Windows Protection Tool virus

The Windows Protection Tool virus is malware found in the scareware and spyware categories of computer infections (rogue software). Windows Protection Tool is fake and malicious Microsoft Windows software that may infiltrate a computer system with or without user consent in order perform fraudulent system scans, and cause severe privacy and computer functionality related issues.

Windows Protection Tool is a rogue Microsoft Windows Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware, or Antivirus program. This fake Windows Antivirus performs fake registry and system scans that show misleading scan results that claim a numerical amount of errors or issues are found. It does this in order to scare or scam victims into purchasing or activating Windows Protection Tool ultimate protection. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT!

Once the fake Windows Protection Tool program is installed, to protect it’s self from being removed the program will terminate legitimate programs used to eradicate it and will block access to legitimate and helpful websites. It does this by displaying an alert message that claims the program has become infected with a computer virus or that the website visited is under a virus attack and may crash your system and that the legitimate program has been blocked from accessing the internet. An example of these message is detailed below:

Firewall has blocked a program from accessing the Internet
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
is suspected to have infected your PC.
This type of virus intercepts entered data and transmits them to a remote server.

The fake program also displays messages that claim the computer is infected or faces security issues. The messages displayed by the fake Windows Protection Tool software should be ignored as they are fraudulent. These fake messages are meant to scare computer users into activating the fake Windows Protection Tool Ultimate package.

Error
Trojan activity detected. System integrity at risk. 
Full system scan is highly recommended.

Error
System data security is at risk!
To prevent potential PC errors, run a full system scan.

Warning! Identity theft attempt detected
Hidden connection IP: xx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Target: Microsoft Corporation keys
Your IP: 127.0.0.1

How does the Windows Protection Tool virus get onto a computer?

Windows Protection Tool can be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of malicious locations; However, Windows Protection Tool malware is known to install to a computer system without user consent and will often bundle with third-party downloadable content such as freeware, shareware, codecs, and torrents.

Windows Protection Tool malware and related items may also download to a computer without user authorization via malicious advertisements, email spam, and compromised social media content. The fake Antivirus software or Anti-Breach is often present in exploit kits hidden on malicious websites.

1. Auto Windows Protection Tool virus removal

Use the instructions below to automatically remove Windows Protection Tool scareware and third-party malware.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

2. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

 

3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.

4. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.

5. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice 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) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.

CCleaner

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall stubborn and rogue Windows Protection Tool software.

1. Install the free or paid 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. Something to look for might include the title “Protection Tool.”

4. To automatically uninstall rogue Windows Protection Tool software and unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and located software in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the programs as selected.

2. Manual Windows Protection Tool virus removal

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall rogue Windows Protection Tool software using generic removal procedures (if allowed), as well as third-party malware that may have installed alongside rogue Windows optimization software.

How to uninstall Windows Protection Tool

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

3. In the list of installed programs, search for Windows Protection Tool scareware and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.

Helpful links and additional solutions:

• How to remove System Doctor 2014 (Scareware)
• How to uninstall software using CCleaner by Piriform (Troubleshoot)
• How to restore Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, 7)
• How to refresh/reset Microsoft Windows 8 Operating Systems