on 04-11-2021 18:11
I have curiositykilledthecat.xyz malware infecting my PC with frequent and annoying pop-up ads.
The advice I've seen is to uninstall the relevant program via my Control Panel but no relevant program is listed there.
I've also run a McAfee scan which failed to identify it.
Please can anyone suggest what I can do to resolve the issue?
on 04-11-2021 18:20
Download (preferably on an uninfected machine) the following:
Give those a run and see how you get on. For the Hitman Pro one, select to do a one time scan (without installing) and then you can delete it when you're done.
Honestly though, for a compromised Windows machine I'd always veer towards backing up any critical documents and pics etc safely (eg from a Linux live USB), and just reinstalling. Did you have Defender (the in-built MS anti-malware) running when you got this malware? It's usually very good.
on 05-11-2021 18:27
Hello @JohnG62,
Welcome back! Thanks for posting.
I am sorry to see this.
Have you tried doing a malware virus scanner? Or google the best free virus scanner to try?
Many thanks,
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on 05-11-2021 19:18
I would also check the browser extensions. A quick google search shows.
CURIOSITYKILLEDTHECAT.XYZ is notification spam. First, it asked you to allow getting notifications. Next, it displays the spam ads on your desktop.
CURIOSITYKILLEDTHECAT.XYZ is able to infect your installed web browsers, including Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox.
on 07-11-2021 00:40
@newapollo wrote:I would also check the browser extensions. A quick google search shows.
CURIOSITYKILLEDTHECAT.XYZ is notification spam. First, it asked you to allow getting notifications. Next, it displays the spam ads on your desktop.
CURIOSITYKILLEDTHECAT.XYZ is able to infect your installed web browsers, including Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox.
Yes, that's why I suggested JRT earlier. It specialises in browser addons, toolbars and other rubbish and malicious bundleware. How did you get on, OP?
on 07-11-2021 08:24
Thanks for the replies.
The built-in Microsoft software was switched on and I tried the software recommended which didn't work.
However, I came across this advice:
"If some unwanted pop-ups or ads still appear on web browser, please try to disable their Notifications on all web browsers:
On Microsoft Edge
I implemented this, blocking pop-ups and pleased to say it has worked.
on 08-11-2021 08:31
Hi @JohnG62,
Thank you for coming back to us. I'm glad to hear that you have been able to resolve this issue and managed to block these pop-up ads.
Please let us know how you're getting on and if you need any further assistance.
Thank you.
on 12-11-2021 09:09
on 13-11-2021 09:20
Glad to hear this @JohnG62.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further help.
Thanks,