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Hive ransomware has been targeting Microsoft exchange servers lately vulnerable to ProxyShell security issues in order to deploy various backdoors. Once the backdoor has been placed various attacks can be performed including but not limited to network reconnaissance, stealing admin accounts, taking valuable data, and even installing and deploying file-encrypting algorithms.

ProxyShell wide abuse

ProxyShell is a set of three vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange Server that allows remote code execution without authentication on vulnerable deployments. The flaw has been used in past by various ransomware like Conti, BlackByte, Babuk, Cuba, and LockFile.

Security vulnerabilities have been reported to be fully patched on May 2021 but how Hive was able to still be successful in exploiting PowerShell and infiltrating into the system there seems to be still some unpatched and open issues.

Hive

Hive has gone a long way since it was first observed in the wild back in June 2021, having a successful start that prompted the FBI to release a dedicated report on its tactics and indicators of compromise.

In October 2021, the Hive gang added Linux and FreeBSD variants, and in December it became one of the most active ransomware operations in attack frequency.

Last month, researchers at Sentinel Labs reported on a new payload-hiding obfuscation method employed by Hive, which indicates active development.

Nectar Toolbar is a Browser addon for Internet Explorer developed by AIMIA Coalition Loyalty. This addon changed your default search provider to Yahoo UK. While installed, you might see additional unwanted ads and sponsored links injected in the search results.

From the Author: We all search the web every day for information from handy how-to’s, must know news about shopping. So wouldn’t it be great if you could collect extra Nectar points just for doing something you do already? Like to shop online? Nectar Search will also tell you when you’re on a shopping website (like Argos, Debenhams, Next, Play.com, and Apple) where you can collect points too.

Several anti-virus scanners have marked this addon as a Browser Hijacker and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious program code has power over and modified the settings of your browser, without your permission. Browser hijackers could do more than just changing home pages. In general, hijackers are developed for the benefit of online hackers often through income generation that comes from forced ad mouse clicks and website visits. Nonetheless, it isn’t that harmless. Your web safety is compromised and it is also really annoying. In a much worst case, your browser could be hijacked to download malicious software that will do a great deal of damage to your computer.

Key symptoms that your browser has been hijacked

When your browser is hi-jacked, the following can happen: you notice unauthorized changes to your internet browser’s homepage; you observe new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or porn websites; the default browser configurations have been changed and/or your default web engine is altered; unwanted new toolbars are added to your internet browser; you might notice numerous pop-up adverts on your computer screen; your browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; You can’t access particular websites, especially anti-malware websites.

Exactly how they invade computers

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop when you go to an infected site, click on an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing site. Many internet browser hijackings originate from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to browsers to provide them additional features. Other times you might have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (generally freeware or shareware). Popular examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, RocketTab, Delta Search, Searchult.com, and Snap.do. Browser hijacking can bring about serious privacy problems and even identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking control over outgoing traffic, drastically slows down your computer or laptop by depleting lots of resources, and lead to system instability also.

Browser hijacker removal methods

Some browser hijacking can be easily stopped by identifying and eliminating the corresponding malware software from your control panel. However, most hijackers are quite tenacious and require specialized applications to get rid of them. Moreover, browser hijackers could modify the Windows registry so it can be extremely tough to fix manually, particularly when you are not a tech-savvy person. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running an anti-malware application on the affected computer. To get rid of any browser hijacker out of your computer, you could download this particular top-notch malware removal application – SafeBytes Anti-Malware. Together with anti-malware, a PC optimizer software, similar to Total System Care, could help you correct Windows registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure your internet privacy, and stabilize programs installed on your computer.

Find Out How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer system

All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malicious software. Certain malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your computer system, particularly anti-virus programs. If you are reading this, you probably have infected by a virus that stops you from installing a security program like Safebytes Anti-Malware. Follow the instructions below to remove malware through alternative methods.

Install in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode is a unique, simplified version of Windows where just essential services are loaded to counteract malware and other problematic programs from loading. In case the malicious software is set to load immediately when the PC boots, switching to this mode could prevent it from doing so. To boot into Safe Mode, hit “F8” key on the keyboard right before Windows logo screen appears; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, look over Safe Boot under Boot tab, and then click Apply. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to install your anti-malware application without the hindrance of the malware. After installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate standard infections.

Download the anti-malware program in a different internet browser

Some malware only targets particular internet browsers. If this is your case, employ another browser as it might circumvent the computer virus. In case you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a computer virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the most effective course of action is to switch over to a different web browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your favorite security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another solution is to save and run an anti-malware software program entirely from a Thumb drive. To run antivirus from a thumb drive, follow these simple steps: 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the USB drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the installation. 5) Now, insert the USB drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

To protect your laptop or computer from various internet-based threats, it’s important to install anti-malware software on your personal computer. However, with countless numbers antimalware companies out there, these days it is hard to decide which one you should buy for your laptop. Some of them do a great job in eliminating malware threats while some will damage your PC by themselves. You must be careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you buy a paid application. On the list of strongly recommended software by industry leaders is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your PC permanently but is also quite user-friendly for people of all skill levels. Once you’ve got installed this application, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that no viruses or malware can seep through your PC.

SafeBytes anti-malware provides an array of enhanced features that sets it aside from all others. Some of them are listed as below:

Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your PC limiting malware intrusions in real-time. This utility will constantly monitor your computer for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat landscape. Most effective AntiMalware Protection: Built on a greatly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can find and get rid of numerous stubborn malware threats such as browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other common anti-virus applications will miss. Website Filtering: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety score that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its advanced scanning engine, offers extremely fast scanning which can promptly target any active online threat. Low CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes is well known for its low influence on processing power and great detection rate of various threats. It operates silently and efficiently in the background so you’re free to utilize your PC at full power all of the time. 24/7 Customer Service: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you could get 24/7 professional assistance through chat and email. Put simply, SafeBytes has created a meaningful anti-malware solution that is aimed to protect you against all manner of malware. You now may understand that this particular software does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your PC. So if you’re searching for the absolute best malware removal application out there, and when you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To eliminate Nectar Toolbar manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Windows Control Panel and choose the program you want to remove. For browser extensions, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the add-on you want to remove or disable. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser to its default settings. Finally, check your hard disk for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstallation. But bear in mind, this can be a tough task and only computer professionals can perform safely. In addition, certain malicious programs have the capability to defend against its removal. Completing this task in Safe Mode is suggested.

The latest security vulnerability was discovered inside both Windows 10 and Windows 11 letting any user access admin privileges inside the operating system. This can, of course, be used by a potential attacker to get full control of the system. The problem lies in Microsoft's security rules assigned to the Windows Registry and the Security Account Manager. Both for some reason have reduced restrictions allowing any local user to fully access the files without administrator privileges. The problem is even more amplified if we think about Security Account Manager which includes all account data including the passwords of all users using the same PC. This can provide a potential attacker with all information and let them log on into the administrator account for full control. Microsoft is aware of the matter and is tracking it with code CVE-2021-36934, and includes a complete workaround for the issue, which includes restricting access to  %windir%\system32\config and deleting any restore points or Shadow volumes that were created before that point until the hole is plugged with an official security patch.

What is Mapi32.dll Outlook Error?

Mapi32.dll is a Windows Messaging Application Programming Interface that enables Windows to perform various email functions and launch messaging programs like Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office. The inability of the interface to execute email functions properly results in the Mapi32.dll Outlook Error. This error occurs mostly when you are attempting to upgrade the operating system to a new version.

Solution

Error Causes

The common causes of the Mapi32.dll Outlook Error during the OS upgrade are:

• Damaged or Corrupt Outlook user profile
• The software is overwritten by some other program
• Outlook PST file corruption

The Mapi32.dll Outlook Error message is displayed in either of the following forms:

• Mapi32.dll is missing
• Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. Mapi32.dll is corrupt or the wrong version.
• Mapi32.dll was not found
• Mail is not installed

Further Information and Manual Repair

So, what if you experience this issue and how do you fix it? Well, first there is no need to panic as Microsoft has recognized this issue and provided adequate solutions to fix this problem in no time. However, to ensure the Mapi32.dll Outlook error is a quick fix, you must first understand the cause of the issue and the message displayed on the screen.

1. Let’s say the errors occur because your Outlook profile is corrupt. In this scenario, the best solution is to create a new Outlook profile. Regardless of whether you have Windows Vista or XP, to create your new Outlook profile, first, you will have to click on the Control Panel, then User Account, and then Mail. Once you click on the Mail tab, the mail set up dialog box will open. In this dialog box there will be a ‘Show Profiles’ tab, click and then click the Add tab that appears next. Now type the name for your new Outlook profile and then click ‘OK’. After that, add an email account to go with the profile.
2. If Mapi32.dll is missing or corrupt, you will have to run ‘Fixmapi.exe’ to resolve the problem. It is located in the System32 folder inside the Windows directory in Windows Explorer.

• Therefore, first start Windows Explorer and then locate the following folder on your computer: C: /Program Files/Common Files/System/Msmapi1033
• Now find Fixmapi.exe and double click it
• After that locate the Mapi32.dll file and rename it to MSmapi32.old and press enter.
• Restart your computer when finished.

A word of advice for computer users is to scan for viruses with an antivirus program or a registry cleaner regularly to prevent the Mapi32.dll Outlook error from occurring in the first place. Viruses often latch onto .dll files and corrupt them. It’s always best to have a forward-looking approach.

Although there are several Windows 10 devices that are touchscreen-based, the mouse still remains to be an important part of usage for many users especially the ones who do some hardcore work on their Windows 10 computers or laptops. If you’re one of the users who often edit images or videos either for fun or work, using Touch is difficult as it’s a bit hard to drag on the screen so nothing really beats the mouse. However, as awesome as the mouse is, there are times when you encounter issues while using it. One of these issues is when your mouse pointer lags or freezes so in this post, you can try out a few tips that can help you resolve the issue.

Option 1 – Clean both the mouse and the mousepad

It might sound silly but it is a fact that either the mouse or the mouse pad themselves is the problem. Even though mouse balls are long gone, the laser lights that replaced them are not immune to some dirt which is why you need to clean the bottom of the mouse and then clean the mouse pad afterward.

Option 2 – Try changing the USB port

This is another basic thing you can do to resolve the problem since there are instances when USB ports where either your mouse is connected have gone rogue so you need to try switching to a different port and then see if the problem’s fixed or not.

Option 3 – Switch back to the default settings of the mouse

Switching your mouse back to its default setting is always a good idea since you are dealing with a pointer issue. To go back to the default settings of the mouse, here’s what you have to do:

• Click on Mouse and Touchpad.
• Next, click on Additional Mouse Settings located in the right pane.
• After that, click on the “Use Default” option under the Pointer tab.
• Then click on Apply and OK to save the changes made.

Option 4 – Try disabling Smooth Scrolling

You have to slow down both the horizontal and the vertical scrolling of the mouse in the settings which are called “Smooth scrolling”. This will help if you think that the websites you are visiting scroll up and down way too fast.

Option 5 – Try to update or rollback mouse drivers

If the first few options didn’t work for you, then it’s time to either update or roll back the mouse drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated the mouse driver then you need to roll back the driver. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below. The problem may be caused by a corrupted or outdated driver. So you have to update or reinstall the mouse driver. How? Follow these steps:

• Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
• Then locate the Mouse and other pointing devices and right-click on the mouse driver to open the Properties.
• After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
• Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
• Finally, disconnect the mouse and plug it back in to reinstall the mouse driver.

Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.

Option 6 – Try to check if your laptop is turning off the mouse

In case you don’t know, the power management can turn off the devices that are not in use to save battery power if you use a laptop. And this can also happen on USB-based devices like the mouse. Thus, you need to verify if your laptop is turning off the mouse.

• Go to Device Manager > Universal serial bus controllers > USB Root Hub > Power Management.
• After opening Power Management, uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
• If you have lots of USB Root hubs, you can try changing each one of them and see if it works or not.

Option 7 – Try updating the Graphics Drivers

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
• Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. If you see a red or yellow sign that shows up against the driver, right-click on the driver’s name and select “Update Driver Software” or “Uninstall”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
• Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
• Restart your PC.

Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturer and check if there’s a new update – if there is, download it.

Option 8 – Try setting the No Delay option for Touchpad

If you are using a laptop that’s touchscreen-based, you can try setting the delay to zero in the settings. To do so, simply go to Settings > Devices > Mouse and Touchpad. From there, you can set the delay before clicks to “No Delay”.

If you suddenly see a system icon or an application icon that has a blue and yellow shield or icon overlay at the corner, this indicates that the application has to run with admin privileges and each time you run these kinds of applications, a UAC or User Account Control prompt will appear to confirm if you really want to run the application. Although this kind of behavior is for security reasons, it can get quite annoying especially if you use the application on a daily basis. To make it convenient for you, this post will walk you through how you can remove the blue and yellow shield icon from an application on your Windows 10 computer. The User Account Control or UAC setting is the one that ensures no program can run with administrative privileges unless it is allowed by the user. This stops any program that could be potentially harmful to the computer from making any changes which are why keeping this setting to its default state is for the best and making any changes in its setting is not recommended unless it is really needed. So if you really have to remove the icon overlay in an application, there are several ways you can do that. You can try reinstalling the program and set Compatibility or change the UAC level. For more information, refer to every option given below.

Option 1 – Try to reinstall the application and set Compatibility

As you know, the application icons where you can see the shields are shortcuts mostly and they signify that the User Account Control will appear each time you launch the app. Thus, if you have an app that you use regularly and you’re certain that the app can be trusted, you can try to reinstall the app and set its compatibility by following these steps:

• You need to uninstall the app first and then install its latest version. You must not run or open the app after you reinstall it, not until you’ve completed the steps.
• Next, you have to right-click on the shortcut icon of the app, and from the menu, select Properties.
• Afterward, go to the Compatibility tab and look for the checkbox labeled “Run this program as an administrator” and uncheck it.
• Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made. This should remove the shield icon from the app.

Option 2 – Try changing the UAC level

• Tap the Win + Q to open the search bar and type UAC to see the User Account Control setting.
• From the UAC setting, lower the UAC level by selecting the settings that say, “Notify only when apps try to make changes to my computer”.
• After selecting that option, you shouldn’t be getting any warning now when you run the app with the shield icon. But keep in mind that this is not a temporary setting which can be risky especially if the app can’t be trusted.

Creating a new Windows 10 account comes with options related to privacy. For instance, you will see the options to disable or enable Speech recognition, Find my device, Location service, Inking & typing, and many more. And if you often have to create a test account in Windows 10 v1809 and you don’t want to give this option, you can just disable the Privacy Settings Experience at sign-in on your Windows 10 PC using a couple of instructions given in this guide. To disable the Privacy Settings Experience, you can use the Registry Editor and the Group Policy Editor. But before you get started, you need to log in as an administrator. Moreover, it would also be better if you create a backup copy of the Registry files as well as create a System Restore Point before you make any changes. After you have those things covered, refer to the steps given below to disable the Privacy Settings Experience at sign-in on your Windows 10 PC. Since there are two ways to get things done, choose one option that you prefer.

Option 1 – via Registry Editor

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Next, navigate to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsOOBE
• From there, look for the OOBE value and if you can’t find it there, you can just create it. To do so, right-click on the Windows key and select New > Key, and then name it “OOBE”.
• After that, right-click on the OOBE value and select New > DWORD (32-bit) value, and name it “DisablePrivacyExperience”.
• Then double click on DisablePrivacyExperience and set its value to “1”.
• Now exit the Registry Editor and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Option 2 – via the Group Policy Editor

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• After that, navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OOBE
• Next, look for a setting named “Don’t launch privacy settings experience on user login” located on your right-hand side and then double click on it and select Enabled.
• Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.
• Restart your PC.

Xinput1_3.dll - What is it?

Xinput1_3.dll is a type of dynamic link library. It is an essential component of Microsoft DirectX. This is a technology that makes Windows OS compatible with programs rich in multimedia elements It helps your graphic card in creating a detailed virtual and stimulus environment. Games and programs with high graphics and sounds require DirectX to form a consonance with Windows PC to run successfully. The Xinput1_3.dll error occurs when games supported by DirectX are unable to run smoothly. This error is common on Windows 7. The error message is displayed in the following format:

• "The file xinput1_3.dll is missing"
• "File xinput1_3.dll not found"
• "Xinput1_3.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this."
• "Xinput1_3.DLL Not Found"

Solution

Error Causes

The causes of Xinput1_3.dll error include:

• Damaged and Corrupt Xinput1_3.dll files
• Missing Microsoft DirectX file
• Viruses and malware on your system
• Driver issues
• Registry overloaded with invalid entries

If you come across this error, make sure you fix it timely. It is recommended to do so because it not only stops you from accessing and playing your desired games and using high graphic applications but also can lead to system failure and crash if the underlying cause of the error is related to the registry.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error code, here are some of the best do it yourself methods:

Restart Your PC

Sometimes due to minor concurrence, PC is unable to load the file Xinput1_3.dll from the directory. If this is the cause, then you are lucky. All you have to do to resolve it and restart your computer. Once the computer restarts, re-launch the program.

Install the Latest DirectX Version

Search for the latest versions of the DirectX utility version. Try extracting the Xinput1_3.dll files individually from the DirectX downloadable package on your PC. Once downloading is complete, try running your desired application again and see if the error code pops up or not.

Update the Graphics Card

Being an element of Microsoft DirectX, Xinput1_3.dll is directly related to the video/graphics card assimilated. There can be a possibility of a mismatch between the Xinput1_3.dll file and graphic card drivers. If this is the case, then the best way to resolve the error is to update the graphic drivers by installing the latest version drivers of your video/graphics card. Nonetheless, after trying all the solutions discussed above if the error still persists, then this triggers two things either the error is triggered by a viral infection that you are unaware of or the problem is related to the registry.

Install Restoro

Whichever might be the cause, in such as scenario the best quick fix to it is to download Restoro. This is an advanced, cutting edge, and multi functional PC repair that is deployed with several utilities including a registry cleaner, an antivirus, Active X controls, and class detector, and a system optimizer. The registry cleaner utility removes all the unnecessary files from the registry that could be damaging the dll files and the registry. It clears the disk space, repairs dll files, and restores the registry back to normal. Simultaneously the antivirus module scans your system for all possible malicious software. It removes viruses, Trojans, malware, spyware, and adware thereby resolving the Xinput1_3.dll error right away. Total System Care is safe, bug-free, and has a user-friendly interface with easy navigation. It is compatible with all Windows versions. Click here to download Restoro and resolve the Xinput1_3.dll error right away!

The standard icon place in the Taskbar inside Windows 11 is in the center. Some users welcomed this change, some not so much. If you are part of the user base that is not so much thrilled with this Microsoft’s idea of innovation, do not worry, there is an easy way to move all icons and start button on the left inside Taskbar.

Moving icons in Taskbar

1. Open Windows settings by using ⊞ WINDOWS + I key combination
2. Click on Personalization
3. Select Taskbar
4. Click on Taskbar Behaviors
5. Click on the drop-down menu beside Taskbar Alignment
6. Select your desired option of icon alignment
7. Close settings

Your options will be active right away and you will see icons switching to the position of your choosing.

Same as in Windows 10, Windows 11 also features a lock screen. IN this lock screen by default, you will see a clock and date above the standard Windows 11 background. Not all users will be happy with this choice but do not worry, you can choose and customize your lock screen to better suit your idea of it.

To personalize the lock screen do:

1. Right-click on Desktop and select Personalize
2. Click on the lock screen
3. Choose one of three options and customize it

   • Personalize Your Lock Screen

     this option will let you set a custom image or slideshow for your lock screen. Choose either one that best suits you. Under selecting picture or pictures for the slide show you can uncheck the option to see tips, tricks, and facts on your lock screen.

   • Lock screen status

     when clicking on this option you can select the application widget that you wish to be shown on the lock screen like weather, mail, calendar, etc. Choose if you would like one by clicking on it.

   • Show the lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen

     as self-explanatory this switch will enable or disable chosen lock screen wallpaper on your login credentials screen.
4. Close settings

All settings will be automatically saved and applied and when you wish to lock the screen easiest way is to press ⊞ WINDOWS + L shortcut on your keyboard.