WebSecurerr Browser Protection – an extension that claims to protect users from malicious sites but inserts intrusive ads
WebSecurerr Browser Protection is a potentially unwanted program that can be downloaded for Google Chrome or other browsers. According to its developer, the app is meant to protect users from visiting malicious websites that spread Trojans, viruses, or other malware, and possesses a real-time protection feature that would protect them from these threats. However, the add-on has plenty of browser-hijacking[1] features that users were dissatisfied about.
As soon as WebSecurerr Browser Protection is installed, it changes the web browser's new tab and homepage functionality and sets it to searchsecurer.com. While this might not be apparent straight away, users will visually see changes as soon as they perform their first search, as they will be redirected to Yahoo instead of a regular provider, such as Google.com. Besides, these search results are filled with sponsored links, which might mislead people into buying apps or products that are of questionable quality or origin.
| Name | WebSecurerr Browser Protection |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted application |
| Distribution | Software bundles downloaded from third-party websites, deceptive and persistent ads |
| Symptoms | Unknown extension installed on the web browser; all searches are redirected to search.yahoo.com; search results are littered with sponsored links and ads; unwanted ads and popups show up during the web browsing |
| Risks | Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, privacy risks, financial losses |
| Removal | You can get rid of PUPs automatically by scanning your machine with anti-malware or using manual removal guide below |
| Optional steps | Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software |
While most browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs are typically installed via software bundling, WebSecurerr Browser Protection hijack might occur due to completely different reasons. Many users claimed that they downloaded the extension after being nagged by an intrusive ad that would not go away. After the installation, people are then subjected to even more advertisements occurring on various visited websites.
Initially, ad-blockers and security extensions are useful, as they can prevent users from being exposed to scams, phishing, spoofing, and similar site visits. However, there have plenty of so-called ad-blockers that instead bring their own set of ads, initially defining the tool's purpose. Good examples of rogue tools include:
There are plenty of similar functionality apps that do not have rogue qualities, such as the insertion of ads. For this reason, experts[2] highly recommend performing WebSecurerr Browser Protection removal and replacing it with a more trustworthy application.
Besides failing to perform functions it was designed for, the app also collects various data related to technical details of the device, web browsing activities, and cookies. The app developers attempt to lie about this practice, however, as the Privacy Policy link is simply broken, although the statement on the Chrome Store app description claims the following:[3]
This Chrome extension blocks dangerous websites that distribute malware, spyware, viruses, trojans and prevents phishing attacks. WebSecurerr does not collect your browsing history or private data.
We could access Terms and Conditions during our research, which indeed described that data gathering practice is taking place. It is a very common routine of most potentially unwanted applications, as harvested information can be used for targeted advertising and then shared with third-parties for more profits.
To conclude, you should remove WebSecurerr Browser Protection from your web browser, as it provides a false sense of security with its promised features. While there are plenty of extensions that could be useful to protect you from phishing and other malicious sites, you should install an anti-malware application such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes that could provide comprehensive protection.
To uninstall this PUP, all you have to do is access the settings section of your web browser – if you never had to deal with this process before, we provide a thorough guide below. We also strongly advise performing a full system scan with anti-malware, clearing browser cookies, and fixing any potential damage caused to a system with repair tools such as FortectIntego.
Do not install suspicious apps from various sites – they might hijack your browser
There are thousands of applications that can be used to modify the web browsing experience and time online. Unfortunately, there is also plenty of freeware negatives of which outweigh the positives and might even compromise several aspects of online browsing. As previously mentioned, fake ad-blockers/anti-virus add-ons belong to this group of apps, as they provide a false sense of security. Note that these extensions would never replace a high-end security software installed on a computer and might result in malware infiltration instead.
Therefore, it is vital to pick such programs carefully. To do that, all you have to do is check user reviews online, as well as blog posts and other informative websites – this could serve as a great indication whether an app has some hidden features, such as data mining or ad injection features.
Another popular way to distribute PUPs is via software bundling. This technique is used by most freeware websites, where several components are injected into a single installer. Users are then deliberately not shown which apps are about to be installed (this is very common when Recommended/Quick settings are picked), so installation happens behind their backs.
To avoid this, always pay close attention to the installation process, never skip through steps, delete all the ticks from checkboxes, read the fine print, decline all the offers, and, most importantly, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings when prompted.
Replace WebSecurerr Browser Protection with secure alternatives
WebSecurerr Browser Protection removal is not only beneficial to return your browser settings back to normal, but it will also ensure that you would also avoid unnecessary ads the app is meant to protect you from. There are plenty of browser add-ons with similar functionality that does not engage in suspicious behaviors, such as this one does.
To remove WebSecurerr Browser Protection from your machine, you should access your browser's settings and eliminate the extension for good. If you have never previously uninstalled an extension, you can follow the step-by-step guide we provide below. It also explains how to clean the browsers from cookies and web data to ensure that no tracking occurs after the uninstallation process.
It is also important to note that many users installed the app after being fed the ad. This is an unusual browser behavior and is likely to be caused by an already installed adware application. Thus, you should check all the installed programs and uninstall everything you don't recognize. This job can also be done by robust security programs automatically.
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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