Image Downloader loads users with ads

Image Downloader virus functions as a browser extension available on Google Chrome web store. Elaborating on its pros and cons, there are no advantages to mention, as a matter of fact, this add-on functions as adware.
After taking a closer look, one can make a full list of drawbacks this domain possesses. First of all, the very domain name which redirects users to Chrome web store bears an unclear name – sunnyextdev.com. It does not denote Image Downloader browser plug-in in any way.
Surprisingly, it has HTTP protocol. Nonetheless, it provides no terms of use or privacy policy or credentials about the developer. The absence of these documents is already one of the viable reasons to remove Image Downloader from the computer. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes accelerates the elimination process.
Secondly, after you enable the extension, it loads adware scripts. At first, you may not notice any unusual behavior. For example, if you visit a news portal, the adware will foist in its active links. Clicking them launches Not set ads.
Alternatively, it redirects users through multiple fishy URL domain names before landing them to the final site which also happens to be sponsored domain.
What is more, this PUP add-on has a direct relation with the following adware sites[1]:
- Cdnswf.xyz
- a.pnamic.com/
- googleapis.com(…)
The first domain manifests the link to Nginx adware[2]. The latter has gained notorious popularity by rooting in users’ browser and redirecting websites to unwanted sites.
At the moment, neither of the adware domains bear real viruses. However, no adware should reside on a system. The mentioned sites might become havens for real malware.
Regarding the latest news about surfacing miners disguised as browser add-ons[3] and Google Play store apps, Image Downloader Chrome extension might serve for the misdeeds of miners’ developers.
This extension only confirms suspicions, that similar image downloaders and download accelerators often happen to be useless if not compromised with adware or malware.
No extension or app is required to boost up your PC performance. Loading your browser with ample of questionable add-ons only makes it more vulnerable to virtual assaults. Once you detect Image Downloader redirect, cancel the pop-up tabs before they load. In short, there is no advantage in this extension. Perform Image Downloader extension virus removal right away.
Adware promotion ways
Though the add-on has been reported already, it is still available on Chrome web store. If you are looking for a new app assistant, you were likely to get redirected there. Alternatively, regarding the shady name of its main domain, the PUP might be promoted in sponsored sites.
You might get redirected to this site after you click on Ads by Not set, and Outbrain pop-ups. Therefore, be vigilant what you download. Develop a habit opting for “Advanced’ installation mode rather than “Recommended.”
Get rid of Image Downloader
In order to remove Image Downloader virus permanently, eliminate the extension from the browse. Later on, you will need to eliminate its web scripts. Below, manual Image Downloader removal guidelines illustrate how to reset a browser to eliminate web objects.
It is also recommended to scan the browser with malware elimination tool. It will help remove Image Downloader virus faster. On the final note, Chinese[4] uses should be wary of this extension before it gets removed from Google Play store.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.

- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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 Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (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 Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.

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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

Was this guide helpful?
Be the first to comment