What Is Chrome Redirect Virus?
Google Chrome is a legitimate browser application. However, many users on the Internet use Chrome redirect virus as a term very often, to describe issues with the legitimate browser causing redirects of your browsing sessions to suspicious websites.
It could be either of an adware or browser hijacker type. Either way, the presence of this program on your device could be misused by its unidentified owners for the collection of various details of yours.
The actual redirect virus keeps appearing on the Google browser as users report. The redirect will stick to the browser with the goal to force you to visit bogus websites. Make sure that you do not open any of the presented links and that you do not click on advertisements and pop-ups that can constantly show up.
Issues with Chrome are usually caused by potentially unwanted programs that infiltrate your system without your knowledge. So in case, your browser is constantly loading some strange web pages that present questionable content, you need to scan your system for any present undesired apps. In this article, we will explain how to remove the redirect virus from Chrome.
Chrome Redirect Virus Summary
| Name | Chrome Redirect Virus |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to heavily modify web browser settings in order to collect data and display redirects and other types of ads. |
| Symptoms | The software may slow down your computer by displaying various advertisements. It may also change your search engine or install extra undesired applications. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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What Are the Symptoms of the Chrome Redirect Virus?
Many people use Google Chrome and respectively, they often have some issue with secondary add-ons or scripts which affect its performance. Chrome Redirect Virus is a can refer to different viruses, malware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that affect the official browser in some way which causes a hindrance.
That is why it is important for a user to figure out what is affecting their browser and if a PUP or a threat should be removed. Keep reading to learn how to differentiate between harmless and harmful Chrome redirects and what you should do next.
The annoying issue with all of the redirects may occur as a result of several things:
- Unnoticed installation of a potentially unwanted program
- Visit to a corrupted website
- Click on a malicious ad
The most common one is the installation of some kind of a potentially unwanted program – an adware, a browser hijacker or a browser extension. There are many suspicious and potentially unwanted programs that are lurking around the web.
They all want to trick you into running their configuration code on your operating system inadvertently. This issue often occurs with the help of software bundles. So it may be the last installed media player, file converter, weather toolbar, online streaming app, or another useful app that has delivered the undesired app associated with the Chrome redirect virus.
What Does Chrome Redirect Virus Do?
The term Chrome redirect virus is used to summarize a group of computer infections that are known to affect the web browser’s settings. An infection with such a virus could be recognized by many unexpected redirects registered during regular browsing sessions. The redirects could land you on various suspicious websites.
These websites tend to generate pop-up windows that require subscriptions to push notifications. Beware as this issue may be very annoying. Once these push notifications are enabled, they will start to appear in the browser and on the desktop.
As a result, the affected browser may get sluggish or unresponsive. Since these annoying pop-ups may be related to corrupted, hence, dangerous websites, we advise you to disable them as soon as possible.
All redirect activities are known as the main symptom that indicates the presence of a Potentially Unwanted Program. So it is possible that a PUP is currently running on your machine. Such a program is usually designed to infiltrate your system, access your Chrome web browser and then alter its settings with the main idea to become able to display different types of advertisements. Usually, all the mentioned processes occur without your knowledge.
By activating different tracking technologies they could obtain details like:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search queries
- Search queries on the visited web pages
- Type of used browser
- Operating system type
- Internet protocol (IP) address
- Geographic location
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
- Diagnostic information which describes how their Services are operating on the system
Once you become a victim of unsolicited data collection you may start receiving lots of annoying ads based on your interests as well. All other popular web browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Safari could be affected by undesired programs that redirect browsing traffic.
Users’ Reports on Chrome Redirects
User reports about redirects to unwanted pages while using the Chrome browser continue to appear.
For example, one user has reported encountering a problem when opening a new tab. This is what the user shared:
The theme page that was set disappeared and in its place, there is a white page that mimics the Google page but with a Bing search box. At the bottom of the page it says, “© 2019 – search-operator.com.” I also noticed that there is a green blinking link in the upper left corner of my Gmail page as well as a green “>” symbol that was never there before. I have tried deleting and reloading Chrome as well as resetting my defaults but I cannot reset or replace this tab page. I also scanned for viruses and that did not address the problem.
In this case, the user’s browser was hijacked by the search-operator.com bogus search engine, but the redirects may vary from case to case.
Should You Remove Chrome Redirect Virus?
Well, the short answer is yes, you should. Even though the undesired apps associated with the Google Chrome Redirect virus are not malicious, they still pose a certain danger to your online security. Their unknown developers may attempt to access your device and drop a malicious program to steal sensitive data or disclose harvested data on dark web markets. As regards, the ads generated by such type of apps, they can also be dangerous, if related to corrupted websites.
As it has become evident by multiple user reports, Google Chrome is not the only browser that is affected by unwanted and potentially malicious redirects. Below you can find a list of currently active redirects that you should be aware of:
Now let’s move on to the removal part and reveal the steps that will help you get rid of your redirects.
How to Fix Chrome Redirect Virus from Chrome
To fully eliminate undesired programs and get rid of redirects on Chrome, we recommend a step-by-step removal guide. The guide presented below includes properly ordered steps on how to isolate harmful files and then remove them from your computer and browser as well.
It enables you to choose between manual and automatic removal approach. You need to combine the steps if you want to fully get rid of installed undesired programs. This way you will also strengthen the security of your device.
If you have any questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Chrome Redirect Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Chrome Redirect Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Chrome Redirect Virus 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus (Windows).
Get rid of Chrome Redirect Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus. 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 Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Chrome Redirect Virus, 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 Chrome Redirect Virus (Mac)
Remove Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus will be removed.
Eliminate Chrome Redirect Virus 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".
Chrome Redirect Virus-FAQ
What Is Chrome Redirect Virus?
The Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus?
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 Chrome Redirect Virus?
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 Chrome Redirect Virus Work?
Once installed, Chrome Redirect Virus 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.
Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Chrome Redirect Virus 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 Chrome Redirect Virus?
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 Chrome Redirect Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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