Pop-broker.com is a suspicious riskware site known for generating redirects and intrusive pop-ups that disrupt users’ browsing experiences. There have been multiple reports (e.g. Reddit and Microsoft Answers) about the site appearing suddenly and creating suspicious links and redirects. Furthermore, some of VirusTotal’s security engines detect it as malicious, suspicious, and spam:
Once a user visits or is redirected to this site, it typically displays unwanted ads, misleading notifications, or prompts to install questionable software. These actions often lead to further redirects to potentially malicious websites or the download of adware and other unwanted applications.
Pop-broker.com is commonly associated with browser hijackers and bundled software, posing a risk to both the security and privacy of users by exploiting vulnerabilities to inject ads and manipulate browser settings.
Pop-broker.com Short Overview
| Name | Pop-broker.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUA |
| Short Description | A suspicious website and rogue search engine that hijacks your browsers and causes redirects. |
| Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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How Did I Get Infected by Pop-broker.com?
Our research shows that Pop-broker.com stems from a rogue browser extension which could be harmful to your browsers and operating system. The extension is most likely available for download on Chrome Web Store, Edge store and possibly other freeware platforms such as Softonic. It also might be distributed through software bundles.
If you have been tricked into downloading it, your default search provider has also been changed. In fact, the extension causes a series of intrusive redirects through various suspicious URLs, such as Pop-broker.com.
This redirect behavior is typical for most browser hijackers, which capture sensitive details related to your browsing profile while causing intrusive redirect loops.
Going back to your default search engine and browser settings may turn out to be challenging, due to the intrusive nature of the extension. That is why an anti-malware program may be needed to the cleaning for you.
What Does Pop-broker.com Do?
As you may have discovered yourself, this hijacker can cause various issues, such as slowing down your computer, redirecting your browser, replacing your default search and new tab page, and injecting unwanted ads. The end goal is collecting your personal information and using it in suspicious ad campaigns and other, unknown ways.
The browser extension will take over your browser and redirect your searches to pages of its choice. Each search you enter will be captured by its operators. Other details that may be collected include the following:
- various online identifiers, such as user ID and operating system type;
- IP address;
- search queries.
The extension can also slow down your computer and tamper with your normal browsing. In a nutshell, the extension can perform the following actions:
- hijack your web browser and redirects you to unwanted websites.
- lead you to the installation of unwanted adware, toolbars, and other potentially unwanted programs.
- significantly slow down your internet browsing experience.
- track your online activities and collect your personal data.
Is Pop-broker.com a Computer Virus?
By definition, suspicious browser extensions do not belong to the family of computer viruses. A computer virus is the type of program that replicates itself upon execution by modifying other programs and inserting its own code. The extension does not have these properties, but could redirect you to malicious pages that download malware onto the computer. So, it is still considered a threat.
Is Pop-broker.com Dangerous?
Pop-broker.com is a browser hijacker that poses a significant risk if not removed promptly. It can redirect your web searches to suspicious websites and potentially install malicious software on your computer. Additionally, it may collect sensitive information, such as your IP address, search queries, and even financial details. If your system has been compromised by Pop-broker.com, it is crucial to remove it as soon as possible. The longer it remains on your device, the more exposed you become to further online threats.
Remove Pop-broker.com from Your Browser and Computer
To ensure the security of your system, it is important to remove Pop-broker.com from both your browser and computer. Begin by uninstalling any related programs or browser extensions associated with the hijacker. Afterward, run a scan with an anti-malware program to detect and eliminate any remaining malicious files. Finally, reset your browser settings to their original defaults to fully restore your browsing environment.
Follow the steps below the article for a detailed guide on how to remove this browser hijacker.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Pop-broker.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Pop-broker.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com (Windows).
Get rid of Pop-broker.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com. 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Pop-broker.com, 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 Pop-broker.com (Mac)
Remove Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com will be removed.
Eliminate Pop-broker.com 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".
Pop-broker.com-FAQ
What Is Pop-broker.com?
The Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com?
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 Pop-broker.com?
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 Pop-broker.com Work?
Once installed, Pop-broker.com 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.
Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Pop-broker.com 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 Pop-broker.com?
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 Pop-broker.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.