“Properties” extension can hijack the browser by changing the main settings
“Properties” is a useless extension that hijacks the browser by changing the main settings. Users affected by it may notice that their homepage, new tab address, or search engine is different. The application forces people to use only selected channels for browsing which raises many user privacy and security issues.
It can also cause an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. Crooks may use rogue advertising networks[1] that place ads leading to dangerous websites. People can end up on scam pages that try to trick them into providing personal information, downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[2] and even malware.
| NAME | Properties |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; potentially unwanted program |
| SYMPTOMS | The app changes the main settings of the browser, like the homepage, new tab address, and search engine |
| DISTRIBUTION | Unsafe websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | The application may be collecting data about users' browsing activities; users might get redirected to dangerous websites that can trick them into providing personal information or downloading PUPs and malware |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension via browser settings; performing a scan with professional security tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to clear your browsers from cookies and cache |
Distribution methods
Even though it is unknown how specifically the “Properties” browser extension infects users' machines, there are some general tactics that fraudsters use to spread hijackers around the web. Most of the time, users mistakenly download dubious browser plugins by browsing through shady websites.
Avoid pages that engage in illegal activities as they are unregulated. For example, illegal streaming platforms are full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects. You may also see fake “Download” and “Play” buttons[3] that can redirect to harmful sites. It is best to only visit pages that you know and trust.
Another important thing to know is that the safest places to install browser add-ons are official web stores. Apps that get listed on digital marketplaces go through an extensive review process. However, you should still do your research and read the reviews, look at the ratings, and the number of users an application has.
When people use third-party sources, like freeware[4] distribution platforms, peer-to-peer file-sharing sites, and torrent services, they run the risk of welcoming intruders into their system. These platforms cannot be held accountable for any infections.
If you want to avoid PUPs sneaking into your system, you should always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use to find out what information will be collected and what the application will be allowed to do in your system. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any items that you think are suspicious or unrelated.
How to remove an unwanted extension?
You can remove add-ons by going to your browser settings. Find the list of extensions and remove “Properties.” Follow the guide below for detailed instructions:
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.
Clear your browsers
One of the most important things you should do after a successful removal is to take care of your browsers. Websites and web-based applications can use cookies[5] to gather data like your IP address, geolocation, pages you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online.
Cookies can be used to personalize the user experience – show relevant results. But for crooks, it is just another way to make a profit. They can be sold to advertising networks and other third parties. Cookies can also be hijacked and used for malicious purposes so it is very important to delete them regularly.
We love maintenance tools like FortectIntego because they can do this with a click of a button. This powerful software can also fix various system errors, corrupted files, and registry issues which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Check your system for PUPs
Potentially unwanted programs hide in the background of the machine and cause unwanted symptoms. If you completed all the previous removal steps but you still experience unpleasant symptoms, simply removing the add-on may not be enough. You may have infected your machine after freeware installations.
The problem is that crooks often disguise PUAs as “handy” tools, so they are quite complicated to remove for the average user. It may look like a system optimizer, antivirus suite, image editing software, etc. Manual removal can also result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries.
We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a malicious program 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.
Did this guide help?
Be the first to comment