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IE Security

IE Security

For the many people who use their computers for work, for play, for shopping, for research, for communication, or for countless other purposes, warnings of security issues are taken very seriously.  No one wants to lose data or put their personal information at risk.  This is why rogue antivirus programs are so pervasive.  They know what computer users need and want and then offer to give it to them.  The problem is that these programs do not deliver.  In fact, programs like IE Security cause more issues than they fix.  Learn to recognize these programs so you can keep your computer safe.

What is IE Security?

While rogue antivirus programs have different names and can behave it slightly different ways, the main objective is to get people to purchase their software.  IE Security does this by running false scans whenever you start a new Windows session.  It then displays a list of infections that it has found, and which, it should be emphasized, are nonexistent.  Some of these false positives include:  XupiterToolbarLoader.cab, Wonderland, Whazit, and SpyBlast.  These files are created by IE Security in order to create the appearance of multiple risks.  IE Security, the ads claim, is the only program that can remove these "dangerous infections."  IE Security presents itself as a Microsoft tool for XP and Vista users but is in no way affiliated with Microsoft.  IE Security is an update of Win Defender, also known as Win Defender 2008.

How Do I Know if IE Security Is In My System?

The pop-ups and false scans are probably the first sign that you notice if IE Security has been downloaded into your computer.  Use caution and read these pop-ups carefully.  This is especially important with IE Security.  A typical scan looks very similar to that of legitimate antivirus programs.  It lists the threats found, though remember that these are false.  It then urges you to purchase IE Security's full version. 

There are a few things that make this particular program appear more credible than some rogue antivirus software.  The first is the name.  It looks and sounds like an official program.  The second is the appearance.  IE Security looks almost identical to Win Defender.  They both have a symbol that very closely resembles the Windows Defender logo, making it very easy for users to trust it.  It can be easy to mistake IE Security or Win Defender for the legitimate Windows Defender.  This is why it is so important to look at pop-ups and scans very carefully. 

One other thing that IE Security does to lend itself credibility is to link to reputable sites.  When users click on one of the supposed infections that IE Security has found, they are redirected to a malware description on a legitimate security website.  So users find real information from a trusted source and assume IE Security is also reliable.  In this way, both the computer user and the legitimate websites linked to are utilized to further IE Security's goal. 

Other indicators that IE Security is in your system include:

• Changed browser settings.  Your homepage may be replaced with an IE Security website, which urges you to buy the full version.  You may also be redirected to a version of their site when trying to do a search or visit a website.
• New desktop shortcuts or icons in your system tray.  These are ads placed there by IE Security.  If you click on them, they will direct you to the IE Security site.
• Slow computer performance.  Routine tasks will take much longer because IE Security is using a great deal of your resources to run itself.

IE Security may also create a gateway for other trojans carrying malware to enter. Total Secure 2009 is associated with IE Security and Win Defender and may attempt to gain access to your system as well. To avoid security risks, remove IE Security as soon as you notice these signs.

How Did IE Security Become Installed?

IE Security typically enters computers through a trojan, such as Zlob or Vundo.  Zlob is a fake video codec and can enter your system when you download free videos that are bundled with this trojan.  Vundo can be found on affected websites, as well as spam email attachments.  These Trojans carry malware, including IE Security.  When they enter your computer, they will modify your system so they can start generating pop-ups and false scans.  In addition to spam emails and attachments, these Trojans are often found in sties featuring adult content, gaming or warez material, or programs that allow file sharing.

Users also install the full version of IE Security when they opt to purchase it.  This is an understandable reaction in light of the incessant warnings computer users are confronted with. Unfortunately, the problems created by IE Security will not be resolved with the purchase of the program.

How Do I Remove IE Security?

Rogue antivirus programs are notoriously difficult to remove because they bury themselves in your system registry.  For this reason using the add/delete function or running your current virus scan program is unlikely to remove IE Security entirely.  The program may recreate itself if any files or registry values remain, so it is important that every trace be gone.  To do this, there are two options.   The first is automatic removal using a reputable program designed especially for rogue antivirus programs.  One such program is ParetoLogic's XoftSpySE which can detect and remove these elusive programs.  This is the option that will work well for everyone with IE Security, especially those with limited technical experience.  It is fast, easy, and very effective, so you can resume normal computer use as quickly as possible. 

The other option is manual removal.  While this, too, can be very effective, it is also much more complex.  Those with extensive experience must go into their system registry and remove each and every file manually.  There is the risk of missing a file or of inadvertently deleting a necessary program.  If you have the time, patience, and skill, the following directions will remove IE Security from your system:

 Block IE Security Sites:

http://ie-security.com

Stop IE Security Processes:

%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Securityiescan.exe
%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Securityuninstall.exe
ie-security.exe
ie[1].exe
iescan.exe

Remove IE Security Files:

%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Securityies.s1
%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Securityies.s2
%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Securityies.s3
%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Securityies.s4
%USERPROFILE%DesktopIE-Security.lnk
%USERPROFILE%Start MenuProgramsIE-Security.lnk

Delete IE Security folders:

%PROGRAMFILES%IE-Security

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