Live Security Platinum - Virus Removal Guide

Live Security Platinum is a computer virus which will display fake security alerts,reporting that malware has been detected on your computer.This alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you are advised to buy Live Security Platinum in order to remove the detected threats.
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Live Security Platinum and stealing your personal financial information.

Apart from the bogus alerts,as part of its self-defense mechanism,Live Security Platinum has disabled the Windows system utilities, including the Windows Task Manager and Registry Editor,and will block you from running certain programs that could lead to its removal.
Further more,this rogue antivirus has modified your Windows files associations so now you can’t run files that end in a .exe extension.

If your computer is infected with Live Security Platinum,then you are seeing this images:

[Image: Live Security Platinum virus]

[Image: Live Security Platinum Alert]

[Image: Live Security Platinum Activation request]

[Image: Live Security Platinum Warning]

Registration codes for Live Security Platinum
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register Live Security Platinum and stop the fake alerts.
Live Security Platinum license key: AA39754E-715219CE
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Live Security Platinum from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

Live Security Platinum Removal Guide

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows start-up logo appears.
Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the “F8 key”, tap the “F8 key” continuously until you get the Advanced Boot Options screen.
On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

STEP 2: Remove Live Security Platinum malicious proxy server

Live Security Platinum may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

Start the Internet Explorer browser and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.

If you are a Firefox users, go to Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings → Select No Proxy

STEP 3: Repair your Windows Registry from Live Security Platinum malicious changes.

Smart Fortress 2012 has changed your Windows registry settings so that when you try to run a executable file (ending with .exe ) , it will instead launch the infection rather than the desired program.

Download the registryfix.reg file to fix the malicious registry changes from Live Security Platinum.
REGISTRYFIX.REG DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the registry fix called registryfix.reg)
Double-click on registryfix.reg file to run it. Click “Yes” for Registry Editor prompt window,then click OK.

STEP 4: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with Live Security Platinum.

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with Live Security Platinum,so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.
Because this utility will only stop Live Security Platinum running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.

While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.Please note that we will use a renamed version of RKILL so that Live Security Platinum won’t block this utility from running.
RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
Double-click on the iExplore.exe icon in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Live Security Platinum.
RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.

IF you are having problems starting or running RKill, you can download any other renamed versions of RKill from here.
When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.

WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.

STEP 5: Remove Live Security Platinum malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
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)
Start the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installation process by double clicking on mbam-setup file.
When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finish button. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you’ll be prompted to start a trial period , please select ‘Decline‘ as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Live Security Platinum malicious files as shown below.
When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
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.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.After completing this task it will display a message stating that it needs to reboot,please allow this request and then let your PC boot in Normal mode.

STEP 6: Double check your system for any left over infections with HitmanPro

This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.

IF you are experiencing problems while trying to start HitmanPro, you can use the Force Breach mode.To start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode, hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on Next to start a system scan.
HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the malicious files that the program has found.Click on Next to remove this malicious files.
Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects.If this program will ask you to restart your computer,please allow this request.

STEP 7: Remove the left over malicious registry keys and files

Live Security Platinum has sadded some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to remove this malicious changes we need to run a scan with RogueKiller.

Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
ROGUEKILLER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Start button to perform a system scan.
After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Live Security Platinum from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
- Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
- Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
- Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
- Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
- Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
- Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
- Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

386 thoughts on “Live Security Platinum – Virus Removal Guide”

mary

September 20, 2012 at 03:00

Thanks you so much…I followed all the steps listed and it works…you’re such a geek…i can offer you starbucks everyday…it was really a very nasty virus…huhhhh!!!!but thanks God there are blogs like these one….

I think im in love with you…
Joel

September 18, 2012 at 20:18

Holy Crap man….you saved my life. That was one obnoxious bug to deal with, but I followed your instructions (sorta, see next) and everything is running smoothly and no sign of the program.

I used that bogus registration key you provided at the start to the fix and did everything in normal mode. Is that OK?

and….when I ran malwarebytes it didn’t find any malicious program on my computer in the scan. Is that normal?

I did everything else as instructed though and it seems to really have worked! Thanks so much for being so giving with your time and as I see from the comments so willing to respond to peeps using this thread
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 19, 2012 at 13:20
  
  Hello Joel,
  Glad to see that everything is running fine…if you have any problems with your machine…We are always here!:D
Brian

September 18, 2012 at 10:51

You ROCK!!!! I can never get this type of spyware off of my computer without formatting the hard drive but your method worked! THANK YOU SO MUCH, you have no idea!
morteza

September 18, 2012 at 05:48

thanks a lot , this amazing guide really helped meeee
Kristy

September 18, 2012 at 01:28

Thank you so much! I totally got hit with this today and now my computer is up and running. I was freaked I would loose all my information. You are wonderful!
JM

September 17, 2012 at 22:50

I have this virus on my PC…same exact pages coming up. When I tried to go in to start the removal as you have noted above, it does not let me F8 to get to the Advance Boot Options to work in safe mode. I did get the Key Stuck error, but when I hit the F8 key, or even hold it down, it still does not take me to the screen so I can start the removal process. Any other suggestions?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 18, 2012 at 12:17
  Hello,
  Lets try to fix your computer,please run the below tools while in Normal Mode;
  STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chameleon Mode in Norman mode:
  1. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon from here and extract it to a folder in a convenient location
  2. Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.
  3. If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window Note: Do not attempt to open mbam-killer as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you
  5. Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click OK when it says that the database was updated successful
  6. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan
  7. Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on Show Result
  8. Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click Yes if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete
  9. After your computer restarts, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats
  STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller
  1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
    RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
  2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
  STEP 3 Please perform a scan with HitmanPro as seen on the guide.
  If you are having problems starting this program please use the ForceBreach mode as described in the guide.
  
  STEP 4: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
  1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
  2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
  3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
  4. Click the Start button.
  5. Check Scan archives
  6. Push the Start button.
  7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
  8. When the scan completes, push Finish
  Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
  Good luck…
ELENI

September 17, 2012 at 20:25

You are my savior!!!! I was just installing a new firmware for my samsung mobile, through my company laptop and this stupid program screwed everything!!
THANKS A MILLION!!!
Paddy

September 17, 2012 at 12:40

Thanks a lot my Hero <3
Nathan

September 16, 2012 at 00:08

Stelian,

I would just like to thank you for your quite exceptional tutorial. It is nice to know that there are still people out there willing to help us non-computer people out here. I’m sure I am not the only one to say that you are an absolute life saver. Thank you so much,

Nathan
Opie

September 15, 2012 at 18:37

Not only you helped me remove this virus but also other infections that were on this machine!I can’t thank you enough!!
Prisilia Felicia

September 15, 2012 at 15:55

THANK YOU SO MUCH! you save my day!!!!!!
AEM

September 15, 2012 at 04:59

Hi! Stelian…THANK YOU & THANK YOU ^_^
- Shane
  
  September 15, 2012 at 22:30
  
  I got a question when I restarted my computer “Not in safemode” most of it was already gone, is this from using google chrome in safe mode?
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    September 16, 2012 at 07:25
    
    Hello Shane,
    No!While in Safe Mode with Networking,Windows will load only the essentials services and process that’s why you don’t see any trace of infection.HOWEVER Live Security Platinum is still there and you need to run a scan with the tools recommended in this guide.
    Good lucK!
Alex

September 14, 2012 at 10:51

Thank You so much Stelian. Your the best!.
juan

September 14, 2012 at 00:18

Muchisimas gracias por aportar cosas como esta, se agradece mucho! eres un crack tio!!
billy sun

September 13, 2012 at 08:04

thank you so much for your help! this worked perfectly.
Rita

September 13, 2012 at 03:19

Thanks a tonneeeeeeee!
I went paranoid after my laptop got infected. You saved me day!!! Can;t thank you enough. I had a few questions:
1. My laptop would switch off after the RKill. So I ran the malwarebytes anti-malware. Thereafter, I followed the rest of the steps. After all the steps were done, I ran the malwarebytes again. Is my laptop safe now? After a while my McAfee stopped working and said that my wirewall is off . I know you suggested McAfee is not such a good program. Thinking my firewall may be off, I did what you suggested.
2. I downloaded the windows repair according to your steps. McAfee is working fine, but when I try to check my windows firewall through the control panel, it gives me the following message: Windows firewall can;t change some of your settings; error code0x8007042c.

Thank you again for the help you are providing to all us people who have no knowledge about how to go about repairing an infected computer. Your guide is awesome.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 14, 2012 at 18:29
  Hello Rita,
  HitmanPro and Malwarebytes should have removed this rogue antivirus,however for your peace of mind I would suggest that you perform a scan with the following utilities:
  
  1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  1. Save it to your desktop.
  2. Double click the setup file to run it.
  3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
  4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
  5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
  6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
  7. Click on Automatic Scan
  8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
  9. After the scan is complete, close the program
  2.Run a scan with Eset Online Scanner.
  1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
  2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
  3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
  4. Click the Start button.
  5. Check Scan archives
  6. Push the Start button.
  7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
  8. When the scan completes, push Finish
  Also this virus has compromised some of your Windows services and we need to fix this:
  1. Click the Start buton
  2. Type “cmd” in the Search Box and then press Enter
  3. Right-click “cmd.exe” and select “Run as administrator”
  4. Click “Continue” on the “User Account Control” Window
  5. In the command prompt type the following command
  sc create BITS binpath= “c:\windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs” start= delayed-auto
  6.Restart your computer and check if the problem is solved.
  
  Next, download Windows Repair All In One and install this utility.
  Go to the Startup Repairs tab and click the Start button (bottom right)
  Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.
  1. Click Unselect All
  2. Put a checkmark in the following items:
    
    Repair Hosts File
    
    Remove Temp Files
    
    Repair Windows Firewall
    
    Remove Policies Set By Infections
    
    Set Window Services To Default Startup
    
    Note: Leave everything else unchecked
  3. Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
  4. Now click the Start button (bottom right)
David

September 13, 2012 at 02:40

thankyou soooooo much u really saved my laptop :) does this remove all viruses as well???
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 14, 2012 at 17:50
  Hello David,
  HitmanPro and Malwarebytes should have removed this rogue antivirus,however for your peace of mind I would suggest that you perform a scan with the following utilities:
  
  1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  1. Save it to your desktop.
  2. Double click the setup file to run it.
  3. Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed
  4. Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
    
    System Memory
    
    Hidden startup objects
    
    Disk boot sectors
    
    Local Disk (C:)
    
    Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)
  5. Then click on Actions on the left hand side
  6. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked
  7. Click on Automatic Scan
  8. Now click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan
  9. After the scan is complete, close the program
  2.Run a scan with Eset Online Scanner.
  1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
  2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
  3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
  4. Click the Start button.
  5. Check Scan archives
  6. Push the Start button.
  7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
  8. When the scan completes, push Finish
manolid

September 13, 2012 at 00:27

Thank you for this guide. Worked Well.
Ml

September 12, 2012 at 22:13

Thank you, you save My day
Silo

September 12, 2012 at 17:27

Thank you! You’re great. I don’t know you, but I love you! You’ve just made my day :)