Home Malware Programs Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs Windows Activity Debugger

Windows Activity Debugger

Posted: April 1, 2012

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 2/10
Infected PCs: 11
First Seen: April 1, 2012
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 1Windows Activity Debugger is a new entry into the Win32/FakeVimes category of fake anti-virus programs, and like other members of that group, Windows Activity Debugger is able to create inaccurate pop-up alerts, block genuine security programs, alter various security-related settings on your PC and hijack your web browser to control its ability to load websites. All of these issues make a Windows Activity Debugger a liability to any computer that should be removed as quickly as possible, although Windows Activity Debugger will try to evade normal removal methods (such as via the Control Panel) and, ideally, should be annihilated by a proper anti-malware program that can also remove Windows Activity Debugger's various system changes. While Windows Activity Debugger will use its attacks as noted above to trick you into wasting money on a registration key as a solution for these problems, Windows Activity Debugger isn't a legitimate anti-virus product and should never be purchased (although using a freely distributed activation key can be used to make deleting Windows Activity Debugger a little simpler than usual).

Windows Activity Debugger – a Pest That Has Zero Problems with Bugging Windows

Windows Activity Debugger tries to pass itself off as a completely brand-new anti-virus program with other security functions, including phishing protection, a memory monitor and similar types of generically useful features. While this cornucopia of security capabilities sounds like a streamlined solution to PC security problems, Windows Activity Debugger can easily afford to offer them since Windows Activity Debugger doesn't make any effort to follow through on the appearance of having such features. System scans and pop-ups from Windows Activity Debugger will always contain inaccurate system information and Windows Activity Debugger isn't able to provide any kind of protection against the PC threats that Windows Activity Debugger claims to detect and remove.

Since Windows Activity Debugger is a member of FakeVimes, SpywareRemove.com malware analysts note that you distinguish between real warning messages from your PC and Windows Activity Debugger's fake ones by watching for erroneous alerts like the examples shown here:

Error
Software without a digital signature detected.
Your system files are at risk. We strongly advise you to activate your protection
.

Error
Attempt to run a potentially dangerous script detected.
Full system is highly recommended.

Warning! Virus Detected
Threat detected: FTP Server
Infected file: C:\Windows\System32\dllcache\wmpshell.dll

Warning! Identity theft attempt detected
Hidden connection IP: 128.154.26.11
Target: Microsoft Corporation keys

Similar types of scamware include Privacy Guard Pro, PrivacyGuard Pro 2.0, Extra Antivirus, Fast Antivirus 2009, Presto TuneUp, Windows Security Suite, Smart Virus Eliminator, Packed.Generic.245, Volcano Security Suite, Windows Enterprise Suite, Enterprise Suite, Additional Guard, Live PC Care, PC Live Guard, Live Enterprise Suite, Security Antivirus, My Security Wall, CleanUp Antivirus and Smart Security. Like Windows Activity Debugger, these rogue anti-virus applications will use their fake security features to encourage you to buy their registration key, which SpywareRemove.com malware researchers discourage as a needless violation of your financial information and a general waste of money.

Exterminating Windows Activity Debugger with Your PC No Worse Off for the Wear

Windows Activity Debugger is also able to disable many types of security programs and processes, and may also attempt to control your web browser so that it's forced to load malicious sites or block PC security sites. These attacks in conjunction with Windows Activity Debugger's refusal to be uninstalled by standard methods make stopping Windows Activity Debugger from launching itself a necessity before you can remove Windows Activity Debugger with suitable software. SpywareRemove.com malware research team recommends a Safe Mode-based system boot as an initial solution to deactivate Windows Activity Debugger, although you can also attempt to imitate a registration using the code '0W000-000B0-00T00-E0020.'

Since Windows Activity Debugger is, at the time of this writing, still a new addition to the Win32/FakeVimes family, SpywareRemove.com malware experts also encourage you to make sure that your security software has been updated before you try to remove Windows Activity Debugger. Out-of-date anti-malware programs may be unable to detect Windows Activity Debugger even if other precautions are taken. Windows Activity Debugger is (as its name implies) a PC threat that only attacks Windows, and non-Windows operating systems can be rated as safe from typical Windows Activity Debugger attacks.

Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 2Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 3Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 4Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 5Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 6Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 7Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 8Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 9Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 10Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 11Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 12Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 13Windows Activity Debugger Screenshot 14

Technical Details

File System Modifications

Tutorials: If you wish to learn how to remove malware components manually, you can read the tutorials on how to find malware, kill unwanted processes, remove malicious DLLs and delete other harmful files. Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

The following files were created in the system:



%AppData%\NPSWF32.dll File name: %AppData%\NPSWF32.dll
File type: Dynamic link library
Mime Type: unknown/dll
Group: Malware file
%AppData%\Protector-[RANDOM 3 CHARACTERS].exe File name: %AppData%\Protector-[RANDOM 3 CHARACTERS].exe
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Group: Malware file
%AppData%\result.db File name: %AppData%\result.db
Mime Type: unknown/db
Group: Malware file
%Desktop%\Windows Activity Debugger.lnk File name: %Desktop%\Windows Activity Debugger.lnk
File type: Shortcut
Mime Type: unknown/lnk
Group: Malware file
%StartMenu%\Programs\Windows Activity Debugger.lnk File name: %StartMenu%\Programs\Windows Activity Debugger.lnk
File type: Shortcut
Mime Type: unknown/lnk
Group: Malware file

Registry Modifications

The following newly produced Registry Values are:

HKEY..\..\{Value}HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings "WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableRegedit" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableRegistryTools" = 0HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableTaskMgr" = 0HKEY..\..\..\..{Subkeys}HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings "ID" = 4HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Settings "net" = 2012-2-20_1HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\[RANDOM].exeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\..{RunKeys}HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Inspector"
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