Apusx browser hijacker might cause unwanted changes on web browsers
Apusx is a browser hijacker[1] that is capable of altering browser’s settings installed on any Windows computer. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) might infiltrate computer’s unnoticed, alter browser’s settings, change its startup page and display aggressive or questionable ads.
When Apusx virus gets into the system (usually with the help of free program installers), it alters browser’s settings, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or other browsers that are supported by Windows OS.
Typically, the hijacker sets Apusx.com as browser’s startup page. Researchers detected two versions of this website. One of them displays Windows Server webpage which provides Internet Information Services. Clicking on “Welcome” icon redirects to Microsoft IIS website.
The second version of the apusx.com is a suspicious search engine which is called a “Dreamer” and promoted as a “new way to explore the world.” However, security specialists do not recommend trusting and using this Google-based search engine because it might trick you into visiting potentially dangerous websites.
Apusx.com virus might trigger unwanted redirects when you click on a specific link on the results page. Instead of redirecting you to the needed site, you might end up on a commercial third-party site. However, specialists from the bedynet.ru[2] report about highly suspicious Apusx redirect tendencies when users are rerouted to phishing sites where they can lose personal information or money.
Additionally, the appearance of the browser hijacker might increase the risk of infiltration of other malware. Apusx might also display ads that might contain misleading or malicious content. Thus, it’s highly recommended staying away from them and taking necessary measures for the hijacker’s removal.
To sum up, Apusx might cause these problems on the affected computer:
- alteration of homepage or default search engine;
- installation of unknown browser add-ons or extensions without asking user’s permissions;
- modification of Windows registry and browser’s settings in order to prevent users from reverting all the changes;
- diminished browsing experienced due to the delivery of ads and redirects;
- the general sluggishness of the computer due to the above-mentioned activities or data tracking.
In order to remove Apusx and change your homepage, you should perform a full system scan with a professional and updated anti-malware software. Tools like FortectIntego can easily locate all hijacker-related entries and wipe out this cyber threat within a couple of minutes.
However, if you can also opt for the manual Apusx removal. However, we want to warn that many users encountered difficulties with this method due to hijackers complexity. Though, we cannot stop you from trying to do it. Thus, we have provided detailed guidelines at the end of the article in order to help you.
Software bundling – the major hijacker’s distribution method
This potentially unwanted application spreads with the help of many programs that are available to download for free on various websites or P2P networks. The majority of users make the major mistake when installing freeware, so they are potential targets of the Apusx hijack or installation of other unwanted apps.[3]
The problem is that users employ “Recommended” or “Quick” installation settings that do not disclose about third-party applications that might be included in the software packages. However, using “Custom” or “Advanced” settings help to avoid this mistake.
When using “Advanced” installer, you have to unmark all pre-selected applications that are offered to download along with the primary program. It doesn’t matter they promise to improve your browsing life or to optimize your PC, most of the time it’s not true.
Remove Apusx.com and get back access to your web browser
In the first part of the article, we have mentioned two possible Apusx removal methods. One of them is automatic which requires just scanning the device with reputable anti-malware software. However, we recommend resetting the browser too to delete tracking cookies or other invisible components.
Another way to remove Apusx.com allows looking for hijacker-related components manually. We have provided detailed instructions that will help you to succeed with the removal. However, if you fail and hijacker comes back, please switch to the automatic elimination.
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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