AnytimeAstrology is a potentially unwanted program developed by Mindspark that can hijack all installed browsers and change browser settings without asking for permission. It may come bundled with other freeware offered on the Internet. When AnytimeAstrology is installed on the computer and browser it will change browser homepage as well as the destination of each new tab to search.myway(.)com.
This article provides easy-to-follow removal guide that will help all affected users to get rid of AnytimeAstrology browser hijacker.
Threat Summary
| Name | AnytimeAstrology |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | All browsers on your computer could be affected. The hijacker will redirect you and filter your search queries. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine, and new tab. A browser extension and a toolbar can be added, as well. You can see targeted advertisement content. |
| 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 AnytimeAstrology. |
AnytimeAstrology – Distribution
The browser hijacker may be bundled with free software that provide the potentially unwanted program through installation sets. Often by just clicking the “Next” button during the installation process of free programs PUPs like AnytimeAstrology infiltrate the system too. To prevent programs like AnytimeAstrology to hijack browser, it is recommendable to look for Custom or Advanced installation options where all unwanted programs can be deselected.
Another way of AnytimeAstrology distribution is its official website that offers a direct download option.
After a click on the Download button a pop up that urge users to “Add Extension” will appear.
AnytimeAstrology can be also distributed via advertisements and redirects that appear as pop-ups, banners, and text-links on websites. Those websites could be affiliated or partnered up with Mindspark. The unwanted redirect can affect Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox browsers.
AnytimeAstrology – Detailed Analysis
Once AnytimeAstrology hijacks the system it will redirect to MyWay search engine. MyWay is owned by the Mindspark Interactive Network, which has made bulks of programs with browser hijacking capabilities like AnytimeAstrology. If any application associated with the PUP is installed on a computer, then search engine, start page and the new tab window of all browsers will show its domain. Below is the MyWay search engine main page:
Every single search that users do generates money for the hijacker owners by pay-per-click monetization. So after AnytimeAstrology hijacks browsers all search queries will go through the int.search.myway(.)com/search/ address. A lot of sponsored content and targeted advertisements could appear in search results. A lot of redirects, pop-ups and other advertisements can flood the browser and totally diminish browser experience.
A toolbar or a browser extension can be added, too. The extension associated with AnytimeAstrology browser hijacker can:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Read and change your browsing history
- Manage your downloads
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
Be on alert when having installed AnytimeAstrology or another application associated with Mindspark. Generated sponsored content and targeted advertisements by their MyWay search engine can infect the PC with malware if clicked.
AnytimeAstrology – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of RecipeHub will redirect you to the official EULA and Policy page of Mindspark that has been updated in March 2017. It states that every user who is using their toolbars and applications automatically agrees that his personal data will be collected.
According to Mindspark’s Policy, they gather the following information from all users who are using their products:
- Your name
- Your address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Number of your page views
- What links you clicked
- Your login times
AnytimeAstrology redirect is better to be removed as soon as it is detected on the computer. If it still be present on the system all gathered data could be shared with third party businesses that in the best case will use it for advertising purposes. Falling in the wrong hands the information could be used in targeted malware attacks.
Remove AnytimeAstrology Efficiently
To remove AnytimeAstrology 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 any leftovers should be removed with the help of an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software will keep your computer safe in the future.
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 AnytimeAstrology from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for AnytimeAstrology with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology (Windows).
Get rid of AnytimeAstrology from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology. 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AnytimeAstrology, 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 AnytimeAstrology (Mac)
Remove AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology will be removed.
Eliminate AnytimeAstrology 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".
AnytimeAstrology-FAQ
What Is AnytimeAstrology?
The AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology?
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 AnytimeAstrology?
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 AnytimeAstrology Work?
Once installed, AnytimeAstrology 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.
AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AnytimeAstrology 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 AnytimeAstrology?
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 AnytimeAstrology threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.