Browser redirect virus scams send users to other websites that they are not expecting. Most redirects send you to different locations like advertisements, tech support scams, dating sites, adult sites, or unwanted malicious programs. These websites typically contain viruses and malware, which can infect your device. If you have been facing these kinds of issues, keep reading to learn more about browser redirect virus removal.
Identification of Redirect Virus
When your browser gets redirected to a scam website, you generally hear audio or alarms advising you to contact someone for support. These sites can be extremely annoying as well as frightening for users. They look very official. Do not buy into the scam!
Once you contact the number on your screen, the person on the other end convinces you to allow them remote access to your computer so they can show you all the viruses you have. Then the "support" technician requests payment via a credit card or bank transfer. Sometimes even other forms of payment are requested. You will most likely never see this money again, and the scammer can get access to your bank accounts.
How to Remove Redirect Virus
The first thing to remember is don't click on anything or call the number on your screen. It would be best if you disconnected your internet connection from the problem computer. Next, you'll need to close the browser window so you can work on removing any trace of the redirect.
To close the browser window, first, try pressing and holding the Alt key & the F4 key on your keyboard for a second. If the window doesn't close, you should try pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys together. Your screen should display a few selections, one of which is Task Manager. Select the Task Manager option and close your browser with the End Task button.
Uninstall the Malicious Software
These scammers or hackers infect your computer with malicious software. Sometimes you see the programs, but sometimes you won't. Uninstallation of visible programs is the best place to start.
- Open the "Control panel" and go to "Uninstall a Program."
- You should see a list of "Programs and Features."
- Click on the unknown and malicious software and select "Uninstall."
Install an Anti-Malware Program
There are several anti-malware programs for Windows. Do some research to find and verify a couple of good ones for scanning your computer.
Malwarebytes is one of the better ones and very easy to use. After you have installed Malwarebytes, check the settings to make sure "scan for rootkits" is checked. Then perform a full system scan to clean out any malicious files or programs.
A second anti-malware program you can use is HitmanPro. This program removes malware exceptionally well and is very user-friendly. Running a scan with both of these programs goes a long way toward cleaning up an infected computer.
Update Windows
Installing the latest updates for Windows & other legitimate software can help prevent redirect attacks by removing vulnerabilities in software. It is best to have a computer with the latest release of Windows 10. Make sure auto-updates is on and that your computer is powered on throughout the night to install necessary updates. All these settings are in the control panel or Windows 10 settings screen.
Run Disk CleanUp
Running Disk CleanUp on your computer removes temporary files that redirects have placed on your computer. Clicking on the search icon of your start bar and typing Disk CleanUp, you can run the app. Make sure to select the option "Clean Up System Files." Disk CleanUp provides a very thorough cleanup of your hard drive and frees up some space on your computer.
Reset the Browser Settings
Chromium-based browsers like Chrome or the new Microsoft Edge have an option in settings to completely reset the browser to default. Resetting removes all temporary files, disables all extensions, and clears out any home page settings.
Other browsers require you to manually clear caches & history, disable & un-install extensions, and reset home pages. These options are typically under the Privacy section in the Settings menu of the browser.
Resetting a browser clears your passwords and logins to your favorite websites. You have to log back into the sites once the clean up is complete. Make sure you know all your passwords before you begin, or you'll have to reset your passwords to these sites.
Get Help
If you are unable to clear out any browser redirect malware, consider contacting a professional for help.