SOS Description and Removal Instructions

SOS Description (Scan your PC for SOS with SpyHunter)

SOS is an extremly dangerous macro virus that infects text documents created with Microsoft Word application. The spyware inserts the "Sign of the Scream" phrase and injects malicious code into every opened or newly created Word document. It also infects Microsoft Word templates and modifies its essential settings. SOS has even more dangerous payload. It removes critical computer files and formats the main hard disk.

Why Should I Remove SOS?

Note: Manual removal is a difficult process and it is not recommend unless you are an expert in this field. Therefore, your best defense is to download and install a reliable anti-spyware program to scan SOS and other spyware on your machine. In order to detect SOS in the easiest and fastest way possible, we advised trying the free SpyHunter scanner provided on this website. The free version of SpyHunter is only a detection utility.

However, if you wish to continue to the SOS removal stage with SpyHunter, you must first purchase the full version of SpyHunter or you can manually remove SOS by moving on to the "Remove SOS Manually" section.

Online threats constantly change to avoid detection, and therefore SpyHunter comes equipped with a full technical support, as well as a one-on-one customer support service called Spyware HelpDesk which gives its support technicians the ability to create a custom automated fix tailored to your PC. If SpyHunter is unable to detect and remove SOS, the Spyware Helpdesk will generate a custom fix, transmit it to your SpyHunter removal tool and completely remove SOS from your PC.

1. Download SpyHunter Scanner.
   
   
2. Run a full system scan to detect SOS files.
   
   
3. Once you've detected SOS on your PC, you will then need to purchase SpyHunter to start the removal process.
   
   
4. Reboot your PC and rerun the scan for any remaining traces of SOS.
   
   

** SpyHunter scanner version is ONLY for detection. To remove SOS and other threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's removal tool.

Remove SOS Manually

Tip: If you are not an expert in this field, we highly recommend you use SpyHunter to scan your PC for SOS. You'll run the risk of damaging your computer if you make a mistake during the manual removal process.

SOS Advice

SOS manual removal process can be difficult to do because you're required to access and edit sensitive files in your system registry.

Warning: If you try to remove SOS files without being completely sure what you are doing, you run the risk of damaging or losing important data on your computer.

Tip: To avoid this risk, we highly recommend you use a good spyware cleaner/remover to automatically find and remove SOS as well as spyware, adware, trojan and malware in your PC.

SOS Automatic Detection

To automatically search for SOS...
Download SpyHunter Scanner.

** SpyHunter scanner version is ONLY for detection. To remove SOS and other threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's removal tool.

For more details on SOS, please read our "SOS Overview" below.

SOS Overview

In the following sections, we investigate and explain the key malicious properties that are attributed to SOS.

How SOS infects your PC

SOS may use one or more of these methods to infect your computer. SOS is spyware that may take control of your entire system. SOS may infect your computer...

• Through unexpected email attachments. One of the most popular ways of becoming infected with spyware is by opening an attachment sent via e-mail. You should never open unexpected email attachments. Confirm with the sender first that they did in fact send the email.
  
  
• Through browser security loopholes while you're surfing the Web. Some spyware can even bypass firewalls by disguising itself as part of legitimate software.
  
  
• Through instant messenger programs. If you're not secured by a good firewall, spyware can attach itself when you're sharing files with your instant messenger.
  
  
• SOS recreates, repairs and updates itself. SOS and other complex spyware applications may recreate, repair and update themselves to evade deletion. When SOS alters, restores and updates its files, DLLs, registry keys and process, a scanner may only remove part of the program allowing the other remaining files to execute procedures to repair and update. In these cases, it can make the SOS manual removal process very difficult.
  
  

SOS Prevention Rules

Follow these SOS prevention rules and protect your computer from SOS and other spyware:

Rule #1: Ensure that your Windows Security is up-to-date.

Every week Microsoft provides their new updates that can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website. To get Microsoft Update, you should do the following steps:

1. Go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates,
   
   
2. Select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list,
   
   
3. Open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet,
   
   
4. Press "Default Level" and then OK,
   
   
5. Press "Custom Level."

Rule #2: Download and install a reliable anti-spyware software.

A good anti-spyware software that recognizes current SOS as well as other forms of spyware can be the answer to all your security issues. Listed below is an anti-spyware program that can effectively reverse the damage of your computer and detect SOS automatically.

Download SpyHunter Scanner.

** SpyHunter scanner version is ONLY for spyware detection. To remove SOS and other online threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's removal tool.

Rule #3: Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-date.

New SOS files can be created every day, thus it is very important to ensure that your anti-spyware program is up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature where with a click of a button so you can get new spyware definitions immediately. Often, good anti-spyware software will open an update window reminding you that there are new updates available.

Rule #4: Install and keep your firewall turned on.

A firewall is vital for a complete protection of your PC. Ensure that your firewall is always turned on. A firewall can stop unwanted software like SOS from hijacking your PC.

SOS and other Spyware Related Info:

Wikipedia.org/Spyware - Wikipedia's definition of spyware.
StopBadware.org - A non-profit organization that aims to fight against badware.
Anti-Spyware Coalition - Is a group dedicated to building a consensus about definitions and best practices in the debate surrounding spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies.