An infection with the dangerous Package Tracker Pro Redirect leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide.
Remove Package Tracker Pro Redirect and Restore PC
Manual Removal Guide
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Distribution of Package Tracker Pro Redirect
Package Tracker Pro is a new malware which has been reported in various attacks worldwide. At the moment the security experts have not been able to identify a single tactic that is being used to infect the targets. We presume that the hackers are using several of the most important methods to carry out the malicious campaigns.
A common way of setting browser hijacker attacks is the use of email spam messages. They may directly distribute malicious file attachments containing scripts that lead to an infection. Other cases can utilize complex social engineering tricks and hyperlinks that are specifically made to confuse the intended targets into infecting themselves. Two more scenarios that are used in combination with email messages rely on infected files used as payloads ‒ documents and software installers.
- Infected Software Installers ‒ The criminals craft malicious packages made out of legitimate software installers. They are taken from the official vendor download sites, modified and then posted on online sites or attached (either as file attachments) or linked in the email messages.
- Infected Documents ‒ They represent dangerous files that usually come in the form of some of the most popular document types: rich text documents, spreadsheets and databases. When the users open them up a notification prompt will ask them to enable the built-in scripts (macros). If this is done then the malware is installed on the victim computer.
The malware browser plugins can be uploaded to hacker-controlled sites and P2P networks like BitTorrent as well. The hacker operators frequently utilize template design, text and images to create portals that look like legitimate download sources. They may also use domain names that are very similar to legitimate sites and advertise them via pop-ups or ad networks.
The browser hijacker code associated with the Package Tracker Pro Redirect can be found in numerous malware toolbars. They are usually made for the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge. They can be distributed on such download sites or even on the browsers repositories (such as the Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome) using fake developer accounts.
Impact of Package Tracker Pro Redirect
The security community alerted us of a dangerous new browser hijacker known as the Package Tracker Pro redirect. At the moment the majority of the reported infections are imposed on the victims through a dangerous Google Chrome extension. Other possible sources include infected software bundles and malware executable files delivered through email messages.
The hacker operators behind it are known to create dangerous extensions which are usually uploaded to the software repositories of the most popular browsers which are their primary targets. In this particular case the security researchers discovered that such versions have been made specifically for Google Chrome.
Upon infection with the Package Tracker Pro Redirect important settings are modified to point to a hacker-designated address: the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. Depending on the hacker configuration the criminals may also institute other malware activities such as the hijacking of sensitive data from the affected web browsers: stored cookies, bookmarks, history, settings, passwords and account credentials.
The next time the computer users open up their web browser window they will be redirected to the main Package Tracker Pro redirect page. The traditional formula of intent is maintained here as well ‒ the operators institute tracking cookies and web beacons as soon as the page is loaded and they actively track all user interactions. The web design of the malware site is made to look like any legitimate service in order to conceal the dangerous intentions.
The site is structured according to a template design featuring these components:
- Top Menu Bar ‒ Features a small search engine box, along with some of the most widely used social networks and services.
- Main Search Engine ‒ It dominates the page by being center aligned and having large icons to widely used services underneath it.
- Package Tracking Query ‒ It is placed underneath the search engine box and uses a third party service to facilitate this function.
- Service Links ‒ They contain disclaimers and documents such as the Privacy Policy and terms of Use.
Browser hijackers like the Package Tracker Pro Redirect actively monitor the users behavior and build profiles of their interests and interactions which is being processed into databases that are then sold to marketing agencies. Using web beacons, cookies and other technology the sites can extract a lot of sensitive information which is categorized into two distinct categories ‒ Personally Identifiable Data which can directly expose the victims identity and anonymous metrics. Examples of both include: real names, address, mobile phone number, web browser, computer, interests, social media identities and etc.
All victims of the Package Tracker Pro Redirect should know that all of their search queries will lead to sponsored results. Their search history will be tracked and the resulting pages will probably not represent the best possible matches. Browser hijackers like this one are usually employed by criminals to redirect to pop-ups and similar threats. Furthermore some of the links may lead to download portals that contain ransomware and other virus types.
Package Tracker Pro Redirect is a very dangerous threat that must be eliminated completely to prevent any privacy and security risks for the victim users. This is why we we recommend that all users remove the active infections by following our in-depth removal guide.
Remove Package Tracker Pro Redirect and Restore PC
WARNING! Manual removal of the Package Tracker Pro Redirect requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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Package Tracker Pro Redirect – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Remove Package Tracker Pro from Windows
Here’s a way to remove the program. This method will work regardless if you’re on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP. Simply selecting the program and pressing delete won’t work, as it’ll leave a lot of small files. That’s bad because these leftovers can linger on and cause all sorts of problems. The best way to delete a program is to uninstall it. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R”. You’ll see a pop-up window.
2. In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press“ Enter ”.
3. The “Programs and features” menu should now appear. It’s a list of all the programs installed on the PC. Here you can find the program, select it, and press “Uninstall“.
Remove Package Tracker Pro Virus From Your Browser
Before resetting your browser’s settings, you should know that this action will wipe out all your recorded usernames, passwords, and other types of data. Make sure to save them in some way.
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1. Start Mozilla Firefox. In the upper right corner, click on the Open menu icon and select “Add-ons“.
2. Inside the Add-ons Manager select “Extensions“. Search the list of extensions for suspicious entries. If you find any, select them and click “Remove“.
3. Click again on the Open menu icon, then click “Options“.
4. In the Options window, under “General” tab, click “Restore to Default“.
5. Select “Search” in the left menu, mark the unknown search engine and press “Remove”.
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1. Start Google Chrome. On the upper-right corner, there a “Customize and Control” menu icon. Click on it, then click on “Settings“.
2. Click “Extensions” in the left menu. Then click on the trash bin icon to remove the suspicious extension.
3. Again in the left menu, under Chrome, Click on “Settings“. Go under “On Startup” and set a new page.
4. Afterward, scroll down to “Search“, click on “Manage search engines“.
5. In the default search settings list, find the unknown search engine and click on “X“. Then select your search engine of choice and click “Make default“. When you are ready click “Done” button in the right bottom corner.
2. In the “Manage add-ons” window, bellow “Add-on Types“, select “Toolbars and Extensions“. If you see a suspicious toolbar, select it and click “Remove“.
3. Then again in the “Manage Add-ons” window, in “Add-on Types“, Select “Search Providers“. Chose a search engine and click “Set as default“. Select the unknown search engine and click “Remove and Close”.
4. Open the Tools menu, select “Internet Options”.
5. In the “General” tab, in “Home page”, enter your preferred page. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
