Wsevosteran (Virus Removal Instructions) - Free Guide
Wsevosteran Removal Guide
What is Wsevosteran?
Wsevosteran is a browser-hijacking extension that changes new tab address, homepage, and the search engine
Wsevosteran is a potentially unwanted program that falls into the browser hijacker category and comes as a browser extension for Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, etc. It travels within software bundles, so computer owners rarely spot its infiltration. However, this can be avoided with the careful installation of freeware that is downloaded from third-party websites.
As soon as Wse_vosteran clips itself to the browser, it starts immediate changes:
- homepage and a new tab is changed to vosteran.com;
- a customized search engine is added.
However, these alternations are just a surface, as users will notice a more significant difference when they start browsing. The search results are filled with sponsored links, diverting traffic to predetermined sites, and users will encounter more ads overall. Besides, just as any other potentially unwanted program, this one tracks a variety of information about web browsing activities.
| Name | Wsevosteran |
| Type | Browser plugin |
| Category | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Homepage set to | hxxp://vosteran.com |
| Other symptoms | Search results littered with sponsored links, increased amount of ads on all visited websites |
| Risk factors | Installation of other unwanted software, information disclosure to unknown parties, malware infections |
| Termination | Use anti-virus software or employ our manual instructions |
| Recovery | Fix virus damage by scanning the infected device with the FortectIntego software |
While browser hijackers are considered to be one of the minor threats when it comes to computer security and online safety, their presence should not be overlooked. Besides, research shows that Wsevosteran might be related to a far more sinister threat that can replace the original Google Chrome browser, intercept traffic, and show malicious advertisements.[1]
Therefore, how should you know which version of the virus are you affected by? Well, the best way is to install a security application and perform a full system scan. Anti-virus programs are specifically designed to locate and delete browser hijackers and all the other infections automatically.
However, you can also complete Wsevosteran removal manually if you are affected by a minor version of it. Simply follow our guidelines below, as we will explain how to terminate the unwanted application step-by-step on Windows and Mac operating systems. Additionally, a browser reset is recommended, as changed settings would not go away otherwise, and the intrusive content will continue.
Another reason to remove the article's culprit is due to privacy issues. It does employ tracking technologies like cookies or web beacons[2] in order to track the data such as:
- IP address
- Technical information
- Browser type
- Operating system details
- Search queries
- Sites visited and the duration of the visit
- Links clicked, etc.
Be aware that search queries might include your personal data if you choose to enter it so that Wsevosteran browser hijacker and its affiliates will gather it. All in all, we recommend you get rid of it, along with all the malicious components it might have.
You can do that by scanning your device with proper anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Such tools will come in handy in the future to prevent you from installing any PUPs and blocking malware. After that, you should also scan your computer with FortectIntego for the best recovery option.
Be wary when installing third-party applications – PUPs can be included
Software bundling is a well-established technique used all over the world by freeware and shareware developers. Unfortunately, it makes use of users' willingness to install the application as quickly as possible, without paying much attention to the process itself.
Optional components are often hidden in free software installers that come from third-party sites, such as Download.com, File Hippo, Softonic, and many others. Therefore, careful installation is mandatory if you want to avoid potentially unwanted programs entirely.
Experts advise[3] to be attentive while establishing a new program from the internet: check for essential documents like Privacy Policy or Terms of Service; decline all deals and offers; always opt for Advanced/Custom installation instructions instead of Recommended/Quick ones and remove all the tick marks next to System optimizers, driver downloaders, PDF converters, browser extensions, etc.
Remove Wsevosteran from your computer and rely on secure search engines
Allegedly, Wsevosteran claims to allow access to all the logos and links to websites that you have saved and promises to “optimize the way you navigate the internet.” However, the customization can be applied directly to the browser itself, bookmarks added, and particular tabs at the start page created because such features are built-in.
In reality, the customized search seeks to bring you to sponsored sites, generating money for the advertiser as well as Wse_vosteran authors. Therefore, remove it as soon as possible. You can do this by installing a security application that focuses on PUP removal or using our step-by-step instructions below to terminate the threat manually.
Be aware that the anti-malware tool will also serve as protection from most computer infections in the future. Once you complete the removal, you should also reset all the installed browsers. Remember, PUPs insert tracking mechanisms into the browser, and they will stay there until Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and others are reset.
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 Wsevosteran. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Be aware that there are two versions of the article's culprit. If it is the less dangerous one, you can eliminate it manually by performing these steps on Windows:
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
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)
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
Google Chrome can still suffer from redirects and other unwanted activity, even after the extension's removal.
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
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 Wsevosteran 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 browser hijacker
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ Vosteran , WSE_Vosteran , Storm Watch , Google Chrome , Google Toolbar , Internet Explorer. Microsoft. Official community forums.
- ^ Web beacon. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Bedynet. Bedynet. Malware analysis and cybersecurity advice.