How to remove the otShot virus – otShot malware removal instructions (Uninstall guide)
What is the otShot virus (browser hijacker)?
The Otshot virus (otShot) is a term for potential malware categorized as an invasive browser hijacker that has been reported to install to computer systems without consent alongside third-party items such as freeware and shareware, as well as malware including adware, spyware, and additional browser hijackers. The Otshot virus, also refferd to as the Hot Shot virus, or Ot Shot, can also be manually contracted from a variety of websites including download.com (CNET) and otshot.net, but the terms of the software may not be entirely clear or direct, and often entrap victims.
OtShot is promoted as a free photo application that allows you to edit your photos, add
effects, designs and texts and share them with your friends and family. otShot claims their services may involve the use of cookies to store information about your visits. In addition, during the course of providing advertisements to this site, third-party advertisers may place or recognize a unique cookie on your computer’s hard drive. Information collected by otShot and third-parties may be used in cyber crimes involving credit theft, extortion, and identity theft. Furthermore, victims of the otShot virus have reported a large quantity of email spam, junk mail, and telephone calls from telemarketers relating to their browsing habits and recent web searches. It can be concluded that otShot will include users to marketing lists without direct consent or knowledge.
The Otshot hijacker changes internet browser settings, including homepages, default search engines, and browser shortcuts, causing unwanted browser redirects and startups to websites such as search.conduit.com and others. Otshot may also be the cuprit of unwanted advertisements, including pop-up ads and in-text style adverts.
How does Otshot malware infect a computer?
otShot malware can be manually and voluntarily downloaded from unethical websites who focus on generating revenue off the confusion and misfortunes of internet users, though otShot primarily infects a computer without consent alongside freeware, shareware, codecs, and torrents.
You may have noticed and unwanted otShot browser add-on or extension on attached to your browser without permission. This may be linked to recently installed software and removing such software will also remove otShot and cease any symptoms relating to otShot malware.
How to remove otShot malware
How to remove otShot malware- Uninstall otShot – Use the correct procedures to uninstall otShot (2 uninstall options)
- Scan computer for malware – Scan for and remove otShot and related malware infecting your computer
- Automatically repair browser settings – Automatically remove hijacked browser settings and automatically uninstall otShot
1. Uninstall otShot (2 options)
Option 1: Windows Uninstall (Manual Uninstall)
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 otShot and other suspicious third party programs. Uninstall otShot and unwanted software by double clicking the program’s icon, or highlight the program in the list and click the Uninstall button/tab.
Option 2: CCleaner by Piriform (Automated Uninstall)
CCleaner by Piriform
CCleaner can be used to uninstall otShot if it’s difficult to remove. CCleaner is notorious for removing similar hijackers such as Conduit Search.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform and run the program.
2. Once installed, navigate to Tools > Uninstall tab and locate otShot and other unwanted software in the list. To automatically uninstall otShot and other software click Run Uninstaller.
2. Scan computer for malware (Automated removal)
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can be used to detect and remove malware from your computer system.
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. 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 infecting your computer system.
4. Once the full system scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a message stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects 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).
3. Automatically repair browser settings (Automated repair)
CCleaner by Piriform
CCleaner can also be used to repair internet browser settings and stop your browser from redirecting to unwanted websites.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform and run the program.
2. Once installed, run 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. Look for anything that may be suspicious or contain “otShot” in the title or filename.
