Spigot Toolbar - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Spigot Toolbar Removal Guide
What is Spigot Toolbar?
Spigot – a toolbar that's been identified as a potentially unwanted program
We do not recommend downloading and using this questionable software
Spigot Toolbar is an application that offers advanced new tab functionality and allows growing revenue from advertising. However, this potentially unwanted program (PUP) has very shady features. It might affect all popular web browsers on both Windows and Mac OS X.[1] When it's installed, it might modify the browser’s settings and display numerous ads.
The company developing this questionable tool is a legitimate one that offers digital marketing solutions and designing personalized toolbars to increase customers’ loyalty. While these services might seem useful for business, computer users are bothered by the sudden appearance of the unwanted toolbar that causes browsing-related problems.
Summary of the PUP | |
---|---|
Name | Spigot virus |
Type | Adware, PUP |
Danger level | Medium. Can get into the system unnoticed and display potentially dangerous ads |
Distribution | Software bundling |
Affected OS | Windows, Mac OS X |
Targeted browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc. |
Symptoms | An increased amount of pop-ups and ads, redirects to shady websites, crashing web browser |
Elimination | Uninstall this program either manually or by using trustworthy anti-malware software |
The toolbar spreads in freeware and shareware packages, so it’s easy to install it without noticing. After the infiltration, the so-called Mac Os Spigot virus might cause these problems:
- hijacking web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and other ones;
- replacing default homepage and search engine to Yahoo-based search tool;
- modifications of Windows registry;
- redirection to promotional or potentially dangerous websites;
- system slowdowns;
- delivery of pop-up ads.
Its advertising services are promoted on the official website.
One of the main features of the macos:spigot-ay [pup] is to display commercial content on the affected browsers. The application is designed to flood browsers with ads, pop-ups, banners, or in-text ads. This activity allows developers to generate pay-per-click revenue and help various business owners increase sales or traffic to their sites.
Due to the excessive amount of advertisements, your browser becomes sluggish and often crashes. However, it’s not the only problem. The biggest concerns are related to redirect problems. The PUP might redirect you to potentially dangerous online places once you click on a shopping offer or other ad.
The toolbar is promoted in software bundles and might bring other unwanted apps to the system.
PUPs are often exploited by cybercriminals who want to trick users into installing malicious software[2] or revealing sensitive information. Thus, it’s possible that Spigot is used by the same means too. You have to be careful with ads because it can be really hard to separate legitimate ads from fake ones.
Therefore, the appearance of the unwanted toolbar diminishes the browsing experience and might increase your chances to catch a serious cyber threat. Thus, if you found it installed on your browser, you should get rid of it immediately. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes or another anti-malware helps eliminate any infections.
Spigot removal can be done manually too. However, it might not be easy to locate all adware-related components. If you insist on trying this method, please use a guide created by our specialists. You can find it at the end of the article. After the removal, we advise using the FortectIntego system diagnostics tool to ensure that your device runs smoothly.
The shady toolbar might sneak inside the system unnoticed and hijack popular web browsers.
The toolbar is able to collect various browsing data
Just like any other toolbar, this one may collect people's search terms, most visited websites, data that is entered when visiting them, etc. We do not recommend ignoring this because you can never know where this personally non-identifiable information can be used.
Usually, Spigot spyware[3] allows using collected data for targeted advertising campaigns. It means that the program might display ads based on your search terms or browsing history. According to various marketing research, users are more willing to click on personalized ads. Thus, the authors of the PUP can generate pay-per-click revenue.
However, PUPs might deliver infected ads.[4] Thus, if you do not want to end up on a scam website or unintentionally install malware, you should opt for a manual toolbar removal option. The guide presented at the end of the article will show you how to uninstall adware from the operating system and delete all hijacker-related entries from popular web browsers.
Software bundles are responsible for PUP distribution
Spigot toolbar is available on various file-sharing sites, such as CNET or Softonic. However, this potentially unwanted application is widely spread using a software bundling strategy. It allows adding PUP in the software package and spreading it with a primary program.
The toolbar operates as an adware program that displays various pop-ups, banners, and other types of ads.
The program has been noticed spreading with Widgi Toolbar, Dealio, PDFCreator, and Koyote Soft. However, the list of freeware and shareware might be wider. Thus, users are advised to be careful during the installation process:
- Select Custom or Advanced installation settings;
- Read Terms of Use and Privacy Policy to avoid installation of pre-installed partner’s software;
- Uncheck all pre-selected checkmarks that allow installation of browser add-ons, plugins, toolbars, extensions, etc.
We want to point out that Quick or Standard settings do not allow monitoring and adjusting installation settings, but “optional downloads” are usually installed without the user’s knowledge and permission. Thus, you should avoid using this setup.
Comprehensive instructions to remove Mac Os Spigot virus
When trying to remove Spigot Toolbar manually, follow the guide given below. Please, be very careful if you want to use the manual removal method because you may delete important components of your PC system. The guide is available in Russian, German,[5] Finish, and other languages too. Thus, check our partners' sites to get instructions in your native language and get rid of the PUP.
The quickest removal method requires using anti-malware software.
However, if you are not a skilled computer user or encountered a cyber threat for the first time, you should opt for the automatic Spigot removal option. It requires scanning the system with anti-malware software and resetting affected web browsers. The guide on how to perform the latter step is given down below.
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 Spigot Toolbar. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Follow this guide to uninstall suspicious apps from Windows OS computers
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
Follow this guide to clean up your Mac:
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)
This guide will show you how to get rid of suspicious components from Mozilla Firefox:
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
Uninstall suspicious add-ons that may have been installed to Google Chrome without your knowledge:
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
Follow these steps to get back control over 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 Spigot Toolbar 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
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
- ^ Liviu Arsene. Study of Most Common Mac OS Threats Reveals Adware-Serving Trojans. Macworld. News, tips, and reviews from the Apple experts.
- ^ Malicious Software (Malware). Techopedia. The latest tech buzzwords' definition.
- ^ Spyware. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Lee Mathews. Equifax Website Caught Serving Malicious Ads to Visitors. Forbes. Business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle news.
- ^ Die Viren. Die Viren. German security and spyware news.