Have you heard of the term LSP hijacker? Well, you may not know the term, but you may have encountered the problem caused by it. LSP stands for Layered Service Provider, which is basically a .dll file that uses the Winsock API to place itself into the TCP/IP stack.
| Name | LSP Hijacker, PUP |
| Type | LSP Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A LSP hijacker can intercept the connection between the Internet and PC applications. |
| Symptoms | Internet connectivity issues, problems related to potentially unwanted programs. |
| Distribution Method | Installation of PUPs, third party software installers, bundling, etc. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By LSP Hijacker, PUP |
Once this is done, the traffic between the Internet and applications on the computer can be interrupted, filtered or in some cases – modified. If you have recently experienced a repetitive interception of your Internet traffic, your system may have been compromised by a LSP hijacker.
How Are LSP and Potentially Unwanted Software Related?
LSP software usually takes care of low-level Internet related tasks. Data is transmitted in both ways through a chain of the LSP programs.
As you may have guessed, both legitimate and malicious software can use LSPs. Examples of legitimate applications using the service are Sygate Firewall, Mcafee Personal Firewall, E-Safe, and many others. However, potentially unwanted programs, such as adware and browser hijackers, can also employ LSPs and completely mess the targeted system. We have written about LSP browser hijackers before. A program that falls into the category is Dnsioweb.net. Another depiction of LSP hijacking is WeWatcherProxy.
What the problem generally is users have no idea a LSP intruder has entered their systems, until it’s too late. Such programs can be installed in a stealth manner – via bundled, silent and unattended installers.
Why Is LSP Hijacking Employed?
In terms of spyware and PUP, LSPs can be employed to redirect the traffic from the user’s PC to predetermined websites, or collect stats about Internet usability. When used for good reasons, LSPs will scan network traffic for malicious files, viruses, Trojans, etc.
How Can LSP Hijacking Be Stopped?
An AV program can remove the intruder. However, the removal process can be risky. You may wonder why. The Winsock Service Provider Interface (SPI) contains a system for layering providers. One of the problems may be that there can be more LSPs in the user’s stack. The order of layered providers is stored in the Winsock Catalog. If one of the LSPs is ‘taken out’ of the stack, there is a risk of damaging the Internet connection. Instead of fixing the problem, the problem can get worse.
There are some free utilities such as LSP-Fix that can fix problems related to LSP hijacking troubles. However, even such utilities should only be used by expert users and with great caution.
In case the LSP intruder was accompanied by a potentially unwanted program, the user should locate the PUP and uninstall it the regular way (the Uninstall a program).
NOTE
Security researchers at MalwareBytes remind that the LSP feature was deprecated in Windows Server 2012. As a result, a prevalent number of Windows 8 metro apps have skipped the LSPs. If the user is running Windows 8/10, there may be no need of fixing anything. However, if there is a persistent Internet problem related to a LSP hijacker such as the Mezaa app (Mezaa.Service.exe) or WeWatcherProxy, there following process can be attempted:
→Choose Start – Programs – Accessories – right click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
→In the Command Prompt window type “Netsh winsock reset catalog”, and press Enter.
→Restart the PC.
After those steps are followed, the problematic programs can be removed manually from the system. However, remember that by doing this, you will delete everything, added to the default entries.
Such steps should only be done by users with expert knowledge and understanding of core system functionalities.
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In case you feel like a browser hijacker or a PUP with such capabilities has sneaked into the system, you can also refer to our removal manual especially crafted for spyware of that kind.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP.
Step 2: Remove LSP Hijacker, PUP from your browser
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select LSP Hijacker, PUP and click “Remove”
After LSP Hijacker, PUP is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall LSP Hijacker, PUP. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the LSP Hijacker, PUP will be removed.
In order to remove any associated objects that are left after uninstall and detect any other threats, you should:
Step 3: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove LSP Hijacker, PUP.
Removing LSP Hijacker, PUP from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Removing LSP Hijacker, PUP from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Substep 1:
Open the Start Menu
Substep 2:
Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Substep 3:
After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Substep 4:
You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Substep 5:
After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Substep 6:
Click on Restart.
Substep 7:
A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove LSP Hijacker, PUP.
Step 4: Remove LSP Hijacker, PUP automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all LSP Hijacker, PUP associated objects.
Milena Dimitrova
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How to Remove LSP Hijacker, PUP from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for LSP Hijacker, PUP with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP (Windows).
Get rid of LSP Hijacker, PUP from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP. 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as LSP Hijacker, PUP, 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP (Mac)
Remove LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP will be removed.
Eliminate LSP Hijacker, PUP 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".
LSP Hijacker, PUP-FAQ
What Is LSP Hijacker, PUP?
The LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP?
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 LSP Hijacker, PUP?
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 LSP Hijacker, PUP Work?
Once installed, LSP Hijacker, PUP 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.
LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LSP Hijacker, PUP 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 LSP Hijacker, PUP?
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 LSP Hijacker, PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.