This article aims to give you insight on how you can remove the Dregol.com search hijacker completely from your computer and browser.
The Dregol.com browser hijacker is the type of software you would not like to see on your computer. The hijacker uses the seemingly legitimate web browser, known as Dregol Browser for which not a lot of information is available. What was reported in connection with this web browser is that the software may change the settings of the current web browsers of users in order to display other search engines and also a lot of advertisements in relation with the Dregol Search and Dregol Browser. This may result in the collection of information by Dregol and besides slowing down your PC, it can also lead you to dangerous third-party websites. If you want to remove the Dregol Search from your computer, we advise that you read this article completely.
Threat Summary
| Name | Dregol Browser |
| Type | Fake Browser/Hijacker/PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC and possible malware infection. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Dregol Browser. |
Dregol “Virus” – How Does it Spread
The main idea behind how this unwanted software is being spread onto the computers of users is that it is likely included in the setups of third-party free programs that are often downloaded. These programs may be media players, archivers and many other freeware.The Dregol browser may be embedded in the installers of those programs which are customized before you download them from a shady third-party site or a torrent site with low reputation. The installation of the free program downloaded may contain the Dregol browser in one of it’s installation steps, looking similar to the image below:
In addition to this, Dregol may also be added to your current browser in the form of a browser hijacker program, whose main goal is to get users to download the hijacker as a result of visiting a web page that is asking to add the software as a browser extensions.
Dregol PUP – More Information
Once Dregol browser has been installed on your computer, the unwanted software may immediately drop files in a folder that may be called Dregol and may have the following location:
→ %Program Files%\Dregol Browser
In addition to this, the Dregol Browser’s primary purpose is to get users to see it’s advertisements. The ads related to the browser may be of different types:
- Ad-supported search results.
- Online pop-ups.
- Browser redirects.
- Taken over banner spaces on the websites you visit.
Furthermore, after we performed a security analysis of the website Dregol.com itself, we have established at first glance that it lacks the security requirements to most companies nowadays, according to GDPR policies. One key element that is missing is the SSL security certificate that is lacking on the Dregol domain:
Furthermore, the Dregol site is not a shy one either, with multiple different cookies detected, some of which do expire by the year 2020:
These tracking technologies can be used by Dregol to obtain different information from your computer as they describe in their privacy policy. This information does include:
- Searches you have made.
- Logins you have typed.
- Your browsing history.
- Online clicks.
And while Dregol claims to use this information for different improvements of their service, it still remains unclear why they need your Facebook or Google login details if you log in via their services:
And if we dig in deeper, we will ultimately establish that your information can be not only gathered by Dregol but also transferred to other parties in some specific events which may or may not be manipulated to steal such information. So the sole fact that this claim exists is not a benefit for you as a user:
Overall and all, such ad-supported software is often created with the main purpose to make money from advertisements and other third-party content. But when you take into consideration various different types of third-party sites to which this service may lead you to, it may not be safe to have the Dregol Browser on your PC. This is mainly because those third-party sites may contain scam pages or even malicious URLs that may infect your computer with malware when you visit them.
Remove Dregol “Virus” Browser from Your PC
If you want to get rid of the Dregol web browser from your computer system, it might not be as easy as it sounds. This is because the software has changed a lot of settings and may even add more adware on your computer of which you may not know about. This is why it is important to follow the removal instructions underneath. They can help you remove the Dregol Browser from your PC and browser as well either manually or automatically. The best practice for maximum effectiveness is to use an advanced anti-malware software. Such program aims to automatically help you to remove this unwanted software from your computer plus detect otheer adware and intrusive programs and remove them as well while ensuring that your computer remains protected against any future threats as well.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and 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 Dregol Browser from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Dregol Browser with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser (Windows).
Get rid of Dregol Browser from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser. 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Dregol Browser, 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 Dregol Browser (Mac)
Remove Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser will be removed.
Eliminate Dregol Browser 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".
Dregol Browser-FAQ
What Is Dregol Browser?
The Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser?
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 Dregol Browser?
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 Dregol Browser Work?
Once installed, Dregol Browser 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.
Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dregol Browser 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 Dregol Browser?
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 Dregol Browser threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.