User complaints have appeared regarding a certain piece of unwanted software – Ghokswa Browser. Ghokswa Browser is a suspicious browser that imitates Google Chrome but is not safe to use. Also, keep in mind that Ghokswa Browser may have sneaked into your computer alongside another unwanted program.
| Name | Ghokswa Browser |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | The browser takes over the legitimate Chrome browser, set as default. |
| Symptoms | Unusual browser behavior, possibly unwanted ads. |
| Distribution Method | Third-party installers, Bundling. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Ghokswa Browser. |
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) tend to come in bundled installers. Such installers may be designed to perform silent installations. The only way to completely rid your system of any trace of Ghokswa Browser or related PUPs may be via strong anti-malware software.
Ghokswa Browser General Description
Multiple users’ complaints have appeared on ProductForums by Google.
From Eyal Katz 65’s complaint we understand that Ghokswa Browser somehow sneaked into his system and replaced the legitimate Google Chrome which was also his default one. By attempting to reset Chrome as a default browser, a message was displayed to him reading that a verified publisher (BYSENDA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED) wanted to install the following file:
- BrowserServer.exe
Affected users also report witnessing unusual behavior from Chrome, which is usually in the form of sudden crashes, unwanted advertisements, browser redirects.
Ghokswa Browser Distribution Method
As mentioned in the beginning, Ghokswa Browser may have entered the system in a bundled download of freeware.
Other popular distribution methods applied by PUPs include:
- Interacting with third-party content and clicking on suspicious ads and banners, present on free video streaming pages, p2p communities, etc.
- Installing fake updates, mostly for Java and Flash. You should not trust pop-ups prompting you to execute unknown files.
- Opening spam email attachments. Spam content may interfere with your browsers by installing unwanted software on your computer.
Another change noticed by users is that the browser re-appears after manual uninstallation. Ghokswa Browser still runs when the user attempts to launch Chrome from the desktop. The user keeps being redirected to:
ghokswa Browser\ghokswa\chrome.exe
If you have been experiencing unusual behavior from Chrome or another browser, you may have been affected by one or more PUPs (adware, browser hijackers). Considering the intrusive behavior by Ghokswa Browser, we advise you to use anti-malware software to check your system for intruders.
In addition, remember that the longer suspicious browsers such as Ghokswa run on your system, the more vulnerable it becomes. Such software generally serves third-party developers to:
- Collect personal and non-personal information;
- Apply tracking technologies;
- Use collected information for their own purposes.
Even though the exact purpose of Ghokswa Browser hasn’t been confirmed, the fact that it takes over legitimate browsers and remains persistent should be enough reason to remove it.
Ghokswa Browser Removal
We have compiled several steps to follow in your attempt to eliminate all traces of Ghokswa Browser. Even if you succeed in performing a manual removal of the unwanted browser, it is still recommended to run a full system scan. Other PUPs may have been installed together with Ghokswa.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the beginning. 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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- Guide 1: How to Remove Ghokswa Browser from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Ghokswa Browser from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Ghokswa Browser from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Ghokswa Browser from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Ghokswa Browser from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Ghokswa Browser from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Ghokswa Browser from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Ghokswa Browser from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Ghokswa Browser
Step 2: Uninstall Ghokswa Browser 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 3: Clean any registries, created by Ghokswa Browser on your computer.
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 Ghokswa Browser 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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Ghokswa Browser from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Ghokswa Browser and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Ghokswa Browser 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 malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Ghokswa Browser 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Ghokswa Browser 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Ghokswa Browser 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Ghokswa Browser 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 Ghokswa Browser will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Ghokswa Browser 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.
