CoolWebSearch Spyware Information
A recent identity-theft ring was discovered centering around a spyware program known as CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a "browser hijacker" and one of the most difficult spyware programs to remove. The software "hijacks" your web browser home page and can send personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, etc. to a remote server, significantly increasing the risk of identity theft.
Some of the symptoms of CoolWebSearch include:
- Redirected to CoolWebSearch pages
- Redirected when mistyping a URL
- Extreme slowdowns when typing in your web browser
- Web browser home page changes after rebooting
- Excessive pop-up ads
Many variants of CoolWebSearch exist, making removal particularly difficult. One variant of CoolWebSearch also interferes with many spyware and adware detection and removal products, such as Spybot Search & Destroy and AdAware. A freeware removal tool known as CWShredder is available online. Click here for more information about CWShredder, including instructions for downloading and running the utility. A tool has also been developed to remove the keylogger that is packaged with CoolWebSearch. Click here to download the keylogger removal tool.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ITS Help Desk.
Last Updated: 04/24/2008