Ever come across the BonziBuddy virus? Regardless of whether firsthand experience with it or a close friend sought helo from you, perhaps you already know that it’s one malware entity that causes a huge problem to many computer users.
But what exactly is this virus?
About BonziBuddy Virus
The BonziBuddy virus was popular many years ago. In fact, it was regarded by many as a great friend or somewhat a sidekick that helps with certain tasks.
So, what does the BonziBuddy virus do? What was its real motive?
Unfortunately, it was too late when people realized it existed to collect personal information from unsuspecting victims. It popped up random adverts that lure you into using useless applications or other malware entities.
It was in 1999 when the BonziBuddy virus started wreaking havoc among devices. For six years, this virus secretly gathered information from victims. Although it’s no longer being produced or created today, copies of it still surface every now and then.
How Did the BonziBuddy Virus Infect Your PC?
In case you found yourself dealing with this virus, you probably asked first, how on earth did your PC get infected? Here are some possible reasons why your device acquired the virus:
- Your operating system is outdated.
- Your browser has poor security settings.
- You are not practicing safe internet practices.
Still not convinced? Perhaps you did any of the following:
Downloaded and Installed Freeware
Free software applications may be very enticing to download. However, do not be deceived. Most of these freeware apps often come bundled with malware entities, spyware, adware, or other suspicious programs like BonziBuddy. There is a chance that ransomware is attached to your download to grant hackers access to your device.
Used Peer-to-Peer Software
Yes, peer-to-peer applications and programs are often handy. But did you know that using a shared network only exposes your privacy, security, and data to risks, and your system to malicious programs like the BonziBuddy virus?
Visited Malicious Websites
The moment you visit websites with dubious content, Trojan-like entities like BonziBuddy may be automatically downloaded onto your PC. That is something you should avoid.
How to Know If Your PC Is Infected?
There are a few tell-tale signs to look out for to know if your PC is infected with BonziBuddy. These include:
PC Not Working Properly
The BonziBuddy virus can severely slow down your PC. if you notice that it takes longer than normal for your PC to boot or your internet connection suddenly became slow, it is likely that the BonziBuddy has already started its attack.
Odd Shortcuts Appear on Your Desktop
As with other viruses, BonziBuddy can mess with your internet settings or even create new shortcuts on your desktop.
Advertisements Pop Up at Random
BonziBuddy may trigger annoying ads to appear on your PC, even when you are not connected to a WiFi network. These ads are generated for you based on your browsing habits and personal information.
Spam Messages Are Sent from Your Mailbox
BonziBuddy may gain total control of your mailbox and use it to generate spam messages with malicious attachments.
How to Remove BonziBuddy Virus
The good news is that no matter how intrusive this virus can be, it can still be removed. Here is a quick BonziBuddy virus removal guide we have prepared for you:
- Close the BonziBuddy program by right-clicking on its icon in the Task Bar and selecting the Exit option.
- Go to Start > Programs > BonziBuddy. Select Uninstall BonziBuddy Bargain Hunting Tool. Wait until the uninstallation process completes.
- Reboot your PC.
- Once your PC has restarted, start cleaning up. There might be a couple of small files associated with the program. They may be small but they can still harm your PC in some ways. To be safe, delete them from your system.
- Uninstall other software applications associated with the BonziBuddy program.
Summary
When it comes to security and privacy, no program or application is your buddy. In fact, some of the most popular anti-malware programs we know can be used as loopholes by malware entities to attack victims. What you can do is to constantly educate yourself with the latest malware strains out there. Research about the most effective tips and tricks that can keep your PC safe. And most importantly, know the basic PC repair tactics so you know what to do when faced in such situations.
Did the BonziBuddy virus removal guide above help you? Do you know other ways to get rid of the virus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.