Mini Dark forces people to use only selected channels for browsing which raises user privacy concerns
Mini Dark is a browser extension that claims to provide dark mode for web pages, however, it does not deliver. It is a browser hijacker that can change the main settings, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine. It can also cause an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects.
The creators of such applications do not really care about user privacy or security, so they may use rogue advertising networks that place ads leading to dangerous websites. People may end up on sites that try to trick them into providing personal information, downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[1] or even malware.
| NAME | Mini Dark |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; potentially unwanted program |
| SYMPTOMS | The main settings, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine get changed; users can also experience redirects and pop-ups |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | The extension can lead to misinformation and dangerous pages that may trick people into providing personal information or downloading PUPs and malware |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the plugin via browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to clear your browsers and optimize the machine |
How did Mini Dark appear in my browser?
Browser hijackers usually get into the system through shady websites that use social engineering[2] tactics. You may come across sites that try to trick people into clicking the “Install” or “Download” button. Usually, crooks try to convince people that they need to install a browser extension to proceed or protect their system from viruses.
However, you should not download any applications from random pages on the Internet. If you want a browser plugin, use official web stores. You should still not forget to do your research – read the reviews, look at the ratings, and the number of users. It is best to choose those apps, that have plenty of positive feedback and thousands of users.
You should also read the description, and see if there are any grammar or spelling mistakes. If the answer is yes, that should raise suspicion, as professionals would not do such mistakes. Avoid claims that sound too good to be true because they probably are.
Avoid freeware distribution platforms
Infections, like browser hijackers, can also occur after the installation of freeware.[3] Freeware distribution platforms include additional programs in the installers to generate revenue. Unfortunately, not all of the bundled software is safe. Installers can include adware, hijackers, or even malicious programs.
Because of this, you should try to use official developer websites whenever you want to install software. You should also always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the Privacy Policy, and Terms of Use. The most important step is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated apps.
Cookies can be a threat to your privacy
Before adding a plugin, you can also see that the application will be able to read your browsing history. Crooks can collect data like your IP address, geolocation, websites you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online. Normally, this information is used to personalize the user experience, however, it can also be sold to advertising networks or other third parties.
That is why security experts recommend clearing your browsers regularly. You can always stop the tracking and delete the existing data collected by cookies[4] with a repair tool like FortectIntego. Besides, this powerful software can also fix various system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, and registry issues which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Get rid of browser intruders
Generally, browser extensions are created to provide users some benefits, like masking the geolocation, blocking ads, and suspicious links, or automatically finding discount coupons while shopping online. People add them to make their browsers more functional and smart. However, you need to know how to remove them if something goes wrong.
You can remove browser add-ons by going to your settings. Find the list of extensions installed in your browser and remove Mini Dark. Learn how to do that in the guide 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.
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.
Scan the system for PUPs
If the previous removal method did not get rid of the hijacker, that means that you might have a PUA installed in your system. In this case, if you try to change the homepage or other settings, or remove the add-on, the PUP will just keep messing up the settings until it is completely eliminated from the machine.
The program that is causing the settings to change could have any name or icon because fraudsters often disguise them as “handy” tools that you would not even suspect. Manual removal may also fail because less IT-savvy users cannot locate all the related files. This can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection.
So if you are not sure what to do and you do not want to risk deleting the wrong files, we suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate intruders, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
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.
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