Threat Database Rogue Anti-Spyware Program Windows Protection Master

Windows Protection Master

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 100 % (High)
Infected Computers: 17
First Seen: February 12, 2012
Last Seen: January 8, 2020
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Windows Protection Master Image

Windows Protection Master is a malicious security application that should sound familiar to PC security researchers. This rogue anti-spyware program that is one more member of the FakeVimes family of fraudulent security applications has plenty of clones, many of which follow a similar naming pattern, as well as dozens of other fake security programs that are the same in every visible feature but for their respective names. Windows Protection Master is part of a common online scam which consists in selling fake security products to inexperienced computer users in order to steal their money. Windows Protection Master itself is a kind of malware infection and to remove it safely, computer users should use a reliable anti-malware program.

Examples of clones of Windows Protection Master include Virus Melt, Presto TuneUp, Fast Antivirus 2009, Extra Antivirus, Windows Security Suite, Smart Virus Eliminator, Packed.Generic.245, Volcano Security Suite, Windows Enterprise Suite, Enterprise Suite, Additional Guard, PC Live Guard, Live PC Care, Live Enterprise Suite, Security Antivirus, My Security Wall, CleanUp Antivirus, Smart Security, Windows Protection Suite, Windows Work Catalyst.

Identifying Windows Protection Master and other Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs

The best way to protect yourself from Windows Protection Master and other rogue anti-spyware applications is to learn how to identify them and differentiate them from legitimate security products. Windows Protection Master has several characteristics that are very common in most rogue anti-spyware programs:

  1. Windows Protection Master is installed without the computer user's permission or after a large number of pop-up windows and fake error messages warning of a possible security problem are displayed.
  2. Windows Protection Master does not allow the computer user to remove Windows Protection Master from the infected computer displaying error messages, crashing when the uninstaller is run or simply reinstalling itself when the infected computer reboots.
  3. Windows Protection Master displays constant alarming error messages and starts up automatically when Windows is launched, running a fake scan of the infected computer system which invariably detects numerous fake infections. Regardless of the state of the victim's computer system, Windows Protection Master will detect numerous problems while being vague when probed for more details.
  4. Windows Protection Master will often conflict with other applications or with the operating system, causing the victim's computer system to run slowly, crash frequently or behave erratically.
  5. Windows Protection Master will also often block access to certain files or to certain websites, claiming that Windows Protection Master does so for the victim's own security. If other security software is installed on the infected computer system, it is not uncommon for this security software to be disabled or for it not to function properly. Typically, Windows Protection Master will direct the victim to its own website where the he/she will be prompted to enter their credit card information.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove Windows Protection Master

Windows Protection Master Video

Tip: Turn your sound ON and watch the video in Full Screen mode.

File System Details

Windows Protection Master may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. Inspector-mhk.exe 3a72fd214b076f343167b45633347061 2
2. Inspector-cux.exe de46e3c96422246c44304996eb4d80ed 1
3. Inspector-svo.exe 456d83a75d1e96a3787c0d92f10622c3 1
4. Inspector-lbe.exe 4941fcc45213c87accaddb8303d66d0f 1
5. Inspector-trb.exe 65126d03bfb1e03822330f5178ccafc3 1
6. %AppData%\NPSWF32.dll
7. %AppData%\Inspector-[random three characters].exe
8. [RANDOM].exe
9. %UserProfile%\Desktop\Windows Protection Master.lnk
10. %AppData%\result.db
11. %AllUsersProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Windows Protection Master\Windows Protection Master.lnk
12. %StartMenu%\Programs\Windows Protection Master.lnk

Registry Details

Windows Protection Master may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings "WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect" = 0
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableTaskMgr" = 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\belt.exe "Debugger"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\[RANDOM]_is1
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableRegistryTools" = 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\adaware.exe "Debugger"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Windows Protection Master
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System "DisableRegedit" = 0
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Inspector"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\deputy.exe "Debugger"

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