Brave Sentry (Removal Guide) - Tutorial
Brave Sentry Removal Guide
What is Brave Sentry?
Brave Sentry works as scareware in order to sell program’s license
Brave Sentry is a fake anti-spyware that has been known for security experts since 2005. The main purpose of the program is to scare people[1] that their computers have been infected and they need to obtain the license to clean their PCs.
BraveSentry might be spread in freeware packages and might be installed to the system silently. Once inside, it starts delivering fake alerts warning about detected computer viruses.[2] Our team has tested the program on clean computers that have never been infected with any cyber threats. However, the application managed to find some malicious components that might cause security or privacy issues.
| Name | BraveSentry |
| Type | Rogue antispyware |
| Distribution | Fake online scanners, already installed Trojans, etc. |
| Operation | Shows false positives in order to trick people into buying its full license |
| Removal | Follow the guide we provide below or perform a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner |
| System fix | If you PC starts working poorly after you get rid of the fake security program, you can use FortectIntego to fix possibly damaged system files |
The analysis of the program revealed that this fake security tool is the same as SpySheriff, SpywareNo!, SpyDemolisher, Spyware-Stop, and Pest Trap. All these programs not only share a similar user interface but also has the same spyware, Trojan, adware, and other viruses database. The comparison of these tools also revealed that they produce similar scan results on different devices.
Other negative features of the Brave Sentry virus:
- Changed desktop picture with alert about detected “Spyware infection” that resembles a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD);
- Inability to access Internet due to blocked web browsers;
- Prevents from System Restore by disabling restore points;
- Disabled legit anti-virus or anti-malware installed on the computer to block its removal;
- Disabled taskmgr and regedit tools;
Even though the program is hard to find to download manually, users are advised to be careful with freeware downloads. If you have accidentally installed the program, it’s important to get rid of it immediately. Due to the complex functionality, it might not be easy to remove Brave Sentry. However, security tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner might help to get rid of it.
It is also important to note that cleaning web browsers is just as important. Therefore, either follow the instructions below or use FortectIntego to automatically clean web data and cookies.
Scareware might be spread via P2P networks, torrents, and other file sharing sources
Brave Sentry was available on the official website bravesentry.com from 2005 and 2008. However, the website is inactive for a long time. However, the program has also been spread on typosquatted sites or malicious sites that ask to install software in order to leave the page.
Additionally, various file-sharing sites might still offer to download this useless application. Security experts also warn that rough anti-spyware might also be advertised in software bundles. Thus, you should be careful when installing freeware or shareware.
Security experts from No Virus[3] remind always to opt for Advanced/Custom settings and follow each of the steps carefully. Once you the list of “optional downloads,” unmark the ticks to reject installation of SpySheriff or other suspicious programs.
Remove fake security programs from your PC
It might be hard to remove Brave Sentry because the application might make various changes to the system. Thus, you may not be able to simply uninstall it from the Control Panel. The program might re-install itself once you reboot the PC.
However, users can uninstall it with legit and reputable malware removal software. As we have mentioned at the beginning, the application might block security programs. Thus, you have to reboot the PC to Safe Mode with Networking:
- Restart the computer.
- Once you the beep sound during the startup, press F8 (you have to do it before Windows icon appears).
In the appeared menu choose the first option which allows starting and running Windows in Safe Mode. - Log in to your account.
- Install and update legit security software and run automatic Brave Sentry removal with the help of it. Also, it is important to clear your web browsers as explained below.
Getting rid of Brave Sentry. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Brave Sentry and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting rogue antispyware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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