Nginx Virus. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
Nginx virus travels in the disguise of a blank page
Nginx virus is defined as a browser threat, specifically, a web script, which targets all major browsers, including Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, MS Edge, etc. Even if you are cautious not to visit moot web pages, there is still a high probability of encountering this infection even if you occasionally shop online. It may contain the URL referrer to one such web page.
Speaking of the very web page, the question what is the initial purpose remains rhetoric. Once you get redirected to this web page, you are greeted with ‘Welcome to Nginx!‘ Nonetheless, no visible content appears. Once you are there, you may get misguided to another questionable affiliated web page nginx.org. Naturally, the question arises what is nginx.irg?
According to the content, it seems to promote Nginx app versions. You should not mistake it with the legitimate version advertised at nginx.com.
Thus, considering its obscure behaviour, it is possible to assume that the domain serves for more malicious purposes, such as browser redirect threats. They facilitate such outcomes:
- Redirections to ad-supportive gaming web pages
- Pop-up alerts emerge in new tabs or as banners distracting during a browser session
- Changed default search engine
Even though Nginx is considered to be a browser infection, it does not normally “hijack” your browser. However, its original purpose may be more grandeur and more menacing. Leave alone the very content, the web page contains neither terms of use nor privacy policy – crucial documents for every reliable website. Therefore, this fact is another reason why you should remove Nginx virus scripts.
Disguise for what?
This technique disguising under a blank page is not new. Unfortunately, there are numerous similar domains which employ a similar disguise to cover their initial purpose. You may recall 1.loadblanks.ru as well.
Likewise, it is possible to nurture different theories what is the primary purpose of the domain. You should not exclude the probability that exploit kits may disguise under similar domains.
Furthermore, such web pages may also carry tracking elements, such as cookies, pixels, beacons, which collect certain information about your online activities. After collecting enough information, the domain transmits the data to respective third parties which then are able to create relevant pay-per-click ads.
Note that this malware is also available on Android phones and all browsers. It especially manifests a tendency to plague Firefox users. If you are already wondering how to remove Nginx from your phone, take a look at the final section of the article.
Since there is no explicit information as to what privacy policy this domain follows and what third parties it operates, you should not disregard Nginx redirect phenomenon. It is possible that you may be directed to highly fraudulent domains.


Go to 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, open 'Add/Remove Programs').

If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, click on Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen to open 'Quick Access Menu'. Then click 'Control Panel' and select 'Uninstall a Program'.

Right-click every suspicious program and select 'Uninstall'

Right-click on web browsers' icon and click 'Properties'

Open 'Shortcut' tab and erase 'http://isearch.babylon.com...' or other shady URL

Click on 'Go' to open a drop-down menu and select 'Applications'.

Click on each malicious application and select 'Move to Trash'

Open browser menu and go to 'Manage add-ons'

To eliminate malicious applications, right-click on each of them and click 'Disable'

Delete suspicious URL, type in your preferable site name and click 'Apply' to save

In 'Advanced' tab, click 'Reset'. Then tick 'Delete personal settings' and click 'Reset'.

Open Settings and click on 'Choose what to clear' button

Click 'Clear'

Right-click the Start button again and choose 'Task Manager'

Right-click on 'Microsoft Edge' and choose 'Go to details' option

If 'Go to details' option does not show up, choose 'More details' instead

Locate all entries that relate to Microsoft Edge and click 'End Task'

Open Microsoft Edge folder on your PC, click every entry with the right mouse button and select 'Delete'

Locate where Windows PowerShell is, right-click on it and click on 'Run as administrator' option

Copy and then paste the necessary command and hit 'Enter'

Open browser menu and go to 'Add-ons'

Go to 'Extensions' and locate malicious browser add-ons. Hit 'Remove' button to delete each entry

Open 'General' tab and delete the URL from 'Home Page' field or just simply click 'Restore to Default'. Then click on 'OK' button to apply changes.

Open menu by clicking on the indicated icon and on '?'. Then select 'Troubleshooting Information'.

Hit 'Reset Firefox' button a few times

Open browser's menu, then click 'Tools' and 'Extensions'

Find malicious extensions and click on the Trash bin icon to remove them

Open browser's menu, then go to 'Settings' and select 'Set pages' under 'On startup' section

Remove malicious search sites by clicking 'X'

Once you open browser's 'Settings', click on 'Manage search engines...' button

Remove malicious search sites by clicking 'X'

When in 'Settings', click Show advanced settings and then find 'Reset browser settings' button. Click on it.

Click 'Reset' to finish the removal process.

Click on 'Safari' and then select 'Preferences'

Go to 'Extensions' and remove untrustworthy extensions

Go to 'General' section and find Homepage field. Delete suspicious URL and replace it with a URL of your choice.

Click on 'Safari' and then select 'Reset Safari...'

Select all checkboxes and click 'Reset'
Ways to spread browser threats
Nginx malware employs insidious techniques to expand its distribution rate. Having a shapeless form, this threat functions in the form of web scripts which grants flexibility.
Therefore, you are not likely to experience Nginx hijack the usual way, i.e. downloading it with another free application. Nonetheless, in order to lower the risk of encountering this infection, scanning the system with an anti-spyware application, such as Reimage orMalwarebytes Anti Malware should be your priority. The software will also assist in battling more complex virtual threats.
Eliminate Nginx infection from your phone and computer
Regarding the fact that this malware does not have its own application, you will not have to waste time to uninstall Nginx. Nonetheless, its eradication process requires attention.
It is of utmost importance to terminate the infection on the device but especially remove Nginx from Android and other smartphones properly. In that case, tracking the root of infection might be futile.
Let an anti-malware app help you with Nginx removal, Malwarebytes Anti Malware has its own mobile version so you will save time on meddling with the threat. This software also helps you remove Nginx virus efficiently from the device.
If you want to uninstall Nginx automatically, you can use one of these programs: Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, Malwarebytes Anti Malware Computer security experts recommend these programs because they can detect and remove potentially unwanted programs and viruses from your computer, including all dangerous and malicious components related to them. Besides, these programs guarantee immediate and ongoing system protection.
Nginx Virus manual removal instructions
avinspector.exe
uninstall.exe
securitycenter.exe
Remove these registry values:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun“[random].exe”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsNTCurrentVersionWinlogon”Shell” = “[random].exe”
Remove these files:
%appdata%random.exe
%Windows%system32[random].exe
%Documents and Settings%[UserName]Application Data[random]
Manual Nginx Virus Removal Instructions:
Uninstall Nginx in Windows systems
-
Go to Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, open Add/Remove Programs).
-
If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, click on Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen to open Quick Access Menu. Then click Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program.
- Remove Nginx and programs related to it
Now, take a look at the list of programs and find Nginx or other programs that you do not remember installing. -
Right-click on these programs and select "Uninstall." Then click OK to save changes.
- Delete Nginx from Windows shortcuts
Right-click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and click Properties. -
Now, go to Shortcut tab and find Target field. Then delete the URL that is associated with your virus.
Follow the same steps as explained above with all other shortcuts of Internet browsers, including Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. Please check Start Menu, Desktop, and taskbar to find all shortcuts.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxSafariUninstall Nginx in Mac OS X system
-
Users who use OS X should click on Go button, which can be found at the top left corner of the screen and select Applications.
-
Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Nginx or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Delete Nginx from Internet Explorer (IE)
-
Delete suspicious browser add-ons
Launch Internet Explorer, and then open IE by clicking on the Gear icon, which is located at the top right corner of the Internet browser. Then, click Manage Add-ons. -
Manage Add-ons window will appear on your screen. Now, search for Nginx and other questionable browser add-ons. Right-click them on each of them and select Disable.
-
If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Click the Gear icon at the top right corner of the Internet browser and then click Internet Options. Stay in General section. -
Now, delete malicious URL and enter
-
Reset all Internet Explorer settings
Click on Gear icon and then opt for Internet options. Then go to Advanced section. - Click Reset.
-
A new window appears, and then you have to tick Delete personal settings and click Reset to finalise Nginx removal.
Eliminate Nginx virus from Microsoft Edge browser
Reset settings in Microsoft Edge (Technique No.1):
- Open Microsoft Edge browser, then click on More button, which is situated at the top right edge of the screen
- Select Settings from the drop down menu.
-
When the Settings panel appears, find Clear browsing data section and hit Choose what to clear button.
-
Then mark all components that you wish to delete and after that hit Clear.
-
Right-click the Start button (that has Windows logo on it) and choose Task Manager.
- Go to Processes tab and look for Microsoft Edge.
-
Right-click on it and select Go to details. If there is no Go to details option, select More details and carry out previous instructions.
-
Once Details tab appears, look for entries that contain Microsoft Edge name. Right-click on such individual entries and choose End Task option to terminate them.
Reset Microsoft Edge (Technique No.2):
In case the Technique No.1 did not help you to fix the problem, use advanced Edge reset option.
- Important: you must backup your files before you use these tips
- Locate this folder on your PC:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
-
Select all items in this folder and right-click with your mouse. Select Delete.
- Click on the Start button (that has Windows Logo on it) and in Search my stuff field, type in window power.
-
With the right button of your mouse, click on every entry and select Run as administrator.
- Once you get Admin's rights, Windows PowerShell window should show up shortly. Paste this line:
after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and hit Enter.Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
After completing these steps, Microsoft Edge should be Nginx-free.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxSafariDelete Nginx from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
If you pay attention to every detail, you will remove Nginx from Firefox efficiently. Check whether the malware did not append any unnecessary toolbars and associated browser extensions.
[GI=google-chrome]
-
Delete suspicious browser extensions
Launch Mozilla Firefox, and then open menu (click a button at the top right corner). Then, go to Add-ons → Extensions. -
Now, locate Nginx and other suspicious extensions. Click Remove to eliminate them.
-
If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Open Firefox menu (click the button at the top right corner), and go to Options → General. - Delete malicious URL and then enter the address of the website that you want to set as your homepage.
-
Click OK to save the changes.
-
Reset all Mozilla Firefox settings
Click on the Firefox at the top left corner and then click the question mark. Then, select Troubleshooting Information. -
Reset Firefox to its default state message should appear then. You will see Reset Firefox button. Click this button a few times and finalise Nginx removal.
Delete Nginx from Safari
- Delete suspicious browser extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for Nginx or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
-
If virus altered your homepage, change it:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General. -
Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Nginx, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.
-
Reset all Safari settings
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Nginx removal process.