SpeedItUp is a potentially unwanted application made by MicroSmarts LLC. The program claims to optimize RAM, clean the registry, and boost internet connection speed. It is designed to speed up your computer by removing some background processes. While not malicious itself, SpeedItUp Free and its variations are often installed via third-party installer bundles, causing many users to unwittingly install the program. Aliases of the program include CheckMeUp, SpeedCheck, SpeedChecker, SpeedItUp Free, Speeditup-Checkup, and Speeditup-Nova. While intended to speed up the performance, its background processes and startup tasks may actually slow PCs down in some cases. Some versions of SpeedItUp also include a browser extension.
Browser hijacking is a type of unwanted software program, usually a web browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in the browser’s settings. Browser hijacker malware is designed for a number of reasons. Typically, browser hijacking is used for earning advertising revenue that comes from forced advert mouse clicks and website visits. Though it might seem naive, these tools are designed by vicious individuals who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that hackers can make money from your naive and distraction. On top of that, hijackers can make the whole infected system vulnerable – other destructive malware and viruses would grab these opportunities to get into your computer effortlessly.
There are many symptoms that could indicate a browser hijacking: your web browser’s homepage is suddenly different; your web browser is constantly being redirected to adult sites; the default online search engine has been changed and your browser security settings have been brought down without your knowledge; discover new toolbars which you did not add; your internet browser displays endless pop-up windows; your internet browser has become unstable or starts running slowly; Inability to navigate to certain websites, particularly anti-malware as well as other security software sites.
A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop if you check out an infected site, click an email attachment, or download something from a file-sharing site. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with the malicious objective. A browser hijacker can also come bundled up with some freeware that you inadvertently download to your PC, compromising your internet security. An example of some notorious browser hijacker includes Babylon, Anyprotect, Conduit, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are regularly changing.
Certain kinds of browser hijackers can be removed from the computer by deleting malicious applications or any other recently added shareware. Often, it can be a challenging task to discover and get rid of the malicious piece because the associated file could be running as part of the operating system process. Moreover, manual removals demand deep system knowledge and thus can be quite a difficult job for novice computer users.
Experts always recommend users remove any malware including browser hijackers by using an automatic malware removal tool, which is better, safer, and quicker than the manual removal method. One of the greatest tools for repairing browser hijacker malware is Safebytes Anti-Malware. It will help you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your system and provides you real-time monitoring and protection from the latest threats. Together with the anti-virus tool, a PC optimizer will help you in deleting all associated files and modifications in the computer registry automatically.
Every malware is detrimental and the effects of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malicious software. Some malware goes to great lengths to stop you from installing anything on your computer, particularly anti-virus software programs. If you are reading this article, you probably have got affected by a virus that prevents you from installing a computer security program such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. Refer to the instructions below to remove malware through alternative ways.
If the virus is set to load immediately when Microsoft Windows starts, getting into safe mode could block this attempt. Since only the minimum applications and services launch in Safe Mode, there are seldom any reasons for conflicts to occur. Listed here are the steps you have to follow to start into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (go to Microsoft site for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 computers).
1) At power on/start-up, tap the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This would conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu.
2) Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER.
3) As soon as this mode loads, you should have an internet connection. Now, make use of your internet browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware.
4) After the software is installed, allow the diagnostic scan run to remove trojans and other malware automatically.
Some malware mainly targets particular web browsers. If this is your situation, utilize another internet browser as it could circumvent the virus. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the most effective plan of action would be to switch to a different web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your favorite computer security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.
To successfully eliminate the malware, you might want to approach the issue of running an antivirus software program on the affected computer from a different angle. Adopt these measures to employ a flash drive to clean your corrupted computer.
1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a clean PC.
2) Insert the USB drive onto the same system.
3) Double click on the exe file to open the installation wizard.
4) Select the USB stick as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
5) Unplug the pen drive. You may now use this portable antivirus on the infected computer system.
6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon.
7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.
Do you want to install the very best anti-malware application for your computer system? There are several applications available that come in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows computers. Some of them do a good job in eliminating malware threats while many will damage your computer themselves. You must opt for a company that builds industry-best anti-malware and has gained a reputation as reliable. When considering the reliable software programs, Safebytes Anti-Malware is certainly the highly recommended one.
SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is designed to assist everyday computer users in protecting their computer from malicious threats. With its outstanding protection system, this tool will automatically detect and get rid of most of the security threats, which include viruses, adware, browser hijackers, ransomware, PUPs, and trojans.
SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a whole new level with its advanced features. Let’s have a look at some of them below:
Active Protection: SafeBytes provides 100 % hands-free real-time protection which is set to monitor, prevent and get rid of all computer threats at its very first encounter. They are very effective in screening and getting rid of numerous threats because they are continuously revised with the latest updates and alerts.
Antimalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean out your PC. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep inside your PC.
SuperSpeed Scanning: SafeBytes’s very fast malware scanning engine lessens scanning times and extends battery life. At the same time, it will effectively identify and eliminate infected files or any online threat.
Web Security: SafeBytes provides an instant safety rating about the web pages you are about to visit, automatically blocking dangerous sites and make sure that you’re certain of your online safety while browsing the net.
Lightweight Utility: This program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any performance difficulties when SafeBytes is operating in the background.
Premium Support: Support service is readily available for 24 x 7 x 365 days through chat and email to answer your questions.
If you wish to manually remove SpeedItUp without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser.
To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.
Files:
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempinproc.temp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp1.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp2.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp3.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp4.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp5.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp6.tmp
c:autoexec.bat
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp1.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp2.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp4.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TemptmpA.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TemptmpE.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TemptmpF.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempsearchprotect_w_prechecker.exe
C:WINDOWSsystem32rsaenh.dll
C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempinproc.temp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp1.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp2.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp3.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp4.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp5.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp6.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp7.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempsearchprotect_w_prechecker.exe
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempwajam_validate.exe
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp1.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp2.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp3.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp4.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp5.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp6.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temptmp7.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TemptmpA.tmp
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempsearchprotect_w_prechecker.exe
C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Tempwajam_validate.exe
File %COMMONDESKTOPSpeedItup Free.lnk.
File %COMMONPROGRAMSSpeedItup Free.lnk.
File %COMMONPROGRAMSSpeedItup FreeSpeedItup Free.lnk.
File %COMMONPROGRAMSSpeedItup FreeUninstall SpeedItup Free.lnk.
File %COMMONSTARTMENUSpeedItup Free.lnk.
File %LOCALSETTINGSTempspuad0.exe.
File %LOCALSETTINGSTempspuad1.exe.
File %PROGRAMFILESDisplay Offerdelayexec.exe.
File %PROGRAMFILESDisplay Offerwait.exe.
File %PROGRAMFILESSpeedItup Freedelayexec.exe.
File %PROGRAMFILESSpeedItup Freespdfrmon.exe.
File %PROGRAMFILESSpeedItup Freespeeditupfree.exe.
File %SYSDRIVEProgram Files (x86)SpeedItup Freeupgradepath.ini.
File %WINDIRSpeedItup Freeuninstall.exe.
Directory %COMMONPROGRAMSSpeedItup Free.
Directory %PROGRAMFILESDisplay Offer.
Directory %PROGRAMFILESSpeedItup Free.
Directory %SYSDRIVEProgram Files (x86)SpeedItup Free.
Directory %WINDIRSpeedItup Free.
Registry:
Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named spdfrmon.Gate.1, plus associated values.
Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named spdfrmon.Gate, plus associated values.
Key 0142D788-C4FC-4ED8-2222-D654E27AF7F8 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface.
Key A1011E88-B997-11CF-2222-0080C7B2D6BB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib.
Key A1843388-EFC2-49C9-2222-FC0C403B0EBB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface.
Key A19F8F88-F91E-4E49-2222-BD21AB39D1BB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAppID.
Key A19F8F88-F91E-4E49-2222-BD21AB39D1BB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID.
Key A1D87888-DEAA-4971-2222-5D5046F2B3BB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface.
Key A245B088-41FA-478E-8DEA-86177F1394BB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAppID.
Key spdfrmon.exe at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAppID.
Key spdfrmon at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001Services.
Key spdfrmon at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet002Services.
Key spdfrmon at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet003Services.
Key SpeeditupFree at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall.
Error CausesError CausesAction Classic Games Toolbar is another product from Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc. that may claim to relieve users of their boredom with more than 500 online games. The Action Classic Games toolbar is available for download from its official web page and Google Web Store, though it is normally distributed via advertising directly from its website. When installed, it will change your home page and new tab to MyWay.com and start gathering user browsing information while active.
Browsing the internet with Action Classic Games enabled will result in the additional ad and sponsored content placement throughout the browsing sessions. This extension has been flagged as a Browser Hijacker by several top anti-virus applications and is therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.
Have you been feeling anxious in the digital space? Feeling like you have a million eyes on you each time you visit a website? It can definitely make you uneasy. Luckily there’s an easy fix, and it’s called a VPN.
In this article we’ll take you through the basics of what a VPN does and some of the biggest benefits you can reap from buying one.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, so its name already says a lot about what it does.
A VPN is specialized software that keeps your browsing private and secure. Essentially it hides your identity, preventing possible cyberattacks and data theft. This is especially important in cases of public network use, where you’re highly exposed to potential threats.
To be more specific, this software encrypts your Internet Protocol (IP) address by filtering it through a server hosted by the VPN provider first. That way, it prevents your Internet service provider, third parties and lurking online thieves from tracking the actual you.
Credit: FLY:D on Unsplash
Some providers, such as Surfshark VPN with its IP Rotator feature, even make it a habit to frequently change your IP address to further protect your identity. With most VPN providers, you can also appear to be in a completely different country, adding to your disguise.
There are tons of advantages you can look forward to if you decide to use a VPN. Take a look at some of the crucial ones.
When choosing a VPN, you can find both free and paid options. We recommend you go with the paid ones, since they have stronger security, encryption and data protection, as well as more advanced features. Free VPNs come with limitations and risk of malicious attacks on the software itself.
You can choose to buy a singular VPN service or opt for antivirus software that has a VPN built in, for example Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security plan. That depends on what you use your computer for and how much.
When you pick one, here’s what it can do for you.
When we said you could change your location, we meant it. Say you’re using a streaming service and a show you desperately want to watch isn’t available in your country. You can use your VPN to make it look like you’re browsing from a country where it’s unlocked.
This option is also convenient for gamers who want to access maps, skins and other in-game items unavailable in their location.
Surfshark VPN (Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash)
In addition, you can use this powerful feature when you’re traveling to a region where some of your favorite content may not be accessible.
Do keep in mind that you need to read the Terms and Conditions (yeah, we know - who does that?) of your games and services before doing this, since you could end up getting a penalty. It’s also important to remember that there are entire countries that have strict regulations or even bans on VPNs, for example Belarus, Russia and China. So make sure to be very cautious with your VPN use, friends.
VPNs shield your browsing habits from prying eyes on the web. Those can be malicious hackers or just third-party cookies tracking your every move to later bombard you with targeted ads. For example, Surfshark VPN features a Cookie blocker that blocks all cookie-related pop-ups and lets you browse in peace (and secret). It works even when the VPN is turned off, which is also pretty neat.
In addition, their CleanWeb 2.0 technology makes sure ads and especially malware don’t stand a chance at all, since they’re blocked before they can even load.
The inability of sites to track your browsing means they can’t collect and analyze any of your data. So, your personal information - or your company’s information in case that’s what you’re using your computer for - is entirely hidden and secure.
It’s well-known that the prices of certain items and services vary based on your location, browsing time, age and many other factors. This most commonly goes for airline tickets and hotel stays.
You can use your VPN to avoid high prices and surcharges. Clear all cookies, turn on your VPN and visit an online shopping site to check out their prices. Then compare your findings with the offers you see when your VPN is off, when you spend a long time on the site or have an active account with the company.
Sometimes this can really help you find the best deals and avoid breaking the bank. But again, check the Terms and Conditions before you purchase something using a VPN.
The more smart devices you have connected to your network, the more exposed you are to potential cyberattacks. Phones and computers are generally designed to be decently secure even without a VPN or antivirus, but smart home devices leave a lot to be desired in that regard.
Protecting your home network with a VPN software means all devices connected to it are secure, be it an air purifier or Alexa.
Your ISP can intentionally slow down your internet speed based on how much data you’ve consumed (data throttling) or your activities online (bandwidth throttling).
But with a VPN, what kind of data you send and receive and how much is entirely hidden. Therefore, if your ISP can’t see you, they can’t control you and they can’t throttle down your speed.
You can never be too safe online. So definitely think about getting yourself a solid VPN to pump up your privacy and security as much as you can. And if you have any questions or need help choosing the perfect software for you, feel free to reach out to us.
