This article aims to help you with the removal of the aggressive Chrominio pop-up scam message from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of all harmful files in full.
Chrominio is an annoying pop-up that has been reported to affect computer systems in an attempt to scam users into installing fake configuration update. The pop-up is designed to display the official logo of Chrome in order to make users more prone to click a “Configure” button. In case that you see the deceptive Chrominio pop-up scam message it is likely that you have an installed potentially unwanted and harmful app on the PC. Other side effects that may be witnessed are PC slowdowns, automatic execution of the pop-up on PC starts up, modifications of various PC and browser settings and others.
Threat Summary
| Name | Chrominio |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | Chrominio pop ups to display fake update message without providing you an option to close it. |
| Symptoms | Chrominio pop-up scam invade your browser and urge you to click on a presented “Configure” button. Many other advertisements flood the browser and make it sluggish. Sensitive data is obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Chrominio. |
Chrominio Pop-up – Spread Techniques
Due to the fact that many users tend to download free apps, lots of potentially unwanted programs often come bundled with them. Bad actors seem to prefer this distribution channel as it enables them to incorporate harmful code into installers of free apps and then release the bundle in popular forums, web stores, websites that offer free apps, etc. This approach grants criminals maximum effectiveness as many users fall victims to the scam and install all extras along with the primary app. Mainly this happens because in the regular installation steps users could not see any information about the presence of additional apps. This way after a click on the Finish button all potentially undesired programs incorporated into the installer gain access to the system and start to implement nasty system modifications that infect it. Happily, there is option for undesired apps to be detected and kept away from the system. More details about their presence are usually hidden in the Advanced or Custom configuration options. So make sure to select them and read carefully all what the information they present each time you decide to install free third-party app.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari could be affected by Chrominio pop-up.
Chrominio Pop-up – More About Its Impact
Chrominio is an annoying pop-up pushed by potentially unwanted program installed on your PC. It presents a scamming message that informs you about new Chromium version and urges you to click “Configure” button. To make you more prone to click the button Chrominio pop-up incorporates the official logo of Chrome browser.
Chromino Message Center
New Chromium version is available
Would you like to install the latest version?
[configure] button.
The invasive program creates specific values under specific registry keys to ensure its persistent presence on the system. In case that your system has been affected by Chrominio, it is mandatory to enter the Registry Editor and check for traits of malicious values. The values may be created under the sub-keys that manage all browser processes as well as under Run and RunOnce sub-keys.
Reports made by Google forums users state that a click outside of the pop-up window or on another window is not enough to close the pop-up as it still appears on top of all windows. Even if you manage to find the process started by this harmful program in the Task Manager and end it, the pop-up will disappear just for a moment after which it will start to appear again. It is also very irritating is that this nasty program is able to even block the keyboard functions and restrict your browsing activities.
Even if you manage to close the annoying pop-up it doesn’t mean that it is gone because all harmful files associated with Chrominio pop-up are still actively running on your system and it won’t take long until it appears again. To remove them you need to find their location in the system and make sure to delete all of them. Have in mind that the manual removal process may be a hard task even for experienced computer users. Additionally, you need to check the settings of all installed browsers and reset them.
Another side effect that may be caused by the PUP associated with Chrominio pop-up scam is aggressive advertising that floods your system and browser and makes them sluggish. So after infection, you may see different types of ads on your computer such as:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirections.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
The bad news is that as long as harmful files associated with Chrominio pop-up are running on your system and browser your sensitive data could be obtained by cyber criminals. This could happen with the help of several techniques. One of them is keylogger that may land on the system along with the PUP. Such a program can be set to run on the background and remain unnoticed. It could record all your keystrokes and send them to hackers.
Other tracking technologies like browser cookies, web beacons, flash cookies, pixel tags, javascript files may also enable bad actors to acquire data of yours directly from the affected browser. It is likely that such technologies enable them to obtain all of the following details:
- Your IP address
- Browser type and version
- Browser history
- Search queires
- Time-zone
- Installed plug-ins
- Operating system type and version
This is terrifying as some of these details could enable hackers to exploit your browser. Nowadays we provide lots of personal data and even financial credentials while surfing the net. Once your browser is compromised some serious issues related to your privacy could emerge.
This is not the first time that the name of this browser is associated with malware infections. Back in October 2017, our team reported yet another Chromium virus that aims to display ads, collect data and run suspicious tasks in the background.
How to Remove Chrominio Pop-up Scam
In order to remove Chrominio from your PC make sure to complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove all files associated with this nasty program in full. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as after a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool you can see the exact location of all malicious files and objects created by Chrominio and remove them from the infected PC. In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
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 Chrominio from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Chrominio with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Chrominio and related software from Windows
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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio (Windows).
Get rid of Chrominio from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Chrominio 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 Chrominio. 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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Chrominio, 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 Chrominio (Mac)
Remove Chrominio 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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio will be removed.
Eliminate Chrominio 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".
Chrominio-FAQ
What Is Chrominio?
The Chrominio 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 Chrominio?
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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Chrominio?
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 Chrominio Work?
Once installed, Chrominio can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Chrominio 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 Chrominio 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 Chrominio Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Chrominio 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 Chrominio?
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 Chrominio threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.