Pdf2DocPro – a suspicious browser extension that infects users machines without permission
Pdf2DocPro is a questionable application and a browser hijacker[1] which claims that it can convert all PDF files into other formats in just a few seconds directly from the browser. However, its dubious redirection tendencies, information tracking, and over-the-top advertisement make users question its functionally.
| Name | Pdf2DocPro |
|---|---|
| Promoted as | Browser extension |
| Author | PERION NETWORK LTD |
| Official website | hxxp://www.pdf2docpro.com/ |
| Distribution | Bundling, official website |
| Symtoms | Modified browser settings, compromised browsing experience, invasive ads and redirects, etc. |
| Dangers | Possible information leakage and malware infections |
| Elimination | You can download FortectIntego and perform full system scan |
Pdf2DocPro typically infiltrates victims’ computers with other programs they download off the internet. Thus, users might not be aware of a browser hijacker presence at first. Nevertheless, as soon as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or other browser is put to use, users can immediately notice changes made:
- the homepage and search engine are altered to chrome-extension://ndgiipgjbobbpfaoceclhnckcagimhcn/html/newTab.html;
- quick action buttons added to the main page;
- search results promote additional sponsored content;
- some websites redirect to questionable realms
- ads and pop-ups cover up the background of legitimate sites, etc.
The easiest way to eliminate these unwanted changes is to install a robust security tool like FortectIntego, perform a full system scan and remove Pdf2DocPro extension for good. Alternatively, you can use our manual instructions below this article.
Some users might find the converting function useful. However, do not get deceived by this functionality, as the only intention applications’ authors have is to extort money by displaying affiliated content and controlling users browsing habits. If you need to convert a file, find a legitimate source to do so without compromising your browser.
Links to third-party websites Pdf2DocPro provides might not always be safe. Therefore, the redirecting tendencies are by far the most dangerous. Users might end up on fake software, phishing or malware-infested realms. Malicious JavaScrips[2] might install malware directly into victims’ PCs without them noticing. Once that happens, the damage to computer files or information leakage is inevitable.
Just as many browser hijackers, Pdf2DocPro is capable of spying on its victims by collecting non-personally identifiable information. In addition to non-PII, the questionable app might collect personal data provided by you (like credit card details, name, address, social security number, etc.).
Besides, third-parties might also obtain your information. The Pdf2DocPro authors mention the following:
<…> the Company provides such third parties with a large number of tools to enable them to create interesting and unique apps, buttons, and gadgets using the Company’s platform. Some of these tools may give these third parties the ability to access, collect, store, and/or share your information – both your PII and non-personally identifiable information. In order to clarify, we do not review, approve, monitor, endorse, warrant, or make any representations with respect to such Third Party Content and Services and your access to any Third Party Content and Services is at your own risk.
Security experts[3] warn that Pdf2DocPro removal should not be delayed as it can lead to identity theft or stolen money from your bank account. Additionally, it is crucial to eliminate the virus before it installs more PUPs or infects your machine with malware.
The ways unwanted applications spread
Although the application can be downloaded from Google Chrome store, its primary distribution method is bundling. It is a deceptive marketing campaign used by free software developers. Therefore, if you want to avoid suspicious applications, we advise you to be attentive while installing free software and browsing the internet.
It is crucial to pick the correct source before downloading an unknown program, as third-party domains might be infested with numerous dangerous apps. Thus, always choose official websites for your new software and its updates.
While installing a new application, make sure you choose Advanced/Custom installation mode instead of Recommended/Quick one. Once prompted, untick any tick marks present by search engines, extensions, media players, toolbars, etc.
Delete Pdf2DocPro from your machine and stay safe
Pdf2DocPro removal can be performed in two ways: manual and automatic.
If you want to get rid of Pdf2DocPro virus quickly and without much effort, we strongly suggest picking automatic elimination method. All you have to do is download one of the proposed security programs and install it on your machine. Then, run a full system scan.
If you are not that keen on installing additional software, you can also remove Pdf2DocPro by following our illustrated instructions below this article. However, make sure you follow the guide attentively as the incorrect procedure will result in reinfection of the virus.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
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.
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