Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com virus (Removal Guide)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Altfarm.mediaplex is an advertising platform, which is used by adware and other malicious programs to display popup ads from Altfarm.mediaplex.com within Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome.
[Image: Altfarm.mediaplex.com virus]

[Image: Altfarm.mediaplex.com ads]
The Altfarm.mediaplex redirect happens regardless of the web browser or search engine, and if you are seeing ads from Altfarm.mediaplex.com whenever you are doing a Google search or visiting a website, then your computer may be infected with Pihar, Tracur, ZeroAccess/Sirefef rootkit, adware or a potentially unwanted program.
This infection is designed specifically to make money. It generates web traffic, collects sales leads for other dubious sites, and will display advertisements and sponsored links within your web browser.

Altfarm.mediaplex virus is distributed through several means. Malicious websites, or legitimate websites that have been compromised, may drop this Trojan onto a compromised computer. This drive-by-download often happens surreptitiously. Another method used to propagate this type of malware is spam email containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. The threat may also be downloaded manually by tricking the user into thinking they are installing a useful piece of software.
The Altfarm.mediaplex.com virus is also prevalent on peer-to-peer file sharing websites and is often packaged with pirated or illegally acquired software.

Once install on a computer, the Altfarm.mediaplex.com will display pop-up ads within your browser and Flash update boxes with the sole purpose of generating revenue for the cyber criminals.
[Image: Altfarm.mediaplex.com popup]
Altfarm.mediaplex.com is not a malicious domain itself, however this website is used by cyber criminals as a tracking website for their affiliate programs.Before traffic is delivered to advertisers, Altfarm.mediaplex is used as a network referral ID to identify and qualify traffic sent by traffic partners.

Depending on what is causing the Altfarm.mediaplex popup ads, the malware removal process can be different for each particular case, however using the below guide, you should be able to remove this infection from your computer.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this Altfarm.mediaplex adware. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

Altfarm.mediaplex pop-up – Virus Removal Guide

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove Altfarm.mediaplex pop-ups from your computer, and any other adware program that may have been installed during the setup process.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Uninstall Altfarm.mediaplex.com programs from your computer
STEP 2: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com redirect from your web browser
STEP 2: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com adware with AdwCleaner
STEP 3: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com browser hijackers with Junkware Removal Tool
STEP 4: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
STEP 5: Double-check for the Altfarm.mediaplex.com infection with HitmanPro

STEP 1 : Remove Altfarm.mediaplex malicious.com programs from your computer

Altfarm.mediaplex pop-up ads may be displayed by an adware program that you have recently installed. In our case Altfarm.mediaplex.com redirect was installed with the Delta Toolbar, DownloadTerms 1.0, BrowserDefender, TidyNetwork.com and WebCake 3.0 programs. In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious program that might be installed on your computer.

  1. To uninstall the programs that are responsible for the Altfarm.mediaplex from your computer, click the Start button, then select Control Panel, and click on Uninstall a program.
    If you are using Windows 8, simply drag your mouse pointer to the right edge of the screen, select Search from the list and search for “control panel“. Or you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control Panel from there, then select Uninstall a program.
    [Image: Uninstall a program]
  2. When the Add/Remove Programs or the Uninstall a Program screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall WebCake 3.00, DownloadTerms 1.0, LessTabs, TidyNetwork.com, BrowserDefender, Selection Links, SimpleLyrics and any other unwanted or recently installed programs from your computer.
    [Image: Uninstall Altfarm.mediaplex.com malicious programs]

Depending on what program has installed the Altfarm.mediaplex.com adware, the above programs may have a different name or not be installed on your computer.
If you cannot find the program that is responsible for the Altfarm.mediaplex.com redirect, you can proceed with the next step.

STEP 2 : Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com redirect from your browser

Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com from Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon [Image: icongear.jpg] (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right), then click again on Internet Options.
    Internet Options in IE
  2. In the Internet Options dialog box, click on the Advanced tab, then click on the Reset button.
    Reset Internet Explorer
  3. In the Reset Internet Explorer settings section, check the Delete personal settings box, then click on Reset.
    Internet Explorer back to its default settings to remove Altfarm.mediaplex virus
  4. When Internet Explorer finishes resetting, click Close in the confirmation dialogue box and then click OK.
  5. Close and open Internet Explorer.

Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com from Mozilla Firefox

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the Help sub-menu (on Windows XP, click the Help menu at the top of the Firefox window), and select Troubleshooting Information.
    Firefox Troubleshooting Information
  2. Click the Reset Firefox button in the upper-right corner of the Troubleshooting Information page.
    Firefox default settings to remove Altfarm.mediaplex virus
  3. To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens.
  4. Firefox will close and be reset. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish

Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com from Google Chrome

  1. Remove Altfarm.mediaplex extensions from Google Chrome.
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button on the browser toolbar, select Tools and then click on Extensions.
    Google Chrome Extensions
  2. In the Extensions tab, remove (by clicking on the Recycle Bin) the GetLyrics, DownloadTerms 1.0, LessTabs, TidyNetwork.com, WebCake and any other unknown extensions from Google Chrome.
    Basically, if you have not installed an extension, you should remove it from your web browser.
    [Image: Altfarm.mediaplex.com Chrome extensions]

STEP 3: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com adware from your computer with AdwCleaner.

The AdwCleaner utility will scan your computer and browsers for Altfarm.mediaplex malicious files and registry keys, that may have been installed on your computer without your knowledge.

  1. You can download AdwCleaner utility from the below link.
    ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download AdwCleaner on your computer)
  2. Before starting AdwCleaner, close all open programs and internet browsers, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.
    [Image: AdwCleaner Icon]
    If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
  3. When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the Search button as shown below.
    [Image: AdwCleaner scanning for adware]
    The program will now start to search for adware files that may be installed on your computer. When it has finished it will display a notepad screen that contains a log file of all the adware extensions, files, and registry keys that have been detected. Unless you see a program name that you know should not be removed, please close the Notepad window and continue with the next step.
  4. To remove the adware malicious files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the Delete button on the AdwCleaner screen.
    [Image: Adwcleaner removing Altfarm.mediaplex]
    AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to reboot the computer. Please do so and then click on the OK button.
  5. AdwCleaner will now delete all traces of Altfarm.mediaplex adware from your computer. When it is done it will display an alert that explains what PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware are. Please read through this information and then press the OK button. You will now be presented with an alert that states AdwCleaner needs to reboot your computer.
    Please click on the OK button to let AdwCleaner reboot your computer.

STEP 4: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com browser hijacker with Junkware Removal Tool

Junkware Removal Tool is a powerful utility, which will remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com redirect from Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome.

  1. You can download the Junkware Removal Tool utility from the below link:
    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the Junkware Removal Tool utility on your computer)
  2. Once Junkware Removal Tool has finished downloading, please double-click on the JRT.exe icon as seen below.
    [Image: Junkware Removal Tool]
    If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run Junkware Removal Tool, please allow it to run.
  3. Junkware Removal Tool will now start, and at the Command Prompt, you’ll need to press any key to perform a scan for the Altfarm.mediaplex hijacker.
    [Image: Junkware Removal Tool scanning for Altfarm.mediaplex virus]
    Please be patient as this can take a while to complete (up to 10 minutes) depending on your system’s specifications.
  4. When the scan Junkware Removal Tool will be completed, this utility will display a log with the malicious files and registry keys that were removed from your computer.
    [Image: Junkware Removal Tool final log]

STEP 5: Remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a powerfull on-demand scanner which will remove Altfarm.mediaplex malicious files from your computer.

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link, then double click on it to install this program.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final installation screen]
  3. On the Scanner tab,select Perform quick scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Quick Scan]
  4. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Altfarm.mediaplex.com malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for Altfarm.mediaplex virus
  5. When the Malwarebytes scan will be completed,click on Show Result.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  6. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing virus]

STEP 6: Double-check for the Altfarm.mediaplex.com infection with HitmanPro

Altfarm.mediaplex may also install a ZeroAccess rootkit on victim’s computer, to detect and remove this malicious program we will perform a scan with HitmanPro.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link, then double-click on it to start this program.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. HitmanPro will start and you’ll need to follow the prompts (by clicking on the Next button) to start a system scan with this program.
    HitmanPro scanner
    HitmanPro installation
  3. HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for Altfarm.mediaplex malicious files as seen in the image below.
    HitmanPro scan Altfarm.mediaplex virus
  4. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove this malicious files.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    HitmanPro 30 days activation button

Your computer should now be free of the Altfarm.mediaplex infection. If your current anti-virus solution let this infection through, you may want to consider purchasing the PRO version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future, and perform regular scans with HitmanPro.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Altfarm.mediaplex.com from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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