How to remove the Company Finder adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Company Finder?
Company Finder is an untrustworthy piece of software. It has been observed being distributed through bundled installation setups, and due to this - it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Software within this classification typically has harmful functionalities.
Hence, Company Finder may operate as adware and/or a browser hijacker. Furthermore, as most PUAs, Company Finder has data tracking abilities that are used to spy on users' browsing habits. It also adds the "Managed by your organization" feature to Google Chrome browsers in order to ensure persistence.
Company Finder adware in detail
Unwanted software can have varied heinous abilities, which can be in different combinations. Some PUAs can force-open sale-based pages (of both legitimate and fraudulent products), unreliable, rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious websites
Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. The displayed pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, and other ads are more than just a minor nuisance. The adverts endorse a wide variety of dubious and dangerous sites. What is more, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to stealthily download/install software.
Browser hijackers modify browser settings to promote fraudulent search engines. This software assigns fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fake search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate ones.
Browser hijackers tend to use various persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from removing them. They can restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any changes users try to make to their browsers. Therefore, it is impossible to restore an affected browser without eliminating the software hijacking it.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Company Finder is not an exception to this; it sends users' browsing histories to the companyfinder.xyz website. However, it is not unlikely that this piece of software may target other data as well.
In general, information of interest includes (but is not limited to): visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and finance-related data. PUA developers monetize the collected information by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. It is strongly advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by Company Finder |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Company Finder |
| Detection Names (installer) |
Avast (Win32:TrojanX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Dropped:Trojan.GenericKDZ.77157), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Upatre.izhj), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
The fake "Google Translate" and likewise illegitimate "Google Docs" (which are in no way associated with the genuine Google products) are a couple examples of extensions similar to Company Finder. PUAs appear ordinary and harmless (and may even use the names of legitimate software); they also offer a broad range of features.
However, the functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. Functionality and user safety are irrelevant, as unwanted apps only aim to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs are designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather private data.
How did Company Finder install on my computer?
At the time of research, Company Finder was promoted on the Chrome Web Store. This is not particularly common in PUA distribution because legitimate sources quickly detect and remove suspicious products. Unwanted applications are typically pushed through unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) webpages.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
PUAs are also spread via downloaders/installers of other programs. This false marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". These supplements can be left unmentioned or hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings.
Therefore, by rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.), users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices, thereby endangering the systems with potential infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software before download/installation. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from supplementary apps, functions, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with Company Finder, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Company Finder adware promoted on the Chrome Web Store:
Appearance of Company Finder adware (GIF):
Company Finder causing browser redirects to bing.com Internet search engine:
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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. 7 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 Company Finder?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Company Finder application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Company Finder ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Company Finder' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Company Finder extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Company Finder adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Company Finder", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Company Finder ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Company Finder adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 "Company Finder", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by company finder, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Company Finder".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by company finder removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by company finder, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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