Security Shield 2012 – Virus Removal Instructions

Security Shield 2012 is a malicious software that will display fake alerts, claiming malware has been detected on your computer.This security alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you’re advised to buy Security Shield 2012 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 Security Shield 2012 and stealing your personal financial information.
If you’ve got a Security Shield 2012 infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :

[Image: Security Shield 2012]

[Image: Security Shield 2012 Alert]

[Image: Security Shield 2012]

Registration codes for Security Shield 2012

As an optional step,you can use one of the following license key to register Security Shield 2012 and stop the fake alerts.
64C665BE-4DE7-423B-A6B6-BC0172B25DF2
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Security Shield 2012 from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.
We strongly advise you to follow our Security Shield 2012 removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this could lead to identity theft.

Removal guide for Security Shield 2012

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. 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.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]

STEP 2: Repair your Windows Registry from Security Shield malicious changes.

Security Shield has changed your Windows registry settings so that when you try to run a executable file,it will instead launch the infection rather than the desired program.

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

STEP 3: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with Security Shield.

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with Security Shield,so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.
Because this utility will only stop Security Shield 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.

  1. 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 Security Shield won’t block this utility from running.
    RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
  2. Double-click on the iExplore.exe icon in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Security Shield.
    [Image: run-rkill-1.png]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
    [Image: run-rkill-2.png]
    IF you are having problems starting or running RKill, you can download any other renamed versions of RKill from here.
  4. When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
    [Image: Security Shield rkill3.jpg]

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 4: Remove Security Shield malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

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

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link.
    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. Start the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installation process by double clicking on mbam-setup file.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Installer]
  3. 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.
    [Image: Finishing Malwarebytes installation]
  4. 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.
    [Image: Decline Malwarebytes trial]
  5. On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Starting a full system sca]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Security Shield malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes scanning for malicious files]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.[Image: Malwarebytes scan results]
  8. 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: Infections found by Malwarebytes]
  9. 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 machine boot in Normal mode.

IMPORTANT: Before proceeding with the next step, we highly recommend that you run one more scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while your computer is in Normal mode.


STEP 5: Remove Security Shield rootkit with HitmanPro

Security Shield will also install a rootkit on the infected machines,to remove this infection we will need to run a scan with HitmanPro.

  1. While your computer is in Normal mode ,download HitmanPro from the below link.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.
    [Image: HitmanPro Icon]
    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)
  3. Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
    [Image: Starting HitmanPro]
  4. 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.
    [Image: HitmanPro installation screen]
  5. HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
    [Image: HitmanPron scanning for Security Shield]
  6. 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.
    [Image: HitmanPro scan results]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: Activate HitmanPro license]
  8. HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects.If this program will ask you to restart your computer,please allow this request.

STEP 6: Double check for any left over infections with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

  1. You can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit from the below link.
    EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
  2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
    Unpack Emsisoft Emergency Kit
  3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat.
    Click on EmergencyKitScanner.bat
  4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit,and you’ll need to click the Yes button to allow this request.
    Update Emsisoft Emergency Kit
  5. After the Update process has completed,click on the Menu tab and then select Scan PC.
    Scan tab on Emsisoft Emergency Kit
  6. Select Smart scan and click on the SCAN button to search for Security Shield malicious files.
    Emsisoft Emergency Kit smart scan
  7. Emsisoft will now start scanning your computer for malicious files.When the scan will be completed,you will be presented with a screen showing you the infections that Emsisoft has detected.
    Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and then click on Quarantine selected objects.
    Emsisoft smart scan results
  8. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Security Shield 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.

23 thoughts on “Security Shield 2012 – Virus Removal Instructions”

  1. Time consuming but, effective! Thanks! I have have these problems in the past and with your help it was completely fixed! Thanks!

  2. Very nice and detailed guide! Malwarebytes is definately the way to go, I myself haven’t found a better way to remove Security Shield.

  3. Thank You. It was very detailed and easy to follow. I thelped us get rid of the security shield virus.

  4. This was very helpful. Every step here is critical and worked well for me. I can’t thank you enough. Thanks!!!

  5. Even my system has affected by Security sheild virus.Shall i go ahead & try the removal process as per the guide…?

  6. “1.Please download the following batch fileto revert your HOSTS file permissions:
    Download hostfix.bat (Size: 134 bytes)”
    link does not work…

  7. Awesome guys – Thanks-the key was the trick, and Malwarebytes works great. I am buying the full version now to show my appreciation !!!!

  8. This seems to be a good program, my other programs couldn’t remove this, and it found other infections I didn’t know about. A+

  9. Malwarebytes got 20 infected files, I’ve removed all the files and everything is OK now.!
    10x!

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