360 Total Security by 360 Security Center is a free Antivirus program with mixed reviews. Some reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware programs have flagged this software as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), while others claim the program is safe to use. Our 360 Total Security review resulted in mixed reviews; though mostly negative.
We found that the 360 Total Security program detected many false positives and files that are valuable to a computer system, including the WCScheduler.exe file that is used by our machine to perform system recovery. After a “Full Check” scan, 360 Total Security wanted to detect this important file as a “Risk Item.” The free Antivirus program wanted us to remove this file, which is very odd.
We also found that (alike most freeware) 360 Total Security promoted third-party items and other programs associated with the publisher, including the 360 Internet Protection add-on.
Furthermore, 360 Total Security was brought to our attention by a deceptive marketing campaign and third-party program. We were asked if we wanted to install 360 Total Security and we chose to do so. However, the program also installed (or bundled with) third-party adware that caused pop-up advertisements across Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer (other internet browsers were not tested).
On a good note, 360 Total Security did detect many malicious files we left on our machine and titled them “High-risk items.” This was a good sign. The program also has the option to report False Positives and Suspicious files, which we could have used to report the computer recovery file it detected as a risk. The program also detected one browser plugin that it bundled with during the download and installation process (this may be a concern).
One thing that we found inappropriate is that 360 Total Security created multiple tasks (which is not abnormal) and a browser bookmark to their publisher website on Google Chrome browser without our direct permission.
The 360 Total Security removal process was very simple. The program can easily be removed through Windows Control Panel alike most programs. However, as we previously stated, 360 Total Security bundled with adware, including adware that did not appear in any obvious directories or Windows Control Panel. In fact, we had to use third-party programs to remove potential 360 Total Security malware (programs that the freeware bundled with).
In conclusion, 360 Total Security seemed safe, but we would not recommend it to the casual computer user as it may detect and remove important files, as well as bundle with adware, unwanted programs, and malware. People who are well versed on computer files and will take the time to read scan details may find this program useful, but we can not recommend it to the casual user.
Some computer users have claimed that 360 Total Security installed on their computer without their consent or knowledge. If you search this on the web, some have referred to this program as the 360 Total Security virus, although it is not technically a computer virus, or malware for that fact. 360 Total Security may download and install to a computer system without user knowledge depending on the point of contraction. Some third-party downloaders may use deceptive tactics to get users to install this program, but this is not confirmed to be associated with the actual publishers. It may be through an affiliate of the program who may generate revenue each time they get users to install the program.
360 Total Security (Removal Guide)
- Step 1: Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions
- Step 2: Uninstall 360 Total Security
- Step 3: Scan your computer for malware with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner by Piriform
- For Tech Support Call: 1-866-521-2427
Step 1: Remove 360 Total Security add-ons and extensions
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon on the top menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for suspicious extensions in the list. Remove unwanted browser extensions individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. Search for suspicious add-ons on the Extensions and Plugin tab. Highlight each one individually and click remove.
Step 2: Uninstall 360 Total Security
1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. On Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.
3. Search for 360 Total Security and other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the item or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button.
4. Restart your computer.
Step 3: Scan your computer for malware
1. Download and install the free or full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full version enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is just a free scan and removal tool.
2. Open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
3. Click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, click the Remove Selected button and reboot your computer.
Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings
1. Download and install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and 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.
4. To automatically uninstall unwanted programs using CCleaner, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.
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