Threat research notebook

Gridinsoft Security Lab

Fresh malware notes, phishing samples, scam redirects, ransomware observations, and field reports from Gridinsoft research. No gallery, no filler: date, case, finding, next read.

297 lab records

Latest note ·

SocGholish Malware: Fake Update Removal Guide

SocGholish, also called FakeUpdates, uses fake browser update prompts on compromised sites. Learn what to do if you downloaded or ran the fake update.

Field note ·

Extension Keeps Returning?

If a browser extension keeps reinstalling itself, remove the source that restores it: sync, browser policy,...

Field note ·

VFXmed Virus Warning

Downloaded a VFXmed installer? Learn why cracked VFX software is risky, what Themida/DLL-hijack/infostealer alerts mean, and...

Research log

01

VectorGatewa.exe Removal

Record ·

VectorGatewa.exe keeps coming back after a game download? Learn what the file means, how to remove persistence safely, and which accounts to secure.

03

Lively.Watchdog.exe Check

Record ·

Lively.Watchdog.exe is usually part of Lively Wallpaper, but suspicious copies can be malware. Check the path, source, hash, and behavior before deleting it.

04

sdaCollector.vbs: Is It Safe?

Record ·

sdaCollector.vbs is usually tied to Slate Digital Connect, but path, startup entry, hash, and Possible Threat detections decide whether to keep or remove it.

05

Search1.me Redirect Fix

Record ·

Search1.me redirects usually point to a browser hijacker, unwanted extension, or policy leftover. Use this cleanup order to remove the redirect source and restore...

06

Are PnP Windows Drivers Safe?

Record ·

Plug-and-play Windows drivers are usually safer than random driver installers, but not risk-free. Learn when to trust Windows drivers and when to verify or...

08

WebWebWeb Redirect Fix

Record ·

WebWebWeb.com redirects can take over browser search, homepage, or new tab settings. Remove suspicious extensions, policies, notifications, apps, and leftovers safely.

10

Pulse Browser: Is It Safe? Removal Guide

Record ·

Pulse Browser appeared on Windows? Learn why it can be treated as a PUA, how to uninstall it, reset browsers, and scan for bundled...

11

Kiicvoq Apps Removal Guide

Record ·

Kiicvoq Apps appeared on your PC? Learn why it is treated as a PUA, how to remove the app and fake browser extension, and...

12

Ace Browser Removal Guide

Record ·

Ace Browser or AceLauncher appeared after a download or quiz? Remove the app, extension, redirects, startup leftovers, and bundled PUA safely.

13

Carbonate Browser: Is It Safe or a PUA?

Record ·

Carbonate Browser looks like a PUA when it changes defaults, comes from bundles, or returns after uninstall. Check files and remove leftovers safely.

14

PowerShell Outbound Connection Blocked: What to Do

Record ·

A repeated outbound block for powershell.exe usually means a script, scheduled task, installer, or malware component is trying to reach the internet through PowerShell....

15

OnePlatform PUA Removal

Record ·

PUADIManager:Win32/OnePlatform is a Microsoft Defender PUA alert for bundled installers. Remove the wrapper, check browsers/startup, and scan for adware leftovers.

16

Trojan:PowerShell/AgentTesla.SHD!MTB Removal

Record ·

Defender detected Trojan:PowerShell/AgentTesla.SHD!MTB? Keep it quarantined, scan for dropped files, check startup persistence, and change passwords from a clean device if anything ran.

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