How to remove redirects to and from vpnbestapp.com

What is vpnbestapp[.]com?

vpnbestapp[.]com is a deceptive website running scams primarily targeting iPhone users. There are two scam variants promoted on this site. One version claims that the user's mobile device has been infected and requires legitimate virus protection tools to be installed onto it.

The other version states that the device needs VPN software, as it may be vulnerable. Note that all of the information provided by vpnbestapp[.]com is false and cannot be trusted. Schemes of this type promote dubious applications such as fake anti-virus tools, adware, browser hijackers and other Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).

These scams also promote Trojans, ransomware and other malware. Few visitors to vpnbestapp[.]com or similar web pages enter them intentionally - most access these sites through mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or by PUAs.

One of the scams run on vpnbestapp[.]com presents visitors with a pop-up window, which is disguised as a legitimate system notification from Apple concerning users' iOS devices. The text presented in the background page states that three viruses have been detected on users' iPhones.

The device's battery has been supposedly infected as well, and the malware has already damaged it. To avoid further damage from the (nonexistent) malware, the scam urges users to "install the recommended virus protection tool free of charge from the AppStore".

The endorsed application will fully restore the device and undo the damage caused to it. The other variant claims that specific VPN software (app) is required, since, allegedly, the Safari browser on users' Apple devices is not protected with that particular VPN app.

Due to this, users risk having their information stolen by malicious advertisements. Therefore, to protect their privacy and banking information, users must install the promoted application. As mentioned, the content on vpnbestapp[.]com is highly deceptive and designed to advertise untrusted software.

Therefore, you are strongly advised not to trust vpnbestapp[.]com or other, similar websites.

PUAs typically seem legitimate and harmless, and offer a wide variety of "useful" functionalities, which are rarely operational (e.g. fake anti-virus tools). These apps can have dangerous capabilities. Some PUAs can force-open malicious web pages (including vpnbestapp[.]com).

Adware-type apps deliver pop-ups, banners, coupons and other intrusive ads. These significantly diminish the browsing experience and, once clicked, redirect to harmful sites. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (when clicked) to stealthily download/install rogue software.

Browser hijackers make modifications to browser settings and limit/deny access to them in order to promote fake search engines. The promoted web search tools usually cannot provide unique results, and so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate search engines.

Furthermore, most PUAs monitor users' browsing activity and collect sensitive data extracted from it. Information of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations, and other personally identifiable details. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	vpnbestapp.com pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Fake Claim	Scam claims that users' iPhone has been infected or that their Apple device requires a VPN app to be installed onto it.
Promoted Unwanted Application	Various untrustworthy applications.
Serving IP Address	104.28.19.99
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Dheje.xyz, ivpnconfig.com and connection-protect.com are some examples of deceptive pages similar to vpnbestapp[.]com. There are thousands of scam websites on the internet.

Popular scam models are warnings that the device is infected or at risk, alerts that an essential piece of software is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways and raffles, "unbelievable" offers and deals, etc. Regardless of what these sites claim or how they operate, their purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the designers.

Therefore, it is especially important to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs have "official" promotional web pages, which are often promoted by deceptive/scam sites. These applications can also be downloaded/installed with other products. This deceptive marketing method of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling".

Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. When clicked, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Use only official and verified download channels, since untrusted sources including unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders, commonly offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious sites (e.g. gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on).

If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in one of the scams promoted by vpnbestapp[.]com:

Pop-up:

 

(1) SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Please Read Important Notification Regarding Your iOS Device.
OK

 

-----------------

 

Background:

 

(3) Viruses has been detected on your iPhone and battery has been infected and damaged.

 

If you do not remove this malware now, it may cause more damage to your device. How to fix this:

 

Step 1: Tap the button below & install the recommended virus protection tool for free from the AppStore.

 

Step 2: Run the app to remove all malware to repair your phone to 100%
1 minutes and 45 seconds
Download and Install
Detected By Apple.

Another scam variant promoted by vpnbestapp[.]com:

Text presented in this variant:

Atlant VPN Required!

 

Safari browser on your device might be not protected with Atlant VPN and vulnerable for stealing personal data through showing malware advertisement.

 

You should install it and activate shield or your privacy and banking information on your Apple device might be vulnerable for stealing by cybercriminals

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "vpnbestapp[.]com"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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