Heur.StartPage

Heur.StartPage is the latest malware to be affecting computer systems globally.

Being a heuristic detection routine, Heur.StartPage was designed to be able to modify the infiltrated systems’ security settings, and may be capable of downloading additional malware onto the infected system as well.

As soon as Heur.StartPage is installed on a computer system, it may attempt to adjust the Windows registry keys, and could generate additional malware onto the infiltrated system.

A computer system infected with as Heur.StartPage may display the following warning signs:

• Corrupt files re-opens after been erased
• Modified browser start page, search page and error page
• Missing registry files
• Unknown programs show up in the process list
• Annoying Pop-Up Advertisement
• Changes in Internet Settings
• Unwanted Web Browser Components
• Decreased System Speeds

Should your system be experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, chances are there is malware present.

Important to talk about is the fact that ‘Heur’ detections refer to a generic classification of any file or application, which is found to possess one or more malicious characteristics. That said, ‘Heur’ detections could very well be malware, a virus, a Trojan, Spyware, Adware or some other kind of unwanted application.

It is possible that a ‘Heur’ detection may prove to be harmless, but one should err on the save side and perform a system scan with a trusted anti-spyware program nonetheless.

So, how would Heur.StartPage be able to infect a system?

Well, as with many of these type malware applications, there are a few vulnerabilities these type applications target:

1. P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Networks
2. Freeware and Shareware
3. Malicious Websites

In order to prevent malware from infiltrating your system, there are a number of steps one can take, which includes the following:

1. Install a comprehensive anti-spyware product
2. Update your anti-spyware software definitions
3. Perform Windows security updates
4. Scan your system regularly for spyware

To avoid unnecessary risk of further damaging your computer system, you should make use of a good legitimate and reliable spyware remover, which will come equip with all the necessary tools needed to rid your system of all nefarious activity allowed to enter into the system by Heur.StartPage.