{"id":44359,"date":"2015-09-17T15:05:04","date_gmt":"2015-09-17T15:05:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=44359"},"modified":"2015-10-30T15:41:00","modified_gmt":"2015-10-30T15:41:00","slug":"remove-security-defender-malware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-security-defender-malware\/","title":{"rendered":"Remove Security Defender malware (Virus Removal Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Security Defender<\/strong> is a computer virus, which masquerades as genuine security software, while actually reporting non-existent malware threats in order to scare the user into purchasing \u201cDefender PRO 2015\u201d.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-44360\" title=\"Security Defender malware\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-malware.jpg\" alt=\"Remove Security Defender malware\" width=\"822\" height=\"646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-malware.jpg 822w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-malware-300x236.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 822px) 100vw, 822px\" \/><\/p><div id=\"mwtad1079302799\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mwtad794484130\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What is Security Defender?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Security Defender is classified as a rogue because it pretends to be an anti-virus program, but will instead displays bogus scan results, report non-existing computer infections, and does not allow you to run your normal applications.<br \/>\nIn this case, not only is Security Defender going to disrupt your system, it&#8217;s going to try and trick you into making a purchase using your credit card.<br \/>\nSecurity Defender appears in the form of a fake Windows warning on your computer system that reads you have a specific number of viruses on your computer (usually in the hundreds) and that this software has detected those viruses. To get rid of them you must purchase the full-version of Security Defender. It&#8217;s important to remember that by purchasing the &#8220;claimed full version to remove the viruses&#8221; you will be submitting your personal information to unscrupulous persons and may also end up being a victim of credit card or identity fraud or theft.<\/p>\n<p>To protect itself from being removed, Security Defender will also terminate any application you try to run on your computer. It does this to protect itself from being removed by legitimate security programs and to scare you into thinking your programs are infected. When this infection terminates a program it will display a message similar to the following:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2303457462\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p>Your security setting level puts your computer at risk. We recommend that you do not browse the web with your current security settings. Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage. Possible reasons include: A critical system change was detected. This generally occurs when system is infected by spyware. Detected virus changes browser settings and displays advertisements or redirects access to Web pages. Malicious code program attempts to spread from computer to computer by attaching itself to a host program. Phishing site attempt to get you to provide personal information. Things you can do: Get an antivirus software and remove all threats from your computer (RECOMMENDED) Continue browsing in the current state (DANGEROUS).<\/p>\n<p>Virus detection alert. System has detected security settings changes due to malware. This threat is dangerous, exploits the computer, and provides access to user files. A scan required to complete remediation.<\/p>\n<p>Critical system threats detected. System scan is complete. Windows has detected 34 critical system objects. These threats may compromise your privacy or damage your computer. Possible consequences of it include: Bank details and credit card information can be stolen by trojan programs. System executes commands from an attacker. PC will be used for criminal activity. Spyware program can track your activity and all Web page content. Browser add-ons will display pop-up advertisements. Spam-bot can use your computer to send spam emails worldwide. Protection against viruses, malicious and unwanted software &#8211; is not found. To remove all treats and protect your PC, you\u2019ll need to install antivirus software and enable real-time protection.<\/p>\n<p>System attack detected. Unknown program tries to collect personal info, compromise your privacy, or damage your PC..<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"mwtad1275085473\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How did Security Defender virus got on my computer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Security Defender is distributed through several means. Malicious websites, or legitimate websites that have been hacked, can infect your machine through exploit kits that use vulnerabilities on your computer to install this rogue antivirus without your permission.<br \/>\nAnother method used to propagate Security Defender is spam email containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. Cyber-criminals spam out an email, with forged header information, tricking you into believing that it is from a shipping company like DHL or FedEx. The email tells you that they tried to deliver a package to you, but failed for some reason. Sometimes the emails claim to be notifications of a shipment you have made. Either way, you can\u2019t resist being curious as to what the email is referring to \u2013 and open the attached file (or click on a link embedded inside the email). And with that, your computer is infected with the Security Defender virus.<br \/>\nThe threat may also be downloaded manually by tricking the user into thinking they are installing a useful piece of software, for instance a bogus update for Adobe Flash Player or another piece of software.<br \/>\nThe Security Defender infection is also prevalent on peer-to-peer file sharing websites and is often packaged with pirated or illegally acquired software.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad4014941756\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Am I infected with Security Defender virus?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some examples of the interface, fake alerts, fake scanning results, and pop-ups displayed by Security Defender virus are shown below:<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-44362\" title=\"Security Defender virus\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-Virus.jpg\" alt=\"Security Defender 2015 malware\" width=\"819\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-Virus.jpg 819w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-Virus-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-44361\" title=\"Security Defender Fake Alert\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-Popup.jpg\" alt=\"Security Defender pop-up\" width=\"770\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-Popup.jpg 770w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Security-Defender-Popup-300x148.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad3461169104\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How to remove Security Defender virus (Removal Guide)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the Security Defender infection from your your computer. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point,\u00a0<strong>STOP<\/strong>\u00a0and ask for our assistance.<br \/>\n<a href=\"#safemode\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#rkill\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Run RKill to terminate Security Defender malicious processes<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#malwarebytes\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Remove Security Defender virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#hitmanpro\"><strong>STEP 4<\/strong>: \u00a0Remove Security Defender infection with HitmanPro<\/a><\/p><div id=\"mwtad335462894\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mwtad2353457920\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"safemode\">STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then <strong>restart your computer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>When the computer starts you will see your computer&#8217;s hardware being listed. When you see this information start to gently tap the <strong>F8 key<\/strong> repeatedly until you are presented with the Windows XP, Vista or 7 <strong>Advanced Boot Options<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9101\" title=\"Windows F8 key\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/F8-key.jpg.png\" alt=\"[Image: F8 key]\" width=\"410\" height=\"209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/F8-key.jpg.png 410w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/F8-key.jpg-300x152.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><br \/>\nIf you are using <strong>Windows 8<\/strong> or <strong>Windows 10<\/strong>, press the <strong>Windows key + C<\/strong>, and then click <strong>Settings<\/strong>. Click <strong>Power<\/strong>, <strong>hold down Shift<\/strong> on your keyboard and click <strong>Restart<\/strong>, then click on <strong>Troubleshoot<\/strong> and select <strong>Advanced options<\/strong>. In the <strong>Advanced Options<\/strong> screen, select <strong>Startup Settings<\/strong>, then click on <strong>Restart<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>If you are using Windows XP, Vista or 7 in the <em>Advanced Boot Options<\/em> screen, use the arrow keys to <strong>highlight Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> , and then <strong>press ENTER<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Safe Mode with Networking screen\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/images\/removalguide\/safemode.jpg\" alt=\"[Image: Safemode.jpg]\" width=\"539\" height=\"292\" \/><br \/>\nIf you are using <strong>Windows 8,<\/strong> <strong>press 5<\/strong>\u00a0on your keyboard to <strong>Enable Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; padding: 10px; border-left: solid 5px #088A08;\">If you are having issues starting Windows 8 in Safe Mode with Networking, you can follow this &#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/windows-8-safe-mode-with-networking\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to start Windows 8 in Safe Mode with Networking<\/a>&#8221; guide.<\/div>\n<p>Windows will start in Safe Mode with Networking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad2859999593\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"rkill\">STEP 2: Run <strong>RKill<\/strong> to terminate Security Defender malicious processes<\/h2>\n<p>RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with Security Defender infection, so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.<br \/>\nBecause this utility will only stop Security Defender 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.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>While your computer is in <em>Safe Mode with Networking<\/em> ,please <strong>download the latest official version of RKill.<\/strong>Please note that we will use a renamed version of RKILL so that Proven Antivirus Protection won\u2019t block this utility from running.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/download\/rkill\/dl\/11\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Double click on <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong> to start RKill and stop any processes associated with Security Defender.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6071\" title=\"Rkill renamed to iExplore.exe\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-run-as-admin.jpg\" alt=\"[Image: RKILL Program]\" width=\"260\" height=\"115\" \/><\/li>\n<li>RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for Security Defender malicious process and tries to end them.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6069\" title=\"RKill while killing Security Defender malicious process\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-program.jpg\" alt=\"[Image: RKILL stoping malware]\" width=\"406\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-program.jpg 406w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-program-300x151.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When the Rkill utility has completed its task, it will <strong>generate a log<\/strong>. Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware programs will start again.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6070\" title=\"RKill Log\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-report.jpg\" alt=\"[Image: RKill Report]\" width=\"414\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-report.jpg 414w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/rkill-report-300x135.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"malwarebytes\">STEP 3: Remove Security Defender virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/h2>\n<p>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.<br \/>\nIt is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/strong>\u00a0from the below link.<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/download-malwarebytes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a> <\/strong><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once downloaded, close all programs, then double-click on the icon on your desktop named &#8220;<em>mbam-setup&#8221;<\/em> to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38277\" title=\"Double-click on the mbam-setup to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Setup.jpg\" alt=\"Start Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup\" width=\"107\" height=\"107\" \/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18096\" title=\"User Account Control icon\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/UAC-prompt.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of User Account Control\" width=\"13\" height=\"16\" \/> You may be presented with a User Account Control dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the installation.<\/li>\n<li>When the installation begins, you will see the <em>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard<\/em> which will guide you through the installation process.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38272\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer\" width=\"550\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer.jpg 550w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><br \/>\nTo install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your machine, <em>keep following the prompts<\/em> by clicking the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38271\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Final Setup Screen\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final screen\" width=\"544\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen.jpg 544w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen-300x232.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and you will see a message stating that you should update the program, and that a scan has never been run on your system. To start a system scan you can click on the &#8220;<strong>Scan Now<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38275\" title=\"Click on the Scan Now button to scan with Malwarebytes\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scan Now\" width=\"661\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan.jpg 661w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for the Ads by Security Defender virus. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38276\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scanning for Malware\" width=\"662\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware.jpg 662w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When the scan has completed, you will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the &#8220;<strong>Remove Seletected<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38273\" title=\"Click on Remove Selected to remove malware\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Remove Ads by Security Defender with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\" width=\"648\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware.jpg 648w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><br \/>\nPlease note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.<\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, please allow it to do so.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38274\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC\" width=\"639\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC.jpg 639w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" \/><br \/>\nAfter your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform another &#8220;Threat Scan&#8221; scan to verify that there are no remaining threats<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"hitmanpro\">STEP 4: Remove Security Defender &#8220;designed to protect&#8221; infection with HitmanPro<\/h2>\n<p>HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.). HitmanPro is designed to work alongside existing security programs without any conflicts. It scans the computer quickly (less than 5 minutes) and does not slow down the computer.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3576426338\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/download-hitman-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;HitmanPro&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Double-click on the file named &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro_x64.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38264\" title=\"HitmanPro startup screen\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro Installer\" width=\"635\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer.jpg 635w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><br \/>\nClick on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38267\" title=\"itmanPro installation options (Click Next)\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"itmanPro while installing on PC\" width=\"641\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan.jpg 641w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 641px) 100vw, 641px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for Ads by Security Defender malicious files.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38265\" title=\"HitmanPro scanning for malware\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scanning\" width=\"636\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg 636w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to remove Ads by Security Defender virus.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38266\" title=\"HitmanPro scan results (Click Next)\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro detected malware\" width=\"642\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results.jpg 642w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Click on the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button to begin the <strong>free 30 days trial<\/strong>, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38263\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License.jpg\" alt=\"Remove malware with HitmanPro\" width=\"631\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License.jpg 631w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; padding: 10px; border-left: solid 5px #088A08;\">Your computer should now be free of the Security Defender malware.<br \/>\nIf you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Security Defender virus from your machine, please do one of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Run a system scan with <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/how-to-use-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Start a new thread in our <strong><a title=\"Free Malware Removal Support\" href=\"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/malware-removal-assistance.10\/\" target=\"_blank\">Malware Removal Assistance<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Security Defender is a computer virus, which masquerades as genuine security software, while actually reporting non-existent malware threats in order to scare the user into purchasing \u201cDefender PRO 2015\u201d. What is Security Defender? Security Defender &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Remove Security Defender malware (Virus Removal Guide)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-security-defender-malware\/#more-44359\" aria-label=\"Read more about Remove Security Defender malware (Virus Removal Guide)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44359\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}