This article has been created in order to explain what is the InstaTime unwanted program and how to remove it from your browser and your computer completely.
A new potentially unwanted program which uses your browser to track your information has been reported by cyber-security researchers. The program is the type of software which does not do anything specific at first glance, but actually performs activities in the background to which you would not consent if you knew. The program aims to open Instagram.com and use cookies plus other tracking technologies, including a JavaScript application in order to monitor your online activity. If you see any signs of InstaTime PUP running on your computer, we advise that you read the following article in order to learn how to remove InstaTime fully and protect your computer and information.
Threat Summary
| Name | InstaTime PUP |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program |
| Short Description | The program runs JavaScript in the background and causes redirects to Instagram’s login page. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser may begin to automatically display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| 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 InstaTime PUP. |
InstaTime PUP – How Did I Get It
There may be several methods of propagation, used by the ones who spread InstaTime on computers. The program can be downloaded directly from a web page, which misleads the user that he or she is downloading a legitimate program which may be a software you are looking to install by searching it on unknown websites. The way the scheme works is after you click on “Download”, believing that you will download a program you desire, you are instead redirected to a website, which downloads InstaTime PUP instead. The web page on it appears like the following:
In addition to this, InstaTime may also be added on your computer as a result of you having to install a mod, patch or any other free program you may have downloaded from suspicious software-providing sites. Such freeware apps often come bundled with third-party programs, which are installed alongside them. And fast clickers plus unexperienced users often tend to miss apps, like InstaTime, because these apps are often well-hidden within the “Advanced” installation mode of the downloaded freeware’s setup.
InstaTime PUP – What Does It Do
Being classified as a potentially unwanted program, InstaTime is the type of software which may display different web pages on your computer. Among those web pages is the Official Instagram Login web page.
But it comes with a catch. The InstaTime software automatically runs an application, known as Node.JS alongside the redirect it causes to Instagram. This results in your web browser automatically establishing connection to a third-party host, most likely belonging to the same people who are behind InstaTime. Furthermore, it is also likely that the program may use different types of tracking technologies, besides it’s JavaScript, such as:
- Cookies.
- LSOs.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Geo-locators.
These types of information trackers are often used for different malicious purposes, such as to track the following information about you:
- Your browsing history.
- Online searches.
- Bookmarked websites.
- Ads you have clicked on.
This information may be utilized by the InstaTime PUP to flood your computer with different advertisements, such as:
- Banners.
- Pop-ups.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Browser redirects.
In addition to this, even though it is not confirmed yet, the InstaTime app may begin to aggregate information about you and may even unknowingly collect passwords and other user-entered information. Since the advertisements which may be displayed on your computer In association with InstaTime may lead you to scamming sites, unsafe websites, malicious web pages and other risky online hosts, security experts advise to remove this PUP immediately from your computer, because it can be indirectly dangerous and even lead to serious security problems for your computer.
InstaTime PUP – How to Remove It Fully
Removing InstaTime may be a tricky process, since the program creates multiple different files and objects that are often hidden and difficult to find. This is the main reason why we advise you to follow the removal instructions underneath. If you lack the experience to remove this unwanted program manually, experts advise you to do so automatically, by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which will make sure to remove all of the associated files and objects in relations to the InstaTime PUP and will also detect and remove other intrusive applications similar to it, if they are present on your PC.
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 InstaTime PUP from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for InstaTime PUP with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall InstaTime PUP 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP (Windows).
Get rid of InstaTime PUP from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP (Mac)
Remove InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP will be removed.
Eliminate InstaTime 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".
InstaTime PUP-FAQ
What Is InstaTime PUP?
The InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP Work?
Once installed, InstaTime PUP 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.
InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this InstaTime 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 InstaTime 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 InstaTime PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.