We're gradually updating threat actor names in our reports to align with the new weather-themed taxonomy. Learn about Microsoft threat actor names
BrowserModifier:Win32/Xeelyak
Aliases: No associated aliases
Summary
Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects this threat and stops the associated application from running on your network because it has a poor reputation. This application can affect the quality of your computing experience.
This browser modifier family can make the following changes in your PC (Google Chrome and Internet Explorer browsers) without your consent:
- Modify your homepage
- Modify your search provider
- Add browser extensions and toolbars
- Disable Browser Security Settings
- Perform other actions that you might not have intended
This threat is usually installed through bundlers and other unwanted software like BrowserModifier:Win32/Sasquor and BrowserModifier:Win32/Suptab.
This threat is an unwanted software. An unwanted software is a program that alters your Windows experience without your consent or control. We use a set of evaluation criteria to determine what programs are classified as unwanted software. As the software ecosystem evolves, so do our evaluation criteria. To learn more, read these blog entries:
- Protecting customers from being intimidated into making an unnecessary purchase
- Cleaners ought to be clean (and clear)
- A brief discourse on ‘Changing browsing experience’
- Keeping browsing experience in users’ hands
- Keeping Browsing Experience in Users’ Hands, an Update...
- Cleaning up misleading advertisements
- Adware: A new approach
Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, or Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and Windows Vista
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.
Use cloud protection
Use cloud protection to help guard against the latest malware threats. It’s turned on by default for Microsoft Security Essentials and Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10.
Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Defender > Windows Defender Security Center > Virus & threat protection> Virus & threat protection settings and make sure that your Cloud-based Protection settings is turned On.
Get more help
You can also visit our advanced troubleshooting page or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.
If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.