Internet Security 2010 Malware Virus Removal

The Internet Security 2010 (IS2010) malware virus is getting a head start on the new year.

Like many malware programs of this ilk, this program tries to present itself as antivirus software, hoping that people will think it’s legitimate and actually pay money to install it.

The software looks very official, using a Microsoft-esque shield logo and kind of copying the colors used by AVG. It even shows a screen of supposed virus infections on your system. All fake, of course.

One symptom of the software is that it will disable the task manager and also redefines the DOS command prompt. When you try to run the DOS prompt, will actually invoke the IS 2010 software.

Here’s what I did to get rid of Internet Security 2010:

1) First, I made sure I had a current backup of any important files. Pictures, documents, music, etc.

2) Boot into Safe mode. You can do this by pressing the F8 during power up. You may have to press F8 a few times to get this just right. When you do, you’ll see a black screen with various options. Pick Safe Mode with Networking which is usually the second from the top.

3) Open your browser and get these two programs. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Hijackthis.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/
http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

4) Install and run Malwarebytes. Go to the update tab and get the lateste update. Go to the scan tab and do a Quick Scan. This will usually remove most of the malware.

5) Next, install and Run Hijackthis. Look for references to windowsupdate86 and IS2010 and remove them. Be careful of what you remove here since you can actually cripple your system if you remove the wrong items.

6) Reboot into Safe Mode.

7) Run msconfig and remove any items that look like IS2010 or Internet Security 2010.

8) Open Windows Explorer and remove the folder c:\program files\internet security 2010 or c:\program files\IS2010.

9) Go to Start > Run and type in regedit. Do a search for Internet Security 2010. Remove any references.

10) Reboot to Safe Mode.

11) Run Malwarebytes once more, doing a FULL scan.

This should clean out Internet Security 2010.