I’m writing this morning to let all my clients, friends, family and followers know about a new source of Malware. A popular clean-up utility called CCleaner has been found to contain a Malware called Floxif. This comes shortly after Avast bought the company that makes CCleaner – Piriform. It is Y-Not Tech Services’ opinion that CCleaner and all other Avast products should be avoided. This particular threat has been found, contained and cleaned up, but I no longer have confidence in CCleaner or the security processes at Avast that should keep their products safe. Avast is a computer software company that specializes in antivirus programs. So the fact that a piece of malicious software made it through their security and into a popular software is surprising. Although, not THAT surprising if you pay close attention. In an article I wrote in May of this year I called out Avast for missing 6 malware pieces that were active on my PC and that Emsisoft picked up and removed as soon as I upgraded to it. The Malware in CCleaner was Digitally Signed as safe and trusted.
What Do You Need To Do?
I recommend un-installing CCleaner immediately. I used to use CCleaner all the time. When Avast bought them, I slowed down on my use since I was already leary about Avast product based on my experience with their Anti-Virus program. Now, I will be actively avoiding all Avast products including CCleaner. It’s unfortunate because it was a great program previously, but I can’t have the risk of it installing Malware on my or my client’s systems.
If you use Y-Not Tech Services Gold Plan and had CCleaner installed, you will automatically have been updated to a version without the Malware and your System will be safe. If you don’t have our Gold Plan, I recommend bringing your system in for a full Virus Scan to check for traces of the malware. To learn more about our Managed Services or to sign up to stay safe in the future Click Here.
If you are currently using Avast Anti-Virus or any other free anti-virus program including Windows Defender, I recommend upgrading to Emsisoft. Y-Not Tech Services offers a free 30 day Trial of Emsisoft and can Install and Configure the software for free when you buy it. Emsisoft is also included in our Silver, Gold or Platinum Plans. The plans are a great way to stay protected because they have us monitoring and making sure that your security program is updating and scanning regularly! We also review all malware that is found on your system and the Gold and Platinum Plans even include FREE virus removal if something gets past our security.
If you used CCleaner and are looking for something to replace it with we recommend checking out BleachBit. Y-Not Tech Services hasn’t fully reviewed BleachBit yet, but plan to in the near future and it’s currently the winner for our replacement needs of CCleaner.
It’s unfortunate that CCleaner has been compromised, but as I mentioned I stopped using them when Avast bought them up. Too many times I have seen great software ruined when other companies buy them. The vision and drive seems to get lost in larger companies.
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