This article aims to help you with the removal of Pdfmaster.net hijacker from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of all harmful files in full.
Pdfmaster.net is a questionable search engine that could suddenly start to appear in your preferred web browser. That’s why it is considered to be an undesired program which could be further classified as browser hijacker. In case of infection with this hijacker, its main page may be set as browser homepage, new tab page while its rogue search engine as a default one. Once this happens Pdfmaster.net becomes able to obtain certain details from the browser and send them to its servers. Keep reading to learn more about its ways to get to the system and its adverse impact.
Threat Summary
| Name | Pdfmaster.net | |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP | |
| Short Description | Pdfmaster.net is a website with questionable search enigne that hijacks browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine. All mentioned modifications happen on the background without your knowledge. | |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser are set to dislay the main page of Pdfmaster.net hijacker. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. | |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages | |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Pdfmaster.net. |
Pdfmaster.net Hijacker – Spread Techniques
Pdfmaster.net is considered to be a potentially unwanted program mainly because it aims to land on your system without you noticing that moment. So the techniques used for its distribution attempt trick you into installing it unintentionally on your device. Among these techniques are bundled packages, fake update notifications, deceptive web pages, and malvertising.
As the installers of many free third-party apps are commonly used for the spread of various PUPs we will reveal more about this technique. In their installers, such apps often contain additional potentially undesired apps like Pdfmaster.net. In order that you got tricked into starting the infection code along with the primary app, the regular installation steps of such installers conceal the presence of the extras. Happily, as a prevention tip may be the access to Advanced/Custom configuration install options. By reading carefully what is stated there you may detect the presence of any undesired apps that are offered as extras. So in case that you don’t need them, you can opt out their installation and then continue with the installing the desired app.
Frequently used web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Safari could be affected by Pdfmaster.net hijacker.
Pdfmaster.net – Detailed Overview
After infection files associated with Pdfmaster.net are started on the PC, several modifications of basic browser settings are initiated. These changes enable the hijacker to replace the homepage, new tab page and default search engine in all targeted web browsers. So that was the moment when the first thing you see when you open your preferred web browser became the main page of the hijacker as shown below:
At first, you may consider that Pdfmaster.net is a normal website that provides web searching services as well as a few convenient features for converting PDF files and quick access to several popular websites. However, don’t forget that it is not an app that appears in your browser by your wish. Now let us reveal some of the reasons why this program is better to be removed than kept.
As revealed in the policy of this hijacker one of its primary goals is data collection. So as long as it has access to your browser it is able to obtain certain details (more about them you could find in the next paragraph) and send it to its servers. It is most likely that the data will be used for the creation of profile based on your interests that will be later on used for targeted advertising campaigns. So there is a chance that an infection with this PUP will lead to an increased number of ads in the browser.
On the one hand, these ads may make your browser sluggish and even unresponsive at times. On the other hand, some of them may land you on corrupted web pages that are set to automatically trigger severe malware infections directly on your PC.
Furthermore, you should have in mind that in case of infection with Pdfmaster.net there is real chance that an undesired extension has also been installed without asking you for permission. And once this extension is added to your Google Chrome browser it can:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Replace the page you see when opening a new tab
- Change your search settings to: photorito.me
- Detect your physical location
Pdfmaster.net – Privacy Policy
The need to reveal the policy section of Pdfmaster.net in detail is the information about data collection practices revealed there as well as the name of the company which is responsible for storing valuable data of yours.
So let’s begin with stating that the company owner of this deceptive website is stated to be AIR TB & CONSULTING LTD. Our research history indicates that Pdfmaster.net is not the first nasty hijacker associated with this company. As reported, other two browser hijackers dubbed Photorito.me and Pdfconverter.pro are owned by AIR TB & CONSULTING LTD.
As stated in the policies of their products including the policy of Pdfmaster.net they use them to collect a variety of personal and non-personal data from the browsers of all users who are using their deceptive services.
Eventually, it appears that as long as you keep Pdfmaster.net present in your browser it takes your agreement for data collection for granted. So all of the details listed below will be sent to the hijacker’s servers and this way provided to its owners:
- The searches you perform
- The pages you view
- Your name
- Gender
- Email address
- Country of origin
- Browser type
- Telephone number
- Age
- Occupation
- Household income
- Zip code
- All search queries and visited websites
A disturbing consequence is that the records of your data could be disclosed to third-party services or businesses partners of AIR TB & CONSULTING LTD whose names and activities are unfortunately unknown. The chances are that the data will be used for targeted advertising or at worst malware attacks. And in case that some of the holders don’t store the data in a secure manner, malicious intenders may also obtain all these sensitive details of yours.
How to Remove Pdfmaster.net Hijacker
In order to remove Pdfmaster.net hijacker and all associated files from your PC you need 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 this undesired program in full. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool reveals the exact location of all malicious files and objects created by Pdfmaster.net. This information enables you to access and then remove all harmful files from the infected PC. Have in mind that files associated with this hijacker may be stored with names different than Pdfmaster.net.
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 Pdfmaster.net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Pdfmaster.net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net (Windows).
Get rid of Pdfmaster.net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net. 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Pdfmaster.net, 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 Pdfmaster.net (Mac)
Remove Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net will be removed.
Eliminate Pdfmaster.net 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".
Pdfmaster.net-FAQ
What Is Pdfmaster.net?
The Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net?
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 Pdfmaster.net?
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 Pdfmaster.net Work?
Once installed, Pdfmaster.net 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.
Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pdfmaster.net 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 Pdfmaster.net?
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 Pdfmaster.net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.