FF Protect AntiVir (Removal Guide) - Virus Removal Instructions
FF Protect AntiVir Removal Guide
What is FF Protect AntiVir?
FF Protect AntiVir scam targets Firefox users
FF Protect AntiVir is a malicious add-on which is compatible with Mozilla Firefox only. This extension is very similar to FF Guarded Searching: both of them use aggressive infiltration methods and hijacks web browser without leaving a chance to get rid of them easily.
FF Protect AntiVir virus has features of the adware program; however, it might operate as a browser hijacker too. It spreads via malicious website protectantivirext.biz that asks users to install this Firefox add-on. Usually, users get redirected to this shady website when they are visiting high-risk sites, such as gaming, adult-themed or similar.
The problem is that FF Protect AntiVir malware can prevent users from closing the malicious website. The trick is that users who are unable to close browser’s tab might think that installation of the add-on is the only way to surf the web again.
In this case, users should open Windows Task Manager (by hitting Ctrl + Alt + Del keys) and kill every active “Firefox.exe” process. This will force Firefox to shut down. Then, users are advised to stay away from the site that redirected to visit this malicious domain.
However, after FF Protect AntiVir hijack, users soon will have to deal with these problems:
- an increased amount of ads, pop-ups or similar advertisements;
- redirects to third-party websites;
- inability to access Firefox add-ons;
- data tracking.
The FF Protect AntiVir is designed to stop users from accessing the list of add-ons. Therefore, its removal seems complicated.[1] However, users can run Mozilla Firefox in Safe Mode and uninstall this malicious extension or reset the browser.
Taking immediate action with FF Protect AntiVir removal is recommended because this potentially unwanted program (PUP) can gain control over the browser. As a result, users might also find changed homepage, search engine or installed questionable toolbars.
However, one of the most serious aspects of its operation is that malicious extension might be capable of collecting various information about users. The problem is that you cannot be sure whether it can steal sensitive data or not. Thus, you should not risk and remove FF Protect AntiVir with FortectIntego or manually.
FF Protect AntiVir is a malicious Mozilla Firefox add-on that uses aggressive methods to trick users into installing it.
Aggressive distribution method
While you browse through questionable or potentially dangerous websites, you might be redirected to more suspicious site any minute. It might happen when you click “Play” button, a link or other content. Security specialists from virukset.fi[2] note that some nasty websites can trigger these redirects automatically.
When some website forces a user to visit protectantivirext.biz site, it runs a malicious JavaScript code which delivers pop-ups asking to install FF Protect AntiVir. This Internet site might prevent from closing browser’s tab or Firefox. However, we have already told you that you should bypass this trickery by forcing Mozilla to shut down via Windows Task Manager.
However, clicking other buttons provided in the installation prompts, such as “Add” or “Cancel” might lead to the installation of the add-on. Thus, you should not click any content provided on this shady site.
FF Protect AntiVir removal instructions
If you were forced to install this malicious Firefox add-on, you have to clean your PC immediately. The easiest way to remove FF Protect AntiVir is to employ a professional anti-malware/anti-spyware tool and let it eliminate this cyber threat.
However, if you prefer manual FF Protect AntiVir removal, you will need to take additional steps. This add-on disables access to about:addons – a directory where all Firefox extensions are located. In order to access them, you have to run the browser in Safe Mode:
- From the Firefox menu, navigate to Help.
- Here click Restart with Add-ons Disabled… entry.
- In the appeared Firefox Safe Mode prompt, click Start in Safe Mode button.
- When in Safe Mode, navigate to Firefox extensions and remove FF Protect AntiVir or other malicious add-ons.
Additionally, you can refresh the browser[3] in order to make sure that all tracking cookies or other technologies were deleted. We also recommend checking Windows or Mac OS for other potentially unwanted applications that may have been brought by this malware. The guide below will help you.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of FF Protect AntiVir. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
We highly recommend following the instructions below in order to make sure that any suspicious components where not installed to your Windows OS. Then, fix Mozilla Firefox after the FF Protect AntiVir hijack.
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
These guidelines will show you how to get rid of adware-related entries from Mac OS X. Then, remove suspicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox and reset the browser.
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.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
FF Protect AntiVir uninstallation should start with running the browser in Safe Mode. It will allow accessing Firefox extension and removing malicious entries. For that, you have to:
- Open Firefox and access its menu.
- Go to Help.
- Click on Restart with Add-ons Disabled… optoin.
- Click Start in Safe Mode option in the appeared prompt.
Furhtermore, remove suspicious add-ons and reset Firefox as explained below:
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of FF Protect AntiVir registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Paul Lilly. These Malicious Google Chrome And Firefox Extensions Are Near Impossible To Manually Remove. HotHardware. Computers, technology, gadget news and reviews .
- ^ Virukset. Virukset. Finish cyber security news and reports.
- ^ How to Restore Firefox Settings. WikiHow. How to do anything.