Getting Rid of RelevantKnowledge Marketing Malware

RelevantKnowledge is a known virus created by a company called TMRG, Inc. that’s often installed on your computer without your permission. This is likely to happen when you download some free software from the Internet. The installation program often hides the option to install additional software so behind the scenes it installs this malware. Many anti-malware programs consider RelevantKnowledge an adware or spyware, but sometimes it’s undetected and is installed on your computer.

Once installed, you will see this icon  in your taskbar on your Windows computer. If you are curious and double-click on it, you just joined their online marketing research network and agreed to have your Internet behavior monitored. Some will call this software an adware, but it’s actually a spyware under the disguise of market research organization. Because you joined their network, it can start offering different kinds of software to you, try to get you into signing up for sweepstakes (which means you have to provide your personal information), and other things that you don’t need.

Notice what the company claims:

“In exchange for the benefits that you receive as a member for our online community, you agree to have your Internet browsing and purchasing activity monitored and used solely for market research purposes. RelevenatKnowledge commits that we DO NOT sell your personal information or deliver any advertisements to you as a result of your membership in our online research community.”

Yes, they don’t just monitor which Web sites you visit, they also monitor your purchasing activity. The spyware can add tracking cookies, browser add-ons and other junk software on your computer. According to 2-spyware.com:

“Initially, relevant knowledge virus can activate tracking cookies and pixels. These small spying tools allow third-parties to monitor people’s web browsing activities and collect information, such as IP address, email address, approximate geographical location, user’s name, and so on. Usually, the Search Data is transferred to Google Analytics. However, it may also be sold on the black market and used for shady activities, such as malspam campaigns.”

Getting Rid of RelevantKnowledge Malware

Don’t just right-click the icon for RelvantKnowledge in the taskbar and click Remove Icon because it won’t remove the actual program. You need to remove this software completely from your computer.

Here’s how you can get rid of this malware.

1. In Windows 10 search box type control panel and click Uninstall a program.
   
2. Right-click RelvantKnowledge and select Uninstall/Change.
3. You may see this fake Internet Explorer window. Another sign that the purpose of this software is deception. This is not an Internet Explorer window and you can’t maximize or adjust the size of the browser window. It’s a fake window. Don’t click anywhere inside the window. Click the X in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
   
4. It’s quite possible that this malware has been on your computer for several days and you just discovered it today. Look at the other programs installed in Control Panel and make sure you recognize them. If you don’t, they may be malware and need to be removed. If you are unsure, it’s best to ask a knowledgeable professional before removing them from your computer.

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