Buyers Assistant browser extension (Free Instructions)
Buyers Assistant browser extension Removal Guide
What is Buyers Assistant browser extension?
Buyers Assistant is a potentially unwanted browser extension that shows intrusive ads
Buyers Assistant is presented as an extension for Google Chrome or another compatible browser that is capable of providing aid to users who are willing to shop online by providing discounts and offers. However, the app is considered to be a potentially unwanted program and adware due to various reasons related to its distribution and operation.
Users might install the app intentionally, believing that its functionality might be particularly useful. However, many people also found the Buyers Assistant extension installed on their browsers seemingly out of nowhere. This can be easily explained by the distribution techniques it uses – software bundling being among the most common ones. Alternatively, fake updates for common software like Flash might also be used in some cases.
As soon as the extension is installed, it implements its own settings within the browser, as it asks for special permissions:
It can: read and change all your data on all websites
This permission would allow Buyers Assistant to read and change certain page elements on every visited website. Research shows that, after its infiltration, users were subjected to various pop-ups, banners, in-text, and other intrusive ads, displayed as a virtual layer on the browser. To make matters worse, some of these ads might also incorporate inaccurate and potentially dangerous content; hence we don't recommend interacting with it.
In order to get rid of these annoying ads, you would have to remove the extension that causes them to be shown. We also advise checking the system for other infections and then cleaning web browsers for best results.
| Name | Buyers Assistant |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware |
| Alleged functionality | Provides various promotional offers to help with online shopping |
| Distribution | Software bundles, third-party websites, deceptive ads, fake Flash Player updates |
| Symptoms | Installed unknown browser extension or application; intrusive deals, coupons, discounts, offers, and other advertisements; possible homepage and new tab address changes; redirects to ad-filled, scam, phishing, and other dangerous websites |
| Dangers | Ads might include links to potentially dangerous or even malicious websites, resulting in malware infection, personal information disclosure, or financial losses |
| Removal | To remove the unwanted browser extension, you should access your browser's settings section. Checking the system with FortectIntego security software can also ensure that there is no adware or malware running in the background |
| Other tips | Malware or adware infections can diminish the performance of your computer or cause serious stability issues. Use FortectIntego to remediate your device and ensure that the virus damage is fixed |
How does adware spread?
Despite popular belief, potentially unwanted programs do not self-install on the computer, unlike dangerous threats such as Trojans or ransomware.[1] Instead, the distributors choose a method that has proven to be extremely reliable – software bundling. Generally, the practice is not considered malicious, although incorrect implementation of it can make it very misleading, making users install programs they otherwise wouldn't.
There are many websites that specialize in the distribution of freeware and shareware – Softonic, File Hippo, Cnet, among others. It is not a secret that many users rush to download software for free as they search for some sort of function, such as video editing or ad-blocking.
Unfortunately, some of these programs have an unfortunate side-effect of displaying ads; likewise, almost all third-party websites bundle software, so people might end up installing potentially unwanted applications without having an intention to do so. This also explains the mysterious appearance of Buyers Assistant or similar PUPs.
Thus, when dealing with such websites, you should always be aware that you are at risk of installing optional components and, in order to avoid that, you should pay very close attention to the installation process of new apps. First of all, try to read up about unknown apps online before installing them – feedback is very important.
During the installation process of freeware, always choose the Advanced instead of Recommended option if such is provided – it would allow you to stay more in control of the whole process. Also, watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print, misleading button placements, and sneaky offers when going through the installation steps.
Uninstall the browser extension
The first step to get rid of the annoying redirects, ads, and other disruptive browser behavior is to uninstall the related extension. Usually, it is not a difficult process for users to execute, although if you have not done this before, then refer to the instructions below.
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.
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 the unwanted plugin and click Remove.
MS Edge
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
MS Edge (legacy)
- 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.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
After you get rid of programs installed on your browser or system (along with the Buyers Assistant virus), you should also ensure that stealthy malware is also removed. Cybercriminals use various obfuscation[2] methods to increase the persistence of malicious programs. Malware presence can increase the risk of additional infections and can harvest even the most sensitive data over time (for example, the key-logging function might be able to record all the keystrokes users make).
The most important thing about this is that dangerous programs usually do not show signs or symptoms, as they are programmed to be stealthy – not to have active windows or be presented in the installed programs list. Therefore, it is absolutely vital you scan your device with powerful anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, and remove all the malicious software found on your system at once.
Remove cookies and other leftover files
When you browse the web, the browser compiles many small files that are kept locally on your computer. Likewise, adware also employs various browser components to contribute to its operations. These trackers can remain on the system for years if not removed, all while continuing their operation and transmitting data to third parties.
Regardless of whether you used anti-malware software or uninstalled the unwanted app manually, it is vital you would remove browser caches, cookies,[3] and other data. By doing so, you would prevent data tracking and improve your overall security and privacy. If you want a quicker solution, we recommend using FortectIntego – this repair and maintenance tool can clean the browsers for you and fix computer issues that could arise after malware removal.
Google 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.
Mozilla Firefox
- Click Menu and pick Options.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content, and press Clear.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
MS Edge (legacy)
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Safari
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Below you can find the instructions to check the installed programs on your system. If you are not entirely sure which programs should and shouldn't be installed on your device, skip these steps and rely on security software to remove malicious software for you.
Getting rid of Buyers Assistant browser extension. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- 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.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- 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.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- 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.
How to prevent from getting adware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Ransomware. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Dan Virgillito. What is Malware Obfuscation?. Security Boulevard. Security Bloggers Network.
- ^ What are cookies? | Cookies definition. Cloudflare. The Web Performance & Security Company.