Remove Mapseasy.net virus (Removal Instructions)

Mapseasy.net – a browser hijacker that changes new tab settings

Mapseasy.net browser hijacker

Mapseasy.net is a browser hijacker that users can obtain on the official website. However, in most cases, the dubious app spreads with the help of software bundling – a marketing technique that does not adequately disclose optional components within installers. The browser plugin attracts users by promoting easy access and usage of maps and satellite images, as well as informs about weather changes.

However, this potentially unwanted program causes several side effects. It modifies Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari startup page, and new tab settings. That promotes sponsored content via advertisements and phony search results well as redirection to potentially dangerous sites.

Summary
Name	Mapseasy.net
Type	Browser hijacker
Browser extension	MapsEasy New Tab
Developer	AVSoftware
Distribution	Official sites, software bundling
Symptoms	Altered browser settings, increased amount of ads and sponsored links
Main dangers	Possible malware infection and data leakage
Elimination	Manual removal guides are listed below, although we recommend eliminating all threat automatically by scanning the affected device with reliable AV tools
System repair	Fix any system-related errors by using the time-proven Fortect Intego system diagnostics tool

The very first infection symptom is the increased amount of advertisements. The purpose of such PUP behavior is to boost revenue for AVSoftware by using a pay-per-click scheme. Additionally, all the search results are redirected to a trusted Bing site.

While it is a legitimate search engine, it can be covered in sponsored ads when users are redirected to it from affiliated websites. This might hinder the possibility for users to find relevant information on the internet and slow down their browsers.

Though the Mapseasy.net add-on disclaims of sharing your personal details with third-parties^[1], the privacy policy mentions that AVSoftware, the owner of this tool, may transmit your personal information to partner companies in case of a business merger:

In the event that AVSoftware goes through a business transition, such as a merger, acquisition by another company, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, Personal Information will likely be among the assets transferred. AVSoftware will post a notice on this website of any such change in ownership or control of the Personal Information AVSoftware may have prior to such transfer.

Moreover, before you enable this add-on, it notifies you that you agree for this tool to read and change all your data on the websites you visit, browsing history, manage your downloads, as well as apps, extensions, and themes. Such customization of the browser triggers suspicion.

Indeed, the Mapseasy.net search engine is less troublesome than aggressive browser hijackers or more questionable adware. However, there are ambiguities in its privacy policy. It assures that the application does not function as spyware, i.e., it does not record strokes or embed malignant objects into the browser.

The screenshot of mapseasy.net

Nonetheless, the following provisions state that the app may use the collected information about user's browsing habits and share it with “internal and external clients”^[2]. It may also misuse the data for statistical and advertising purposes.

Due to such activity, you may notice commercial offers more relevant to you^[3]. Note that you may occasionally experience Mapseasy.net redirect phenomenon. In other words, you may get misled to a sponsored domain. Due to such a tendency, you may be accidentally redirected to a poorly protected website.

You can remove it manually with the help of our free instructions provided at the bottom of the article. After you do that, we still recommend scanning your device with Malwarebytes Malwarebytes, SpyHunter Combo Cleaner, or other reliable anti-malware software to make sure no unwelcome guests are present. And lastly, system diagnostics with the Fortect Intego or similar software is in order to clean tracking cookies and resolve system-related errors.

Distribution techniques of unwanted programs

It is commendable that this add-on owns its official website. Additionally, it may be promoted as an optional download attachment when you download video or audio editors or file converters. Users make a fatal mistake when they install new applications and opt for Recommended settings.

It is not surprising, however, because the meaning lies within the setting name itself. Unfortunately, it is a trick used by software authors to make users skip vital steps during the installation process. In order to be aware of what optional tools might be installed along with a primary application, choose Custom settings.

This mode will reveal optional components, and you will be able to eliminate them before they get into your machine. Before enabling a new feature or application, you might also check other users’ reviews or see if we haven't written about it on our site.

Mapseasy.net PUP

Mapseasy.net removal guidelines

If you are looking for a fast solution, you may opt for an automatic Mapseasy.net removal. For that reason, install an anti-spyware application and conduct a scan. Proper security software will also ensure that no malicious programs will get into your computer in the future.

If you are okay with using the usual method, you might use the manual instructions below. Note that if you choose the latter option, you will have to follow each step carefully. Remove the article's culprit and its related toolbars. If you are sure that the add-on is completely eradicated, you may reset the browser.

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.

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.

How to remove Mapseasy.net virus

Mapseasy.net – a browser hijacker that changes new tab settings

Distribution techniques of unwanted programs