Kotcatk.com virus is a browser hijacker, targeting Russian-speaking users. We have analysed many of hijackware parasites that change the browsers’ settings for people from countries that speak the Russian language: Webalta.ru, Searchfast.ru and Go-search.ru. The Kotcatk.com malware parasite appears to be more persistent as it creates a scheduled task which launched up your default browser and automatically connects to an URL that displays advertisements.
The task is called Kotcatkcomksz and will randomly open the rogue search engine. In addition to this site, victims will also be exposed to tons of other objectionable content like fake security alerts, lotteries, technical support scams, pornographic content and etc. Malvertising has become one of the biggest threats online and you should stay away from potentially dangerous ads.
Kotcatk.com malware parasite is a hijacker that will change your preferences and track your online activities
Kotcatk.com virus will also modify your home page, default search provider and new tab page. At the time of writing this article, we found out that the hijacker is the most popular in Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Poland and Kazakhstan. Of course, people from other countries might also be put in danger by this malware parasite (Parasite: The word for malware in the new millennium). Therefore, we hope you will pay attention to your browsers’ settings. If they are modified, you should look at the active plugins you have recently installed or review the desktop programs you got.
Our team of researchers have detected many browser hijackers look identical to the Kotcatk.com virus. For instance, we have discussed such threats like Yapages.ru and 12kotov.ru. All of the parasites aim to modify settings for people who are from very specific countries. In addition to that, we noticed that this browser hijacker is using tracking cookies from Yadro.ru and Yandex.ru. Other spying techniques might also be applied for the purpose of recording users’ activities. This might include collection of non-personally identifiable information, but can additionally gather personal details (5 Ways Hackers Gain Access To Your Data).
Additionally, the connection to Kotcatk.com rogue search platform is not secure. Therefore, the information you reveal thru this website is easily accessible by cyber criminals. If you want to browser privately, please do not install unknown third-party plugins and applications. They might contain obfuscated features that will put your operating system in serious danger. Even though browser hijackers are not considered high-risk infections, we choose a stronger standpoint. We think that any type of malware is an issue that you have to handle immediately (Types of Malware). Since hijackers like Kotcatk.com virus will display a lot of online advertisements, it is only a matter of time until you encounter a malicious advert.
If you notice that this browser hijacker is automatically shown in your browser, please do everything in your power to find out the reason behind it. You might have installed an unknown third-party tool, or you might have clicked on a random online advertisement that launched a drive-by installation.
Distribution techniques that the Kotcatk.com virus will use
One of the main ways that this Kotcatk.com hijacker can enter your operating system is bundling. During installation of a freeware application, you should always pay attention to the terms and conditions. If you notice that a program is offering some optional software, it is best to refuse this offer. Most of the additionally offered programs are classified as potentially unwanted. However, you could install it as a browser extension.
Therefore, you should take a look at the active plugins in your browser. If you find a suspicious add-on, remove it from the list. If you have recently installed a suspicious desktop program, it would be best to remove it from the Control Panel. However, this might not the easiest task to do. Therefore, we recommend getting an anti-malware tool which will help you find the suspicious program, triggering all of the issues in your browser. Spyhunter are the two anti-malware tools that will gave no issue with browser hijackers or any other type of malicious threat.
Automatic Malware removal tools
(Win)
Note: Spyhunter trial provides detection of parasites and assists in their removal for free. limited trial available, Terms of use, Privacy Policy, Uninstall Instructions,
(Mac)
Note: Combo Cleaner trial provides detection of parasites and assists in their removal for free. limited trial available, Terms of use, Privacy Policy, Uninstall Instructions, Refund Policy ,