Vonteera Adware which has been reported to be a PUP by ESG security engineers. The PUPs associated with Win32/Vonteera are usually browser toolbars and extensions that may be heavily ad-supported. This particular software is a low level type of threat and is not malware. However it may be indirectly dangerous to a computer by displaying advertisements linking to suspicious third-party websites. What is more, the software may make itself difficult to be removed by having active processes running in the background.
Name | Vonteera Adware |
Type | Adware, PUP |
Short Description | The program may collect user information, slow down PC, make itself hard to remove, display targeted advertisements and is reported to disable security software. |
Symptoms | The user may witness heavy advertisements based on his online browsing behavior |
Distribution Method | Bundling. |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to discuss about Vonteera Adware. |
Vonteera Adware – How Did I Get It?
The primary method of distribution this application uses is bundling with widely downloaded software given for free. Such software is usually provided by third-party websites who have databases of free programs and often become the source of downloading your favorite program like media player, torrent engine and others. Such third-party websites usually bundle the installers including an opt-in option for Vonteera Adware during the installation. Given that most users tend to fast-click their way through the installation process they often tend to miss such options or installation steps. In order to protect yourself from that in the future, ESG security engineers advise users to pay attention and take their time through the installation steps of the software setup and what is more to download software from official websites if available. What is more, you may want to check the privacy policies of such programs automatically with software, such as EULAlyzer, for example.
Vonteera Adware – What does It Do?
Once installed on your computer, this potentially unwanted program begins to exhibit the typical adware behavior. The app itself will not infect your computer, because it is not malware, but it may have several symptoms that may make it a huge pain in the neck. According to experts there are many activities Vonteera performs that can be compared in similarity to more risky threats, just like Sirefef rootkit, for example.
The main purpose of the application after being installed is to collect user information and display advertisements to the user that generate traffic to third-party websites. This is done solely to profit from pay-per-click schemes and affiliate marketing.
The software may make money by collecting the user`s online searches, clicks and browsing history as well as other information, however this is not why it is deemed to be risky by experts. The application is risky mainly because of the third-party websites that may be advertised via its pop-ups, banners ad-supported search results, highlighted text and other methods. Some third-party websites may conceal different dangers from users of Vonteera adware:
- Scamming websites that may use different scams, software and social engineering schemes to take money or information.
- Malicious sites that may execute an exploit code, drive by download or straight up download malware on the user PC.
Either way, it is highly advisable to keep up to date with the latest methods of infection with malware and have browsing habits that are security oriented. Having an anti-malware tool will additionally prevent any intrusions.
Removing Vonteera Adware Completely
In order to remove this ad-supported program it is highly advisable to follow the step-by-step removal tutorial that we have provided for you below. However, there are often leftover objects such as registry entries and cookies after uninstall and this is why we recommend using an advanced anti-malware program. Besides getting rid of malware, It will also make sure that you are protected against any intrusions by such unwanted programs indirectly dangerous from your PC.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Vonteera Adware in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall Vonteera Adware.
Step 2: Remove Vonteera Adware from your browser
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select Vonteera Adware and click “Remove”
After Vonteera Adware is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select Vonteera Adware to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After Vonteera Adware has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on Vonteera Adware
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Vonteera Adware. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Vonteera Adware will be removed.
Step 3: Remove Vonteera Adware automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Vonteera Adware from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Vonteera Adware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Vonteera Adware 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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware (Windows).
Get rid of Vonteera Adware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware. 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 Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Vonteera Adware, 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 Vonteera Adware (Mac)
Remove Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware will be removed.
Eliminate Vonteera Adware 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".
Vonteera Adware-FAQ
What Is Vonteera Adware?
The Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware?
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 Vonteera Adware?
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 Vonteera Adware Work?
Once installed, Vonteera Adware 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.
Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Vonteera Adware 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 Vonteera Adware?
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 Vonteera Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.