What is Winzip Malware Protector?

Written by gigmocha in Uncategorized

What is Winzip Malware Protector?

What is Winzip Malware Protector?

Winzip is very popular in the digital world. You must have used Winzip tools at least once in all your life. If not, then you might have heard of the popular Winzip compression utility. Winzip also makes PC utility tools and has even made Winzip malware protection software called Winzip Malware Protector.  

Winzip Malware Protection is a software program produced by Winzip Computing for compressing and decompressing files on IBM-compatible personal computers running Windows.

It can also create archives in Zip, CAB, LHA, RAR, ARJ, and other formats. In 1995 it had about 80% of the share of compression products for Windows PCs, with Kzip and PowerZip being the other major competitors.

Winzip Malware Protector

WinZip Malware Protector is fake antivirus software created by Winzapper, a malware author. Its purpose is to scare victims into purchasing the full version of the product.

It uses popups and alerts similar to that of other rogue security applications that claim your computer has been infected with spyware/malware, which can only be removed by purchasing an overpriced license for their application.

Characteristics Of Winzip Malware

  • It installs itself when you try to download Winrar or when you try to update Adobe Flash Player.
  • It pretends to be a legitimate application and modifies the settings of Windows Firewall and other security applications like the antivirus in order to protect itself from being removed.
  • The main screen of the malware is an alert by Microsoft Security Essentials(Antivirus) saying that your system has been infected with spyware and navigating you to purchase the full version to remove them. If this happens, it displays: “To avoid losing important data, running applications, damaging hardware components, or receiving further infection, run the software now.”
  • Then it makes different screens where it appears that there are various problems on your computer and you have to purchase additional licenses to fix them.

Impact Of Winzip Malware On User

  • It may generate false positive alerts on your computer.
  • This fake antivirus shows fake security messages to scare you into thinking that there are many viruses in your system(when this is not the case).
  • This malware installs itself without the user’s knowledge. It pops up randomly and generates a flood of popups, even when you are using another program.
  • When it is running, it disables other legitimate programs from running (antivirus, antispyware) since it pretends to be one of these applications.
  • It infiltrates other PCs through shared networks, like workplaces or public computers.

What Are The Symptoms Of The Winzip Virus?

The main symptoms are:

  • Your background color changes(it looks like you’re using a DOS console), and there is no “Start” button. The buttons, toolbars turn into thin strips.
  • You can’t open specific programs that have to do with your security(antivirus).
  • It may also remove some Windows utilities or settings that allow you to change these settings.
  • The appearance of numerous pop-ups informing about detection of many viruses on the machine.” 

Winzip Malware Protector

Winzip Malware protector is not a real antivirus. It uses scary-looking popups and alerts to scare users into thinking that there are many viruses on their machines. In reality, they don’t have any viruses or malware at all.

Winzip malware protectors may generate false positive alerts, block legitimate programs and delete Windows utility settings. If you don’t remove them once detected, it may also install other threats on your systems like trojan and ransomware.

Removal Of Winzip Malware Protector

Firstly, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and uninstalling the Winzip Malware protector. Another way of removing the infection is to go into safe mode(with networking) and then to use System Restore to restore your Windows installation as before when you didn’t have any malware on it. If you still have problems after doing this, you can ask for help on our forums or use one of the free professional malware removal tools listed below.

To remove Winzip Malware, follow these steps:

  • Go to Control Panel–>Programs and Features–>Uninstall Program –> choose the program you want to uninstall –>uninstall this program.
  • Use an antimalware tool such as SpyHunter(it’s free) to delete all its files entirely from your computer.
  • Enable your Window’s security features and avoid downloading suspicious software by following this: https://support.k aspersky.com/common/secure-your-pc.html
  • Scan your computer for viruses with a real antivirus, like Kaspersky Internet Security 2017.
  • Clean your browsers(Chrome, Firefox, IE) for any suspicious browser add ons and extensions.
  • Change all your passwords(for online banking accounts, email, etc.) on a secure PC.
  • Install an anti-spyware tool if you don’t have one already(Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is recommended).
  • Don’t open attachments or click suspicious links sent to you by unknown people.
  • Enable your Window updates.
  • Enable Windows Firewall to Monitor Inbound and outbound traffic.

Conclusion

Winzip Malware protector is not a real antivirus. Winzip is a fake software that claims to be a real one. But it can’t protect your computer from viruses, malware, or other internet threats. The software pretends to be a legit antivirus, but its only purpose is to scare users into buying the full version.

To prevent yourself from this Malware protector, don’t trust emails sent by unknown people. Don’t open suspicious attachments or click on links inside them. Use a real antivirus like Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 to protect your PC from threats that might infect it via the internet. Enable Windows Firewall, update all your programs, and use an antimalware tool if you don’t have one already.

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