The article will help you to remove FileShareFanatic effectively. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the end of this article.
FileShareFanatic is malicious browser extension (also known as a hijacker) that misconfigures key web browser settings and can cause serious issues to the security and browsers of the affected victims.
Threat Summary
| Name | FileShareFanatic |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser application which is on your computer will get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and show you lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings that get changed are the start page, search engine and the new tab page. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FileShareFanatic. |
FileShareFanatic – Delivery Methods
FileShareFanatic is a recently discovered browser hijacker made for several of the most popular web browsers. The security experts that reported the infections note that it has the same goals as other similar malware. This is a type of computer virus that alters the default and user-provided settings of popular web browsers to redirect to a hacker-controlled site or service.
The majority of the infections were caused by a Google Chrome malicious extension available on the Chrome Web Store. It is called simply “FileShareFanatic” as is offered by a developer that uses the domain name “filesharefanatic.com”. It reads the following description:
Access the tools you need to easily upload, transfer, store, share and send files. All from one FREE and convenient spot!
This extension configures your New Tab page to FileShareFanatic™ to provide these features.Share files quickly – FREE from your PC.
Click “Add to Chrome” to install FileShareFanatic™. Free Download.
FileShareFanatic gives you access to FREE file sharing and storage services, plus much more.
File to file sharing – with a simple click!
With FileShareFanatic, you can…
• Share 1000s of files, images, notes, videos and documents quickly!
• Easily access online data storage services.
• It’s FREE!So, join our loyal users. Try FileShareFanatic today.
The FileShareFanatic extension offers convenient web search and features from the Chrome New Tab page.
Please read carefully: By clicking the “Add to Chrome” button in the top right hand corner and installing the FileShareFanatic extension, you agree to install this application, and you agree to the End User License Agreement and the Privacy Policy and to receiving any future updates and upgrades. The application communicates with our servers to deliver its functionality and record usage metrics. You can uninstall the program at any time.
End User License Agreement: https://eula.mindspark.com/eula/Privacy Policy: https://eula.mindspark.com/eula/#Privacy
To remove our extension from Google Chrome:
1) Click on the three horizontal lines icon in the upper right-hand corner of your Chrome browser.
2) Go to “Settings”.
3) In the menu that appears click on “Extensions”.
4) From the list of installed Extensions, find the name of the toolbar extension you wish to uninstall.
5) Click on the trash can icon to the right of “Enable” (for the toolbar extension you wish to uninstall).
6) Close your browser completely and reopen it. Our toolbar extension should be removed from your Chrome browser.For instructions on how to remove our extension from Firefox or Internet Explorer, or for other support, please visit us at https://custhelp.myway.com/.
If you are still seeing Myway after uninstalling our extension, it is likely that your browser’s homepage has not yet been reset back to its previous setting. For instructions on resetting your homepage, please click here: https://eula.mindspark.com/eula/#Uninstall/Removal.
For assistance from our customer service team, please email us at customer@help.myway.com or contact us here: https://custhelp.myway.com/ics/support/ticketnewwizard.asp
Help & Feedback: https://custhelp.myway.com/
Policies: https://eula.mindspark.com/eula/#Privacy
Uninstall: helpcenter.mindspark.com/chromeuninstall
Contact Us: https://custhelp.myway.com/ics/support/ticketnewwizard.asp
The Google Chrome extension poses as a legitimate cloud storage service provider while at the same time uses the collected information for criminal purposes. Other hijackers can also be made for other popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Safari. Such extensions employ the use of fake comments and ratings that are machine-generated or made by infected hosts to make the plugin appear as an useful tool.
Delivery methods used to distribute the FileShareFanatic browser hijackers also include hacker-controlled web scripts and other redirects. Infected software bundles can also lead to a FileShareFanatic browser hijacker infection. They are usually modified binaries downloaded from their official sources and distributed on hacker-controlled sites or P2P networks like BitTorrent. In some cases the users can disallow the FileShareFanatic installation by looking out for checkboxes or prompts hidden in the displayed options – they are usually labeled as “Advanced” or “Custom”.
FileShareFanatic – In-Depth Overview
The browser hijacker redirects the users to a hacker-controlled domain (www.filesharefanatic.com) where a search engine and icons to various services are placed. If the users visit the site without having the browser hijacker extension installed they will be shown a message that reads the following:
Fast & Free File Sharing
and direct access to web search on your new tab page.Download for Chrome
Such behavior is expected as the site attempts to infect the visitors with the hijacker in order to access their data. We remind our users that using such services leads to surveillance as it imposes a lot of tracking cookies.
They gather information about the system hardware, software configuration, browsers, geolocation and can track the behavior of the users when interacting with the hacker-controlled services. The browser hijacker itself can also lead to additional malware infections by redirecting the users to download sites hosting viruses or opening pop-ups, redirect users to affiliate networks and etc.
The home page itself is designed to be reminiscent of popular search engines. The search box is located in the middle with buttons to social media and other useful services below it. We have discovered that the site and hijacker is operated by Mindspark a well-known provider of malicious sites. It is probably part of an affiliate network run by the company.
A WHOIS database search reveals the following contact information about the site owners:
Name:Domain Administrator
Organization:Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc.
Street:29 Wells Ave,
City:Yonkers
State:NY
Postal Code:10701
Country:US
Phone:+1.9145912000
Fax:+1.9142064559
Email:email@mindspark.com
The network icons and all links are all part of the tracking information. By clicking on them or interacting with site elements in any way the users actions are recorded.
FileShareFanatic – Privacy Policy
The privacy policy is available from the site’s footer. It reveals the reasons why interaction with the site and associated hijacker have been labeled as malicious. Some of the serious issues include the following:
- Network-wide Usage – The privacy policy is hosted on Mindspark’s official site and signals that it is in effect across all sites and domains operated by the company. This includes all partner and affiliate networks in use.
- Settings Changes – The privacy policy clearly outlines that web scripts or browser extensions can freely modify the web applications by changing the default home page, start page, new page and/or search settings.
- Data Collection – Interaction with sites or services offered by the company leads to advanced behavior and information tracking. According to the privacy policy the browser hijacker is able to harvest both personally-identifiable and anonymous data. The malicious plugin can harvest stored information such as: browser history, bookmarks, preferences, form data, passwords and credentials. In addition the imposed tracking cookies can capture social media accounts if the service-provided links are used.
- Tailored Ads – As every victim is assigned a unique victim ID the browser hijacker and all associated sites create list of preferences. It is used to load appropriate interests and display relevant sponsored ads.
- Data Sharing – The collected information can be shared with partners and affiliate sites under terms agreed by the company.
Remove FileShareFanatic Effectively
To remove FileShareFanatic manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove FileShareFanatic from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for FileShareFanatic with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic (Windows).
Get rid of FileShareFanatic from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic. 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FileShareFanatic, 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 FileShareFanatic (Mac)
Remove FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic will be removed.
Eliminate FileShareFanatic 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".
FileShareFanatic-FAQ
What Is FileShareFanatic?
The FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic?
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 FileShareFanatic?
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 FileShareFanatic Work?
Once installed, FileShareFanatic 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.
FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FileShareFanatic 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 FileShareFanatic?
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 FileShareFanatic threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.