Windows Privacy Agent is an element of the bogus Microsoft Security Essentials infection. This rogue anti-spyware program works by getting into your computer and persuading you to purchase the said program through typical scareware tactics. Because it presents itself as a genuine Microsoft program, it is particularly designed to look like real software, performing scans and displaying security alerts to alarm you.

Most of the time, infections get into the system undetected, making use of Trojans that take advantage of security holes. The typical symptoms of an infection include pop-ups of system alerts and disabled web browsers or system utilities. In particular, it will display that an unknown Win32/Trojan has been detected in your computer, prompting you to do a scan. Here’s an example error message:

Threat prevention solution found

Security system analysis has revealed critical file system vulnerability caused by severe malware attacks.

Risk of system files infection:

The detected vulnerability may result in unauthorized access to private information and hard drive data with a serious possibility of irreversible data loss and unstable PC performance. To remove the malware please run a full system scan. Press ‘OK’ to install the software necessary to initiate system files check. To complete the installation process, please reboot your computer.

The infection is downloaded when you hit OK and when the computer is rebooted, the Windows Privacy Agent screen is displayed on your desktop. Once the fake scan is completed, numerous supposed infections will be revealed, leading you to believe that the only resolution available is to purchase their software. In truth, this is a fake anti-spyware program designed to steal your money and compromise the performance of your computer.

There are two ways to remove Windows Privacy Agent from your computer. The first option is to do manual removal. This, however, requires deleting registry entries so it is only advisable for industry professionals. Locate and remove this registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon “Shell” = ‘%UserProfile%Application Data[random].exe’

For an easier and safer approach, you can use automated spyware removal software to avoid the risk of deleting the wrong registry key. This will do an automatic scan and instantly detect corrupted files, along with spyware infections which can be removed easily with a few simple clicks. In addition, the spyware removal software also functions as a spyware blocker preventing future infections from occurring on your computer.

Be free of spyware threats and experience malware-free web surfing. Remove Windows Privacy Agent now and get your computer running smoothly again! Once your computer is infected with this spyware it is crucial to remove it as soon as possible.