XP Smart Security is related to the devastating virus known as Security Tool, which enters your computer through a Trojan, adjusts your security settings, and slows your PC down to a crawl. Smart Security will load you with pop-ups and scare you with 'critical alerts.' If you've had spyware or virus on your PC before then you know these threats are false, and are trying to rob you out of some money. However, you cannot afford to sit on your hands, as any Trojan virus can make your life even more miserable if given enough time. The worst case scenario in these situations is when a hacker has enough time to scan your computer for sensitive information, possibly resulting in identity theft. We can't afford to take such a risk. Let's get rid of this badware right away.
If you're wondering how this spyware made its way onto your computer, it was most likely through a video codec, an unscanned e-mail attachment, or a download through a P2P network or a filesharing service. If our PC does not have an updated, active protection program installed, then we are constantly at risk, especially if we ever look at 'questionable' sites.
The symptoms of an infection, other than pop-ups and alerts can run the gamut as well, but normally you will find that your PC is slower than it used to be, your desktop wallpaper and/or icons may have changed, and you may find new bookmarks or search engine redirects. Hackers will redirect your searches to websites that try to install even more spyware on your computer, or try and trick you into clicking their advertisements, thus helping the crooks earn more money on the side. Your computer is basically hijacked when software such as XP Smart Security is installed.
So how do we remove XP Smart Security?
Like the famous quote goes, "we can do this the easy way, or the hard way." In this case, the hard way is manual removal. It's only recommended for IT professionals and PC experts. If you fancy yourself one of these, then you will have to dig into your system's registry, in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder and HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder, and locate the registry values with "SmartSecurity" in the filename. You will need to remove those values, and also stop all related system processes. After this, you will have to delete all related files and folders in your system, usually in the Programs folder. The big issue here though, is that if you make one small error, you may render your PC unbootable. Nobody wants a dead computer.
I personally elect to use automatic removal, and I suggest it to all of my clients and friends. The reason is that automatic removal is easy, it's fast, and best of all, it protects the PC in the future. I can't afford to risk any mistakes.
Are you sick and tired of worrying about your safety and security? Don't let the hackers win. Remove XP Smart Security right away and get your computer finally clean and fast again!
Bob Walker is a veteran IT consultant with over twenty years of experience in the industry. He's helped clean up the computers of everyone from fortune 500 organizations to individual users and families. His website is dedicated to anti-spyware and virus removal research, where he ranks the most efficient anti-spyware and anti-virus programs currently available.
