FF Protect AntiVir scam targets Firefox users

FF Protect AntiVir is a malicious add-on which is compatible with Mozilla Firefox only. This extension is very similar to FF Guarded Searching: both of them use aggressive infiltration methods and hijacks web browser without leaving a chance to get rid of them easily.
FF Protect AntiVir virus has features of the adware program; however, it might operate as a browser hijacker too. It spreads via malicious website protectantivirext.biz that asks users to install this Firefox add-on. Usually, users get redirected to this shady website when they are visiting high-risk sites, such as gaming, adult-themed or similar.
The problem is that FF Protect AntiVir malware can prevent users from closing the malicious website. The trick is that users who are unable to close browser’s tab might think that installation of the add-on is the only way to surf the web again.
In this case, users should open Windows Task Manager (by hitting Ctrl + Alt + Del keys) and kill every active “Firefox.exe” process. This will force Firefox to shut down. Then, users are advised to stay away from the site that redirected to visit this malicious domain.
However, after FF Protect AntiVir hijack, users soon will have to deal with these problems:
- an increased amount of ads, pop-ups or similar advertisements;
- redirects to third-party websites;
- inability to access Firefox add-ons;
- data tracking.
The FF Protect AntiVir is designed to stop users from accessing the list of add-ons. Therefore, its removal seems complicated.[1] However, users can run Mozilla Firefox in Safe Mode and uninstall this malicious extension or reset the browser.
Taking immediate action with FF Protect AntiVir removal is recommended because this potentially unwanted program (PUP) can gain control over the browser. As a result, users might also find changed homepage, search engine or installed questionable toolbars.
However, one of the most serious aspects of its operation is that malicious extension might be capable of collecting various information about users. The problem is that you cannot be sure whether it can steal sensitive data or not. Thus, you should not risk and remove FF Protect AntiVir with FortectIntego or manually.

Aggressive distribution method
While you browse through questionable or potentially dangerous websites, you might be redirected to more suspicious site any minute. It might happen when you click “Play” button, a link or other content. Security specialists from virukset.fi[2] note that some nasty websites can trigger these redirects automatically.
When some website forces a user to visit protectantivirext.biz site, it runs a malicious JavaScript code which delivers pop-ups asking to install FF Protect AntiVir. This Internet site might prevent from closing browser’s tab or Firefox. However, we have already told you that you should bypass this trickery by forcing Mozilla to shut down via Windows Task Manager.
However, clicking other buttons provided in the installation prompts, such as “Add” or “Cancel” might lead to the installation of the add-on. Thus, you should not click any content provided on this shady site.
FF Protect AntiVir removal instructions
If you were forced to install this malicious Firefox add-on, you have to clean your PC immediately. The easiest way to remove FF Protect AntiVir is to employ a professional anti-malware/anti-spyware tool and let it eliminate this cyber threat.
However, if you prefer manual FF Protect AntiVir removal, you will need to take additional steps. This add-on disables access to about:addons – a directory where all Firefox extensions are located. In order to access them, you have to run the browser in Safe Mode:
- From the Firefox menu, navigate to Help.
- Here click Restart with Add-ons Disabled… entry.
- In the appeared Firefox Safe Mode prompt, click Start in Safe Mode button.
- When in Safe Mode, navigate to Firefox extensions and remove FF Protect AntiVir or other malicious add-ons.
Additionally, you can refresh the browser[3] in order to make sure that all tracking cookies or other technologies were deleted. We also recommend checking Windows or Mac OS for other potentially unwanted applications that may have been brought by this malware. The guide below will help you.
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.

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