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How to remove a rogue browser extension called "Chrome"

Also Known As: Ads by fake "Chrome" extension
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is a fake "Chrome" extension?

While inspecting websites offering "cracked" software, our researchers discovered a rogue browser extension simply titled "Chrome". Many fake extensions may use this name; in general, it is common for dubious software to use the names and graphics of legitimate products and companies. Typically, deceptive apps and browser extensions have harmful functionalities. The illegitimate "Chrome" extension that we analyzed had adware-type abilities.

Fake Chrome extension

Fake "Chrome" extension overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of pop-ups, coupons, and other intrusive ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These advertisements promote highly questionable and dangerous content like scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware.

When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. It has to be mentioned that any legitimate products encountered through such ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to fraudulently acquire commissions for the endorsement.

Advertising-supported software might not operate as designed (i.e., not deliver ad campaigns) if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, specific webpages are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, whether a fake "Chrome" extension displays advertisements is irrelevant - since its presence on a device endangers its integrity and user safety regardless.

It is noteworthy that this illegitimate extension uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome browser feature to ensure persistence by complicating its removal.

Software akin to this bogus "Chrome" extension often has browser hijacker traits. However, the extension in question did not exhibit any during our analysis.

It is probable that this piece of deceptive software has data tracking functionalities. Both adware and browser hijackers usually collect private data, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The sensitive information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

While the description of this fake "Chrome" extension indicates that it is not from the Chrome Web Store, should the opposite be true - that does not signify legitimacy. Developers of rogue software commonly use official download sources since they automatically give products credibility. Hence, using such download channels can lead to an increased number of installations before the harmful product is flagged and removed.

Therefore, we highly recommend researching software (e.g., checking out the developers, reading reviews and installation terms, etc.) and downloading only from reputable sources.

To summarize, the presence of software like this fake "Chrome" extension on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by fake "Chrome" extension
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) "Chrome" (without quotes)
Detection Names (deceptive installer) Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.49026290), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan-Banker.Win32.Passteal.ph), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Floxif.AV!MTB), 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 'Cracked' software websites, 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

Similar software examples

Fake Google Translatefake Coinbase Wallet, and fake Google Docs are a few examples of software similar to the fake "Chrome" extension.

The sole goal of illegitimate applications and browser extensions/plug-ins is to generate revenue through various harmful abilities such as running intrusive advertisement campaigns, causing redirects, promoting fake search engines, collecting vulnerable data, and so on. We strongly advise removing suspicious software immediately upon detection.

How did a fake "Chrome" extension install on my computer?

We downloaded the installer containing this fake "Chrome" extension from a website offering "cracked" software. In fact, dubious download channels (e.g., P2P sharing networks, as well as illegal downloading, third-party, and freeware sites, etc.) are often used to distribute deceptive apps/extensions.

Software of this kind can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.

Furthermore, intrusive advertisements are used to spread untrustworthy software. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of harmful software?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious material typically looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear ordinary and innocuous - however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with a fake "Chrome" extension, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the fake "Chrome" extension's description stating that it is not from the Chrome Web Store:

Fake Chrome extension description

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:

Fake "Chrome" extension removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Unwanted app uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious applications, select their entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove fake "Chrome" extension from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing fake Chrome extension ads from Google Chrome step 1

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

Removing fake Chrome extension ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fake "chrome" extension, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing fake Chrome extension ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

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

Removing fake Chrome extension ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by fake "chrome" extension removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fake "chrome" extension, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by fake "chrome" extension or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a fake "Chrome" extension?

It is a rogue browser extension named "Chrome". Deceptive software of this kind is used to generate revenue by pushing in-app purchases, delivering intrusive ad campaigns (adware), causing redirects/ promoting fake search engines (browser hijackers), collecting private information, and so on.

What harm can a fake "Chrome" extension cause?

The threats posed by a piece of software depend on its abilities. While the fake "Chrome" extension we analyzed operated as advertising-supported software (adware), it is possible that other illegitimate products using the same name may have different functionalities. Generally, the primary threats posed by such software include diminished browsing quality and system performance, system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What does adware do?

Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove fake "Chrome" extensions?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate various threats. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the suspect software has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, the leftover components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, thorough removal is crucial.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by fake Chrome extension QR code
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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.