Rogue Registry Cleaner

Rogue registry cleaners deceive you into thinking they are capable of fixing and cleaning your computer’s registry. Rogue Registry Cleaners use misleading security alerts and bogus registry scans as a method to get you to purchase the full version of the rogue registry cleaner in use.

Running computer scans on your system seem to only detect false or exaggerated system errors. Such system error results pop-up in a “System Alert” message accompanied by a link that conveniently directs you to the purchase page. At this point, you are most likely convinced that this rogue registry cleaner is the solution. In most cases a rogue registry cleaner can continuously charge the user’s credit card and even disable legitimate programs that exist on the system.

The Registry is the DNA of Windows, storing and maintaining software and hardware information and settings, as well as overall user (profile) Windows preferences. Every time an application is run, it retrieves this data, which means the Registry is very well trafficked. The Registry is often flagged as the White Listed Area because of its critical files and settings, ex. services that automatically load an application such as in the Startup Menu. One wrong edit or removal of the wrong file, and your Windows operating system could become crippled and not boot. 

If your Windows-based computer is running slow, stalls (i.e. hangs up) or crashes, it could be due to a registry error. Most Registry problems are a result of human error, ex. removal or edit of the wrong file, i.e. one necessary to execute a program or piece of hardware, or a process (i.e. service entry) or forgetting to remove an old driver. Unfortunately, malware exploits any kind of process or programming and especially the Registry because it controls the overall operation of the Windows operating system. When you read the technical abilities of most malware, you will see it is stealth enough to change the registry so that it can add a ‘registry service entry’ to load its malicious executable in the automatic startup menu or line up. This way, every time that Windows is booted, it too is started. Just as Trojans can add their own service entries, they too can ‘delete’ ones already in place, again, possibly explaining poor performance of your operating system.

When PC users suspect there may exists a Registry problem, they often turn to aid of a Registry Cleaner, a computer utility program developed to ‘correct’ common mistakes, including removal of malicious entries and configuration data. Unfortunately, the web is full of deceptive Registry Cleaner utility programs. Rogue Registry Cleaners are not meant to help you but rather cause further harm. Like other rogue security or utility programs, Rogue Registry Cleaners are modeled off of legitimate tools and make empty promises. So while they may look innocent, if you invite them inside, you will quickly learn their true intent – to steal data and open a port to intercept more malware. Speaking of distribution or how they are installed, many times it is at the hands of victims who click too soon. The presentation of Rogue Registry Cleaners is engineered by a Trojan, another malicious program and tool. Trojans imitate their mythical namesake and present as something innocent or helpful to manipulate their victims’ actions. For instance, they can be hidden behind a booby-trapped link or webpage and whether you click or land, the ultimate download will deliver the Trojan and Rogue Registry Cleaner.

As previously mentioned, the true intent of a Rogue Registry Cleaner is to negatively impact the registry and make entries supporting its malicious activity. Many rogue programs make use of obfuscation tricks and a rootkit. A rootkit is a malicious program that masks and buries files in the infected system’s root and negatively impacts the Registry. Even more so, a rootkit knows many antivirus or antispyware programs do not scan the White Listed Area, aka Registry, for fear of making a grave error or edit, thus making it a safe haven for malware. 

Another sign that a Rogue Registry Cleaner is onboard is that of its presentation. Rogue Registry Cleaners, especially those having gained deceptive entry, follow a familiar pattern:

• They self install and root themselves in the White Listed Area so they are part of the Registry startup menu.
• They disarm legitimate security measures and programs so they can attack without interruption.
• They disable administrative controls, such as Task Manager and System Restore, so, again, they can attack without interruption.
• They plant fictitious files to support a visual malware attack, when in fact, they are the attacker and enemy and while distracting the victim with onscreen explosion of alerts and warnings, they are waging an underlying or background attack. Data will be stolen and a port opened to allow download of more malicious programs.
• They encourage the victim PURCHASE the full version of its fraudulent program.

If you suspect a Rogue Registry Cleaner is onboard, you will need a formidable opponent to uninvite or remove it. The formidable opponent – a professional and stealth antimalware solution – will be able to safely scan your entire system, including the Registry. The professional and stealth antimalware can reverse malicious Registry entries as well as find and remove hidden or masked malware.