What is WebHelper process? Is WebHelper a virus or is it legitimate file? Why WebHelper is running at 100% CPU?
The WebHelper malicious threat is a widespread virus that is being spread across the Internet using various methods. While it is not by itself a dangerous application there are many solitary fles which contain various types of viruses. As such careful attention should be paid to all users that encounter such files.
The malware files can be acquired through various methods. The hackers may send out phishing email messages or create hacker-made malware sites that are hosted on similar sounding domain names to well-known Internet pages. They can include stolen or fake content, multimedia elements hijacked from real sites and self-signed or stolen security certificates.
To facilitate a larger number of infected users the criminals behind the WebHelper .exe malware can embed the virus installation code into payload carriers of various types. This includes all sorts of documents across the most popular file formats: spreadsheets, presentations, text files and databases. They are to be infected with the necessary scripts (macros) that will download and run the built-in malware as soon as they are launched. The other mechanism is the creation of malicious installers of popular software which are often used by end users.
These files can be uploaded file-sharing networks like BitTorrent where both legitimate and pirate data is freely distributed. When the hackers want to infect a larger number of users they can make browser hijackers — malware plugins made compatible with the most popular web browsers which are commonly uploaded to their repositories with fake user reviews and developer credentials.
Threat Summary
| Name | WebHelper |
| Type | Generic malware. |
| Short Description | Poses as the legitimate Windows process. |
| Symptoms | The WebHelper process will be running in the background and will execute various malware actions. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious websites, malicious e-mails as well as other methods of replication. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WebHelper. |
WebHelper Malware – Infection
When the actual WebHelper malware is launched it can cause a wide range of malicious actions. This can include any of the following:
- System Modifications — This includes the manipulation of the boot options so that the threat is launched automatically when the computer is powered on. The engine can also edit the Windows Registry so that existing strings can be edited or news ones specific to the threat can be added. In many cases the users can expect data loss, performance issues and unexpected errors.
- Trojans — In a large percentage of cases these type of files can hold a Trojan horse client. It will establish a secure connection to a specific hacker-controlled server thus allowing the criminals to take over control of the hosts, steal user data and spy on the victims.
- Additional Payload Delivery — The WebHelper malware can be used to plant other threats to the affected computers. Depending on the individual instructions all kinds of viruses can be deployed.
As every single WebHelper malware infection can manifest different behavior we suggest that such infections are removed as soon as possible. Follow our in-depth removal guide to do this.
WebHelper Malware – More Information
As soon as the WebHelper malware has infected your computer, the virus may connect to a remote host and download it’s malicious payload. The payload may consist of more than one file and the files may be of the following file types:
→ .exe, .dll, .tmp, .bat, .vbs, .wsf, .js
As soon as the malicious files of WebHelper have been downloaded, the virus may set a registry entry in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys of Windows which may result in the malware running automatically on Windows boot. The sub-keys have the following locations:
→ 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
Remove WebHelper from Your Computer
In order to make sure that the WebHelper is completely gone from your computer system, it is strongly advisable that you follow the removal instructions, which we have prepared for WebHelper down below. They are divided in manual removal instructions and automatic removal ones. If you lack experience in removing malware, like the WebHelper, which creates a lot of objects on your PC, experts recommend removing this malware, by using a specific malware removal software. Such will not only remove the WebHelper completely and automatically, but will also make sure that your GPU is safe from intrusive mining injectors in the future as well.
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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove WebHelper from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of WebHelper from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove WebHelper from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase WebHelper from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall WebHelper from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove WebHelper from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate WebHelper from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove WebHelper from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove WebHelper
Step 2: Uninstall WebHelper 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 WebHelper 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 WebHelper 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 WebHelper from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall WebHelper 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 WebHelper 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 WebHelper files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WebHelper, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove WebHelper 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 WebHelper 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 WebHelper 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 WebHelper 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 WebHelper will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate WebHelper 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.
