WeatherGenie is a Browser Extension that allows users to check the current weather in any town at any time. This extension adds the “Weather:” search option to your new tab, and changes your default search engine to Yahoo.com. It also ads system Registry Entities that allow it to run each time the computer is restarted, several task schedulers are also added to allow it to run at various times during the day.
While installing this extension monitor browsing data from your computer. You may also see additional injected ads, sponsored links, and pop-up ads through your browser sessions.
Weather games have been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus scanners and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer. It is flagged as potentially unwanted for optional removal.
About Browser Hijackers
Browser hijacking is a very common type of online fraud where your web browser settings are altered to allow it to do things you do not intend. Browser hijackers could do a variety of things on your PC. Often, hijackers will force hits to sites of their preference either to increase targeted traffic generating higher ad earnings, or to gain a commission for every user visiting there. Even though it might seem naive, all browser hijackers are harmful and thus always regarded as security risks. As soon as the malware attacks your computer or laptop, it begins to mess things up a whole that slows your system down to a crawl. In the worse case, you might be pushed to tackle serious malware threats too.
How you can know whether the web browser is hijacked?
Symptoms that an internet browser is hi-jacked include:
1. you notice unauthorized modifications to your web browser’s home-page
2. bookmark and the new tab are also changed
3. the essential web browser settings are modified and unwanted or insecure sites are put into the trusted sites list
4. you’re getting new toolbars you have never witnessed before
5. you’ll notice random pop-ups start showing on a regular basis
6. web pages load slowly and at times incomplete
7. you can’t navigate to particular web pages, such as security software-related websites.
How does a PC get infected with a browser hijacker?
There are a number of ways your PC can become infected with a browser hijacker. They usually arrive by way of spam e-mail, via file-sharing networks, or by a drive-by download. They can be included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plugins, or browser extensions. Other times you might have mistakenly accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (generally freeware or shareware). A good example of some popular browser hijackers includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, RocketTab, and Delta Search, but the names are regularly changing.
The existence of any browser hijacker on your system might substantially diminish the browsing experience, record your internet activities that lead to critical privacy concerns, diminish overall system performance and cause software instability as well.
The best ways to get rid of browser hijackers
Some browser hijacking can be simply reversed by identifying and eliminating the corresponding malware software from your control panel. But, many hijackers are harder to find or eliminate as they could get themselves connected with certain crucial computer files which allow them to operate as a necessary operating-system process. Besides, browser hijackers could modify the Computer registry so it could be very tough to repair manually, especially if you’re not a very tech-savvy individual.
You can go for automatic browser hijacker removal by just installing and running a reliable anti-malware application. SafeBytes Anti-Malware discovers all kinds of hijackers – such as WeatherGenie – and eliminates every trace quickly and efficiently. Utilize a pc optimizer together with your antivirus software to repair various registry issues, remove system vulnerabilities, and improve your computer performance.
How To Get Rid Of Malware That Is Blocking Anti-Malware Installation?
Practically all malware is detrimental and the effects of the damage may vary based on the specific type of malware. Some malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your PC, particularly anti-virus software programs. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your system. Refer to the instructions below to get rid of malware through alternative ways.
Remove malware in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is actually a special, basic version of Windows where only bare minimum services are loaded to stop viruses and also other problematic programs from loading. In the event the malware is blocking internet access and affecting your computer, starting it in Safe Mode enables you to download anti-malware and run a scan whilst limiting possible damage. In order to enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the PC is starting up or run MSConfig and locate the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can attempt to install your anti-malware software without the hindrance of the malware. After installation, run the malware scanner to get rid of most standard infections.
Switch to an alternative internet browser
Some malware mainly targets specific internet browsers. If this is your situation, use another internet browser as it can circumvent the computer virus. The best solution to avoid this problem is to opt for a web browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you safe online.
Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive
Here’s yet another solution which is using a portable USB anti-virus software that can scan your system for malware without needing installation. Follow these steps to employ a USB flash drive to clean your corrupted computer system.
1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC.
2) Insert the USB drive on the same computer.
3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware program to run the Installation Wizard.
4) Choose the flash drive as the location for saving the file. Follow the instructions to complete the installation process.
5) Now, transfer the flash drive to the infected computer.
6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the flash drive by double-clicking the icon.
7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a scan on the affected computer for viruses.
Top Features of SafeBytes Anti-Malware
Today an anti-malware tool can protect your computer or laptop from various forms of online threats. But how do choose the best one amongst several malware protection software that is available in the market? Perhaps you might be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. A few of them are great but there are many scamware applications that pretend as genuine anti-malware software waiting to wreak havoc on the computer. When searching for an anti-malware tool, pick one which provides dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. One of the highly recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a superb history of excellent service, and customers are happy with it.
Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which offer this comprehensive anti-malware tool. When you have installed this software, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that absolutely no viruses or malware can seep through your computer.
SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a whole new level with its advanced features. The following are a few of the great ones:
Active Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your PC. It will inspect your personal computer for suspicious activity at all times and shields your personal computer from illegal access.
Robust Anti-malware Protection: Safebytes is based on the best virus engine within the industry. These engines can find and eliminate threats even during the early stages of a malware outbreak.
Fast Scan: SafeBytes’s high-speed malware scanning engine reduces scanning times and extends battery life. Simultaneously, it’ll effectively identify and remove infected computer files or any online threat.
Internet Security: SafeBytes checks and provides a unique safety ranking to every website you visit and block access to web pages considered to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software.
Very Low CPU and Memory Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight tool. It consumes a very small amount of processing power as it runs in the background so you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you would like.
Premium Support: For any technical issues or product assistance, you could get 24/7 professional assistance via chat and email.
To conclude, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is pretty great for securing your laptop or computer against all sorts of malware threats. Malware problems will become a thing of the past when you put this software program to use. So if you’re looking for a comprehensive antivirus program that’s still easy to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is exactly what you will need!
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
To remove WeatherGenie manually, navigate to the Add/Remove programs list in the Control Panel and choose the program you want to remove. For internet browser extensions, go to your browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the plug-in you wish to disable or remove. You’ll probably also want to reset your browser to its default configuration settings.
In order to ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard drive and Windows registry for all of the following and eliminate or reset the values as needed. Please keep in mind that only experienced users should attempt to manually edit the registry because deleting any single critical system file results in a serious problem or even a system crash. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. It is advisable that you do the removal process in Safe Mode.
Files:
%UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\%random%.exe
%System Root%\Samples
%windows%\system32\drivers\Search.weather-genie.com.sys
%User Profile%\Local Settings\Temp
%Documents and Settings%\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Search.weather-genie.com
%Documents and Settings%\All Users\Application Data\
%Program Files%\Search.weather-genie.com
C:\ProgramData\%random numbers%\
Search And Delete:
doguzeri.dll
3948550101.exe
3948550101.cfg
Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msseces.exe Debugger = svchost.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Search.weather-genie.com
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect = 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect = 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore DisableSR = 1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ekrn.exe Debugger = svchost.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msascui.exe Debugger = svchost.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run 3948550101
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\xas
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Search.weather-genie.com
A stop error or exception error commonly called the blue screen of death (BSoD) or blue screen, is an error screen displayed on Windows computers following a fatal system error. It indicates a system crash, in which the operating system has reached a condition where it can no longer operate safely. This is caused by many different problems, such as a general hardware failure or a crucial process terminating unexpectedly.
On Windows 10 systems, a Black Screen of Death can be caused by an unfinished Windows Update.
It is a diagnostic screen with a white type on a pink background. Pink Screen is mainly seen when the VMkernel of an ESX/ESXi host experiences a critical error, becomes inoperative, and terminates any virtual machines that are running. It is not fatal and generally considered more of a developer testing issue. When encountered, it can be fixed quickly by following the simple action of pressing and holding your computer’s power button to shut down the device.
The Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System Brown Screen of Death is an on-screen fatal error notification with bug check codes which is seen when a computer crashes due to graphics hardware or software-related problems (failing graphics drivers).
It affects the functioning of a browser, particularly Mozilla Firefox. The Yellow Screen of Death makes the appearance with a weird buzzing sound in the background when the XML parser refuses to process an XML document causing a parsing error and a weird buzzing sound. The issue persists unless the computer is manually rebooted.
Commonly the Windows 10 red screen is caused due to the hardware error, particularly if you overclock your Windows PC/laptop. Despite this, sometimes the red screen of death is also caused by outdated or incompatible drivers or due to BIOS issues.
The Orange Screen of Death on Windows occurs due to fatal hardware errors. Multiple reasons have been reported for the Orange Screen of Death. Some had this issue when watching a YouTube video, some were not able to boot into Windows. It can even occur when waking up from Sleep.
The green screen of death only appears when you're running an Insider Preview version of Windows 10. It's the same as the blue screen of death, and it will show the same error messages. ... If you see a green screen of death (GSOD) on your PC, that's a sign you're using an Insider Preview build of Windows 10.
The White Screen on Windows is also an error where the screen of the computer just turns white and freezes. There can be several things that can cause the white screen to appear on the Windows laptop monitor. But the main issue could be because of malfunctioning of the graphics hardware. 
Each time when the company is breached data is stolen and that places the company in a bad light usually because its user database has been compromised and people are concerned about their data being misused. This is very rational fear and concern but this time things are a little bit different than usual, why is that, you might ask?
Well, as before mentioned GoDaddy is a hosting company and the vector of attack was aimed at the part where it is hosting WordPress. Attackers were able to get their hands on the sFTP credentials of customers on that server meaning that all of the websites are also been relieved of their user base as well.
This potentially means that there is a high chance that all of the hosted web site's content is also compromised, meaning that your data could also be compromised even if you were not a GoDaddy customer, all you needed to do is to be a member of any site hosted on their platform.
GoDaddy has reset WordPress passwords and private keys, so it’s already taken the steps required to stock the attacker from exploiting anything with the passwords obtained. The company is in the process of generating new SSL certificates for customers.
Bad thing is that the attack used a compromised password to get into systems all the way back around September 6th, 2021, the breach was discovered on November 17th, 2021, which is more than a 2-month active time where the attacker could harvest tons of data. The outcome of this attack will be seen in the upcoming time, until then be safe, and Just in case change your passwords. 
