PDF Converter Hub “Virus”

by Ventsislav Krastev | February 26, 2019 | 1 Comment adware, browser hijacker, PUP

Threat Summary PDF Converter Hub – Distribution Methods PDF Converter – Furhter Information Remove PDF Converter Hub from Chrome and Your Computer

This blog post has been made to explain what is PDF Converter Hub and how to remove it effectively from your computer.

A new browser extension for Google Chrome and other web browsers, called PDF Converter Hub was recently reported to be involved in suspicious activity. The program aims to arrive via websites as a browser extensions and If this happens, the headaches for users may begin. The software may start to perform multiple suspicious and probably malicious activities on the computers it’s added on, which may include aggressive advertising as well as other adverts and software to be added alongside it. It also may change the settings on the web browsers of users so that they lead to various unwanted sites, that may also turn out to be outright malicious. In the events that your computer has recently been affected by PDF Converter, we would strongly recommend that you read this article thoroughly.

Threat Summary

Name	PDF Converter Hub
Type	Browser Hijacker
Short Description	May significantly change the settings on your web browser and may show a lot of advertisements. Pretends to be PDF converter browser extension.
Symptoms	Your web browser begins to 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 Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss PDF Converter Hub.

PDF Converter Hub – Distribution Methods

One of the main spread methods used by this unwanted program is likely software bundling. You may encounter PDF Converter hub in one of the installation steps of a program you are trying to download and install for free. It may come with a prompt advertising it as a completely legitimate tool aimed at helping to aid your PDF conversion process by providing easy access:

Another way via which the program may arrive on your computer is if you have added it as a result of being redirected or open it’s web-page, which is a well-made, but very aggressive page, asking you to even allow push notifications:

Once added, the program may immediately begin to change the settings of your web browser by removing and adding it’s own custom search page and allowing push and other notifications to begin appearing on your computer.

PDF Converter – Furhter Information

As soon as you add PDF Converter hub to your computer, your web page may immediately change to the following one:

The changed page is actually a hoax search engine, which may display a lot of different custom search results, flooded with ad-supported search results:

Another activity that may be performed as a result of having PDF Converter Hub on your computer is that the software may use different technologies to track you:

Cookies.
Tags.
Pixels.
Geo-location trackers.
Locally Shared Objects, also known as LSOs.

Once the PDF Converter Hub installs and adds itself, the program may use those tracking technologies to obtain different information from your computer. This information may be the following:

Your search history.
Your browsing history.
Your online clicks.
Your bookmarked websites.

In addition to this, the program may also use those details about you to flood and slow down your computer with numerous different types of advertisements, like:

Pop-up ads.
Taken over banner spaces on the sites you visit.
Browser redirects that lead to various malicious websites.
Highlighted text ads on the sites you have visited.

Seeing and opening these advertisements on your computer may put it at extreme risk, since they may ultimately lead you to the following dangerous websites:

Malicious sites that may infect your machine with viruses, such as Trojans, Ransomware and other malware.
Sites, that may add more extensions of this type.
Sites that may ask you to accept Push Notifications.
Websites which may be Tech Support Scams, that may ask you to call a number, while deceiving you that you have a big issue with your PC or Mac.
Phishing sites, that may pretend as the original login pages of Facebook, Google, Instagram and other big sites.

Remove PDF Converter Hub from Chrome and Your Computer

If you want to fully erase this unwanted and indirectly risky program from your computer, we would strongly suggest that you read the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea to provide you with the necessary steps that you need to take to delete PDF Converter Hub manually. Be advised, however, that for maximum effectiveness, it is strongly recommended that you get rid of this software automatically, as security experts would advise. This can happen if you download and run a scan on your computer, using an advanced anti-malware software. This software aims to guarantee you that all the files and strings created by PDF Converter Hub are fully erased from your computer.

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.

How to Remove PDF Converter Hub from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PDF Converter Hub

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall PDF Converter Hub 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by PDF Converter Hub 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 PDF Converter Hub there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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.

Step 4: Scan for PDF Converter Hub with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of PDF Converter Hub from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall PDF Converter Hub and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to PDF Converter Hub:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to PDF Converter Hub. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 PDF Converter Hub. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 PDF Converter Hub 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as PDF Converter Hub. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 PDF Converter Hub files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PDF Converter Hub, 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for PDF Converter Hub:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove PDF Converter Hub 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase PDF Converter Hub 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall PDF Converter Hub 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove PDF Converter Hub 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 PDF Converter Hub will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate PDF Converter Hub 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.