Fugdownload143(.)com is a potentially unwanted program (PUP), particularly classified as a browser hijacker. It attaches itself to a browser, modifies the homepage, and may also change the new tab window, search engine or even add a browser extension. You can be redirected to websites that prompt you to download malware disguised as necessary programs.
Name | Fugdownload143(.)com |
Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
Short Description | A browser’s homepage may be modified and you can be redirected to dubious sites. |
Symptoms | Modifies browser settings – homepage, search engine. It may also change the new tab window and add a browser extension. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Bundling, Suspicious Sites |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Fugdownload143(.)com. |
Fugdownload143(.)com – How Did I Get Infected?
You can get infected with the Fugdownload143(.)com PUP through third-party installation setups. You might not even be informed about the installation, because the PUP can be well hidden in freeware installations and bundled packages. In such packages, additional components for installation are secretly set to be added and frequently are not disclosed properly. In that way, you may be tricked into installing PUPs like the Fugdownload143(.)com one. Most times this can be avoided by checking the Advanced or Custom setting in a setup to see what you are getting with the package.
Another way that you can be affected by Fugdownload143(.)com is if you click on advertisement pop-ups and banners. They might contain malicious content that can modify browser settings and add a browser extension.
Fugdownload143(.)com – In Detail
Fugdownload143(.)com is a browser hijacker. When on your computer, it changes your browser’s homepage. The hijacker may change DNS settings, the new tab window, and search engine, and may also add a browser extension. The main domain to which you can be commonly redirected bears the same name: Fugdownload143(.)com. All browsers can be affected, especially the most frequently used ones, like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
After your browser has been hijacked, if you try doing a search, you would be either redirected to the main page at Fugdownload143(.)com or prompted to install some application. Most of those applications are highly suspicious or redirect to the installation setups or pages containing malware. For the time being, the app on the top of the main page is called Artemis and we suspect that to be an Artemis Trojan we have written about before.
If you try browsing while you have the Fugdownload143(.)com hijacker, it may display falsified results. It may also display advertisements like pop-ups and banner advertisements. Currently, you are most likely to get redirected and shown the download page of DriverFinder:
DriverFinder is not a legitimate program, but is in fact malware-related, using familiar Windows icons. It will display pop-ups prompting you to download it, stating that you don’t have the latest security updates. It also claims that you need the DriverFinder tool to fix problems with your PC. All these are blatant lies trying to get you to install the suspicious program. The download page is also hosted on the Fugdownload143(.)com domain.
Remove Fugdownload143(.)com Completely
To remove Fugdownload143(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of this browser hijacker completely, you should scan for leftover files with an advanced anti-malware program. Installing such an application will also protect your computer from future threats.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Fugdownload143(.)com in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall Fugdownload143(.)com.
Step 2: Remove Fugdownload143(.)com from your browser
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select Fugdownload143(.)com and click “Remove”
After Fugdownload143(.)com is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select Fugdownload143(.)com to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After Fugdownload143(.)com has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on Fugdownload143(.)com
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Fugdownload143(.)com. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Fugdownload143(.)com will be removed.
Step 3: Remove Fugdownload143(.)com automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Fugdownload143(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Fugdownload143(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Fugdownload143(.)com and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Fugdownload143(.)com on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Fugdownload143(.)com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Fugdownload143(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of Fugdownload143(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Fugdownload143(.)com and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Fugdownload143(.)com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Fugdownload143(.)com via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Fugdownload143(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Fugdownload143(.)com, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Fugdownload143(.)com (Mac)
Remove Fugdownload143(.)com from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Fugdownload143(.)com from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Fugdownload143(.)com from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Fugdownload143(.)com from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Fugdownload143(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate Fugdownload143(.)com from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Fugdownload143(.)com-FAQ
What Is Fugdownload143(.)com?
The Fugdownload143(.)com threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Fugdownload143(.)com?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Fugdownload143(.)com?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Fugdownload143(.)com Work?
Once installed, Fugdownload143(.)com can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Fugdownload143(.)com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Fugdownload143(.)com Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Fugdownload143(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fugdownload143(.)com how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Fugdownload143(.)com?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Fugdownload143(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.