Audio Player Plus is a bogus browser extension that causes pop-up spam and redirects
Audio Player Plus is a shady browser extension that acts as adware,[1] resulting in an overabundance of commercial content such as pop-ups, banners, and redirects. While marketed as a tool for listening to any audio format, it has no practical application. These pop-ups may appear even when the browser is not open.
The primary goal of such apps is to generate revenue from pay-per-click advertising, and they may use rogue advertising networks[2] that redirect users to malicious websites. Clicking on links in these ads can take users to pages that try to steal personal information or trick them into downloading potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or malware.
Ads for bogus antivirus software, software deals, adult websites, surveys, giveaways, and dubious dating platforms are common. If other people, particularly children, use the affected device, the bogus extension must be removed immediately.
| NAME | Audio Player Plus |
| 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 who try to take advantage of less IT-savvy users |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension through browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to clear your browsers and fix any remaining damage |
Distribution methods
The PUP was discovered to have a “official” promotional website, which crooks use to tout its fictitious features and distribute it online. The phony Audio Player Plus extension was also discovered on dubious download pages distributed by websites engaged in illegal activities. Despite Google's assurance that it will eliminate fake “Download” and “Play” buttons, these sites are riddled with misleading advertisements and hidden redirects.
Fraudulent “Downloader” sites frequently use social engineering[3] techniques to their advantage, such as displaying messages requesting the installation of a browser extension in order to “continue to the website” or for security reasons. The installation of plugins or programs should never be required to access content on a legitimate website.
To install extensions, we recommend only using official web stores and developer websites. Applications that are listed on digital marketplaces are subjected to a rigorous review process. Nonetheless, research must be conducted by reading reviews, examining ratings, and determining the number of users.
Freeware installations
Adware is frequently distributed via freeware platforms, which include additional programs in their installers without the user's knowledge. Because most people skip the installation process, they may be unaware of the presence of these supplementary files. While purchasing software licenses can be expensive, keeping a system running smoothly can save money in the long run.
To determine how data will be used, choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods and thoroughly read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The most important step is to go through the file list and uncheck any unrelated applications by unchecking the corresponding boxes.
Remove Audio Player Plus adware
Audio Player Plus adware is typically attached to your browser as an extension, leading to push notification spam, surveys, banners, redirects, and other commercial content. It is advisable to access your browser settings and view the list of extensions. We suggest removing plugins individually to assess any alterations.
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 online activity, storing information such as your IP address, geolocation, visited websites, clicked links, and online purchases. This raises serious concerns about user privacy and security, as this information could be sold to advertising networks or other third parties.
To stop the tracking process, use a maintenance tool like FortectIntego, which can automatically clear your browser, deleting cookies and cache. This powerful software can also repair a wide range of system errors, corrupted files, and registry issues, which is especially useful after a virus infection.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If the unwanted symptoms persist despite the completion of all previous steps, it is recommended that you inspect your system for any additional PUAs. It is recommended to use anti-malware tools such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, which can scan your device, remove the PUA, and provide warnings before any future PUPs can make changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs may result in the infection reappearing because users may overlook related files and entries. Furthermore, perpetrators may disguise these programs as “useful” tools, making identification more difficult. If you prefer manual removal, we have instructions for both Windows and Mac computers.
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.
Did this guide help?
Be the first to comment