The article will aid you to remove PDF King completely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions provided at the bottom of this article.
Its website will redirect you to its search engine or another malicious site. While using its services, you can find yourself on pages with lots of adverts and sponsored content that go through this hijacker. The hijacker will change the start page, new tab, and search settings for the browser applications you have on your computer machine.
Threat Summary
| Name | PDF King |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Each browser application on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you and will display lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which are altered are the homepage, search engine and the new tab. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PDF King. |
PDF King Hijacker – Methods of Distribution
The PDF King hijacker is а malicious web browser extension which is distributed via the most popular methods. Threats like this one are predominantly uploaded to the repositories of the most popular browsers, usually with fake user reviews and developer credentials. Through the elaborate descriptions posted they promise feature additions or performance optimizations.
Large campaigns are being delivered using email SPAM messages which use social engineering tactics in order to confuse the recipients into thinking that they have received a message from a well-known company or service that they might be using. The body contents will feature links to the hijacker code, in other cases they can be attached to the messages.
The malicious actors behind the PDF King hijacker can also create malicious web sites which also use phishing strategies. They can pose as vendor download pages, product landing sites or Internet portals.
Hijackers like this may also be spread via infected payload carriers:
- Modified Application Installers — The hackers can embed the necessary PDF King hijacker code into the setup files of well-known software that is popularly downloaded by end users: productivity, system utilities, office apps and even games. Whenever the installers are run the hijacker will be delivered to the systems, in some cases even if the setup procedure is cancelled.
- Document Scripts — Malicious macros can be the cause of infections with the PDF King hijacker. This is done by embedding such code into all popular document types: rich text documents, presentations, databases and spreadsheets. Once they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned asking them to enable the required interactive features in order to view the document. This activation will lead to the malware deployment.
These infected payloads can also be uploaded to file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where both legitimate contents and pirate software is shared.
PDF King Hijacker – In-Depth Description
As the PDF King hijacker infection is caused via browser plugins it can access all stored contents within. Coupled with a data harvesting module, if configured so, this can lead to the gathering of sensitive information. Two groups of data can be distinguished:
- Personal Information — Using the tracking modules and other technology the hijacker can hijack information that can directly reveal the identity of the victims by searching for strings related to their name, address, phone number and location. If any passwords and login credentials are identified they will be stolen as well.
- Device Metrics — Every single machine will be assigned an unique ID which will be generated using an algorithm that takes its input from values such as the following: installed hardware components, user and regional settings and environment values.
The end-result of the PDF King hijacker infection would be the manipulation of the browser settings. The users will find that once they open them up their default settings might be changed in order to redirect them to a hacker-controlled landing page. Values that are affected include the default home page, new tabs page and search engine.
The main browser hijacker page will show a template-based search engine which is made up of three main areas:
- Top Menu Bar — This will toggle between the search engines results types, at the moment the following options are available: Web, Images and Videos.
- Main Search Engine — It contains the main search engine with the conversion box underneath it.
- Bottom Menu Bar — It contains links to service pages like the privacy policy.
The main task of this threat is to coerce the users into using the advertised service — conversion of file formats to PDF. The users are offered a box that looks that will ask for the files to be uploaded. WARNING! All user-uploaded data will be made available to the operators of the service. If a malicious script is activated the returned files can include various malware code.
Other dangerous consequences of having this infection active on the compromised machines includes the load of tracking cookies which will record all user interactions with the page. The collected information may be uploaded to databases which may be shared between several hijacker sites. When they have accumulated enough information they can be offered to interested buyers on the hacker underground markets for sale.
It is possible that the malware threat is deployed in a persistent way which will make removal very difficult. The route of infection is due to changes to the computer settings: boot options, configuration files and other areas of the operating system. This also renders many manual user removal guides non-working.
A main goal of most hijackers like this one is the presentation of advertising and sponsored content. Theses sites are configured in such a way that generates a small income for the operators with every user click or interaction wih such content. This is also carried over to the search engine results — the pages will not display the best possible results but instead focus on such content. Popular forms of such content includes pop-ups, banners, redirects and etc.
Having such infections active on a given host also makes it possible to deliver other types of malware as well. Common examples include the following:
- Trojans — They will setup a connection between the local hosts and the malicious operators which allows the hackers to take over control of the machines. Such allow the controllers to hijack user data and also steal all kinds of files — both system owned and those belonging to the users.
- Ransomware — These are among the most dangerous malware as they will encrypt sensitive user data with a strong cipher and then demand that a ransom sum is paid to restore the system. They typically will use a built-in list that targets the most popular file type extensions.
- Miners — Cryptocurrency miners are scripts or small stand-alone programs that download resource-intensive tasks that are run on the compromised machines. Whenever one of the tasks is reported to the servers the malicious actors will receive income in the form of digital cryptocurrency that will be directly wired to their accounts.
Remove PDF King Browser Hijacker
To remove PDF King 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 redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove PDF King from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for PDF King with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall PDF King 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 PDF King 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 PDF King 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 PDF King (Windows).
Get rid of PDF King from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall PDF King 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 PDF King. 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 PDF King 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 PDF King files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as PDF King, 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 PDF King (Mac)
Remove PDF King 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 PDF King 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 PDF King 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 PDF King 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 King will be removed.
Eliminate PDF King 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".
PDF King-FAQ
What Is PDF King?
The PDF King 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 PDF King?
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 PDF King?
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 PDF King Work?
Once installed, PDF King 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.
PDF King 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 PDF King 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 PDF King Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PDF King 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 PDF King?
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 PDF King threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.