How to remove the Google Redirect virus a description of what the virus is and your choices of removal.This virus can end with a complete loss of data from your system or worse still, steal your confidential information.

1. June 17th, 2013 Published by: Googleredirectvirus
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Google redirect virus
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The Google Redirect Virus
By lukeclayhill on June 17th, 2013
Redirect viruses are not only annoying, but they can also be
dangerous to your bank account.
This virus is in fact twofold; it is a Rootkit and Trojan. The
rootkit was originally a legitimate program which started out
on Linux systems. The program, which ran with administrative
privileges, was used to remotely fix issues on Linux systems.
That soon became a main tool for hackers, who used this
technology, not for repairing issues on remote systems, but
instead, causing issues on remote systems.
The rootkit, apart from hiding the Trojan activity, also allows
the attacker to come back into your system whenever they
want.
The Trojan is part of a family of Trojans known as
Backdoor.Tidserv; this includes the TDSS Trojan, Alureon,
TDL3 and the TDL4.
Dangers that can come from these Trojans include keyloggers,
which record all keystroke activity on your PC, then send
that information to the attacker. This could be passwords or
documents that could then be subsequently altered by the
hacker.
This virus is spread normally from downloading software
from pirate sites; it can come from music files, video, even
screensavers. So the advice is, do not download from pirate
sites. It may well be free and relatively easy to do, but apart
from the legalities of pirate sites, it can also lead to these types
of virus.
The problem with explaining exactly what a Trojan can do is
difficult, as it can do so much. It depends on what it has been
programmed to do.
Redirection is one of the first things that users notice; being
sent to fake or random sites adding malware, to an already
vulnerable system.
Within the configuration of the virus is a setting which is
known as disallowed; this can stop any program such as anti-
virus, from starting. With no error messages displayed, it can
become extremely frustrating, for the unfortunate user.
The removal of this virus can be tricky; there are various
checks that can be done such as Local area network settings
(LAN) Domain Named Server (DNS) settings and host files. It
can show up in device manager under hidden devices.
There are set procedures that can help in all of the above
checks; if luck is on your side you will get rid of the virus, but in
some circumstances a complete reinstallation of system may
be required.
To avoid this virus here are three precautions that you can
take:-
1: User Accounts.
We all know and understand the importance of antivirus
software, but tend to overlook the importance of windows user
accounts.
User Account Control (UAC) is used to help stop any
unauthorized changes to your system. This works by asking the
user for permission or password when carrying out any action
that could affect PC operation; such as setting changes.
2: Be wary of pirate sites.
3: Anti-virus.
Use a good anti-virus and keep it updated. If you have the CD
that came with it, then occasionally run it to make sure that
the version on your system has not become corrupted.
Hopefully you will never come across this virus, but with more
business being done online, it has become more prevalent.
Data theft is on the increase. Don’t become a victim.
Luke Clayhill is a writer who specializes in redirect viruses.
You can check out his latest website at googleredirectvirus
where he provides information on rootkit viruses including the
history and also how to remove a redirect virus.
An Overview Of The Google
Redirect Virus
By lukeclayhill on June 17th, 2013
Most people will have had computer viruses on their
computer, probably without even realising it. This is because
many of the average
computer viruses out there are easily detected by anti-virus
software programs and thus removed. There is one virus in
particular, that is
much harder to detect and even harder to remove. The virus I
am referring to is the Google Redirect Virus. We will now look
at what the
Google Redirect Virus actually is, why it is so hard to detect
and remove and the damage it can cause.
Whereas other viruses run from an application or file hidden
on your computer, the Google Redirect Virus is different. It is
a type of

2. June 17th, 2013 Published by: Googleredirectvirus
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virus known as a BHO (Browser Hijack Object) or Trojan
Horse virus. This virus is caught by your computer through
downloading anything from
MP3′s, screensavers, videos and music files from illegitimate
and unofficial websites. Once it is on your computer, it alters
your internet
browser files and settings and then removes itself from the
hard drive, leaving no trace of its existence.
The way it affects your computer is hinted at in the name.
Basically, anytime you search through Google on the web, or
any other search
engine you will be redirected to a completely unrelated
and often dangerous website. Sometimes instead of being
redirected to an
unconnected website, your search will lead you to a constant
stream of ads and pop-up windows. This can be frustrating and
annoying if it
happens every time and can cause your computer to run
slowly.
Although you cannot use normal anti-virus software to detect
and stop this virus, there are some indicators that would
suggest your
computer is infected.
These include -
As mentioned above, your internet searches lead you to
unrelated websites, ads and pop-up windows.
A changed desktop background, so if yours has changed, and
you aren’t sure why it may be this virus.
Trying to click through to a website that sells or gives anti-virus
information or downloads is blocked.
Your homepage is changed, and not by you, when you try to
change it back you can’t.
Alterations have been made to your Windows HOSTS file.
Your internet browsers run slower when loading sites and
pages than they normally are.
The majority of symptoms, caused by this virus are a nuisance
more than anything else; there are a few more serious side
effects. Along
with the bogus and useless websites, it may redirect you to;
it could also redirect you to potentially dangerous websites.
Further to this,
the virus can often disable your firewalls and other security
programs that help protect your computer and the information
you keep on it.
This in turn may lead to more and more viruses infecting your
computer and causing you yet more problems.
So if you feel your computer may be suffering the effects of the
Google Redirect Virus, do not despair as there are some ways
to get rid of
it. As the virus is actually made up of different individual
layers, these need to be tackled separately. This is not an easy
thing to do
but is not impossible.
There are two ways that this virus can be dealt with; they are
manual removal; this method would be for the experienced
user, and online
removal tools, which are for those of us that, apart from not
wishing to lose our data, like the easy way of doing things.
The author Luke Clayhill, after twice being infected with this
type of virus now provides methods of Removing Redirect
Virus easily.