the FaceSmooch virus, or if FaceSmooch is difficult to remove, please use the instructions below to remove FaceSmooch and additional malware, as well as to repair compromised internet browser settings.
How to remove FaceSmooch malware
- Automatic Removal Instructions – Automatically detect and remove FaceSmooch malware
- Manual Removal Instructions – Manually remove FaceSmooch and third-party malware
1. Automatic Removal Instructions
Use the instructions below to automatically remove the FaceSmooch virus and third-party malware, as well as automatically clean up and repair internet browser settings such as the home page and default search engine if needed.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, open it! If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, please do so.
3. Open the first tab labeled “Scanner” and select the Perform full scan option. Click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware affecting your computer system.
4. Once the full system scan is complete, a notification will prompt stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects in the list and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected).
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to repair internet browser settings. CCleaner can automatically stop your browser from redirecting to facesmooch.com and other websites.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.
2. Manual Removal Instructions
The instructions below can be used to manually remove and uninstall FaceSmooch and third-party programs and browser attachments.
Windows Uninstaller – Control Panel
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program (depending on your version of Windows).
3. In the list of installed programs, search for a FaceSmooch (Face Smooch) and third-party software. Once found, double click the program to Uninstall FaceSmooch, or highlight the program and click the Uninstall button.
Remove FaceSmooch Add-on & Third-Party Attachments
It is suggested to Uninstall any unwanted programs and browser helper objects using Window’s Uninstaller or CCleaner prior to removing the browser attachment.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for FaceSmooch and suspicious add-ons. Remove them if located.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for FaceSmooch and any suspicious add-ons and remove them if located.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions (or type chrome://chrome/extensions/ into the address bar).
2. Search for the FaceSmooch extension and additional suspicious extensions and remove them by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.
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