PC Locked Out By Virus: Remove Virus with Ubuntu

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a user whose PC has been locked by a virus that claims to be from the police, demanding a fine for release. Participants explore methods for virus removal using Ubuntu and other tools, including antivirus software and system restore options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using Ubuntu to find and remove the virus, seeking guidance on the process.
  • Another participant provides a link to a guide for scanning a Windows PC for viruses from an Ubuntu live CD as a potential starting point.
  • Some participants argue that Ubuntu alone may not be sufficient and recommend using specific antivirus tools like AVG that can be booted from a CD or USB drive.
  • A participant identifies the virus as the UKash trojan and warns about its mutating nature, suggesting that if not removed quickly, it could infect all user accounts.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of using system restore under Windows to revert to a backup point before the infection.
  • Several participants share humorous remarks about the nature of the malware and its developers, while also expressing concern for the original poster's situation.
  • Links to additional resources for virus removal are provided by participants.
  • Some participants recommend backing up data and reinstalling the operating system as a more drastic measure.
  • There are suggestions to reboot in Safe Mode and use Malwarebytes for virus removal, with one participant sharing their personal experience with this method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of approaches to dealing with the virus, with no consensus on a single solution. Some advocate for using Ubuntu and antivirus tools, while others suggest different methods such as system restore or complete reinstallation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the effectiveness of various methods discussed, as participants do not agree on the best approach and some steps may depend on specific conditions of the user's system.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals facing similar malware issues, particularly those looking for methods to remove viruses using Ubuntu or other antivirus tools.

Jobrag
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My PC has been locked by a virus claiming to come from the police and demanding a "fine" to free it.
I can run the PC using Ubuntu, how can I find and remove the virus when operating on Ubuntu?
 
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Ubuntu alone won't be of much help. AVG and other anti-virus companies have free products that can be booted from a cd or USB flash drive. Here is a link to AVGs tool. http://www.avg.com/us-en/avg-rescue-cd
 
I believe you have the UKash tojan.

Of the many sites that offer fixes, this one gives some good reading.
If you have another user login to the computer, that user's files should not be infected yet and most times can do a logon. Beware that the virus mutates and if you do not get it one or two tries all user's will be infected, including safe mode.
I am not sure if it mutates into Ubuntu, but I would not take chances.

If your system does lock up completely, then you can always remove the hard drive and scan it from another computer and /or retrieve data.
 
Under windows, I would try system restore to a back up point you are reasonably sure predates the infection.
 
Jobrag said:
My PC has been locked by a virus claiming to come from the police and demanding a "fine" to free it.
I can run the PC using Ubuntu, how can I find and remove the virus when operating on Ubuntu?
"The police claiming a fine to free it." Hahahahahahaha! O my gosh, can't stop laughing!... Oh, this is so funny but I really mean no offense by laughing at your disgrace. This malware developers are getting more and more creative.

Anyway, it's been 3 days since your post. The posts above have the solution. I hope you have already fixed it. :smile:
 
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Psinter said:
"The police claiming a fine to free it." Hahahahahahaha! O my gosh, can't stop laughing!... Oh, this is so funny but I really mean no offense by laughing at your disgrace. This malware developers are getting more and more creative.

Anyway, it's been 3 days since your post. The posts above have the solution. I hope you have already fixed it. :smile:
You'll love this one then. In July, a man got a fake FBI alert telling him to pay a fine or he would be arrested for the child porn that he had downloaded. He decided to go to the police to see if he was indeed wanted on child porn charges. What happened after that should go into the stupid criminal hall of fame.
 
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  • #10
You should probably back up your data from Ubuntu and then wipe your hard drive and reinstall.
 
  • #11
Open in the Safe Mode and use malwarebytes

I was hit by virus some time ago.

1. force shutdown (e.g., hold power button down for some time.

2. Reboot in the Safe Mode (hold F8 during the boot process)

3. Run your virus program (it may work) or download malwarebytes to a CD and run it - donlt forget to update it.

Worked for me
 
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  • #12
I agree with BobMilla. What you have is a type of malware. Try rebooting in safemode and running Malwarebytes.
 

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