Webpage Text Reader is a browser plugin created by crooks to generate revenue
Webpage Text Reader is a bogus browser extension promoted by crooks using shady methods. It is supposed to be an application that reads any text users select on websites. Instead, it has adware[1] capabilities. It can cause an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects.
Such plugins are created to generate revenue through pay-per-click advertising.[2] Every time people click on a link embedded in the ad, crooks get paid. Unfortunately, they may use rogue advertising networks that place ads leading to dangerous websites.
Users can end up on scam pages that try to lure out personal information or trick them into downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[3] and even malware. People usually report seeing ads promoting fake antivirus offers, software deals, giveaways, and surveys.
| NAME | Webpage Text Reader |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; adware |
| SYMPTOMS | The extension starts generating intrusive advertisements and may change the main settings |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites; deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | The ads may lead to dangerous websites controlled by crooks |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension through browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to clear your browsers and fix any remaining damage |
Distribution methods
Many fraudsters use social engineering[4] techniques to spread their applications. Webpage Text Reader adware was found to be distributed through a deceptive site that tries to convince people they need to update their Chrome browser to proceed further. When users click on the “Download Chrome Update…” button, the dubious add-on gets installed in the browser.
This is exactly how most people get infected with adware – through fake downloader pages. We urge you to be careful when browsing the web. Only download apps from official web stores and developer websites. However, you should still do your research – read the reviews, look at the ratings, and the number of users.
Only visit websites that you know and trust. Do not download updates for your software through third-party websites. Go to your program directly, and find the option to update there. You should also avoid clicking on random links and ads even if they seem to be promoting legitimate products and services.
Freeware platforms
Although it may be surprising you can also get infected with adware by using freeware distribution platforms. They include additional programs in the installers without disclosing it clearly. We recommend paying close attention during the installation process.
Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, and read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use to find out more information about how the app operates. The most important step is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated applications
Remove Webpage Text Reader adware
Webpage Text Reader adware is most likely attached as an extension to your browser that causes push notification spam, banners, surveys, redirects, and other commercial content. You should go to your browser settings and look at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
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.
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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Protect your privacy
Websites, web-based applications, and programs can use cookies to track your activity. These small data files can store information like your IP address, geolocation, websites you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online. This raises many user privacy and security concerns as this data can be sold to advertising networks or other third parties.
We recommend having a maintenance tool like FortectIntego that can clear your browsers automatically. It can eliminate cookies and cache, and stop the tracking process. This powerful software can also fix various system errors, corrupted files, and registry issues which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
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