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Removal instructions for the EuphractusSexcinctus malicious extension

Also Known As: EuphractusSexcinctus unwanted browser extension
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is EuphractusSexcinctus?

EuphractusSexcinctus is the name of a malicious browser extension. Our researchers discovered this piece of software during a routine investigation of untrustworthy websites. After analyzing the extension, we determined that it is capable of modifying browsers and collecting sensitive user information.

It is pertinent to mention that installation setups like the one used to promote EuphractusSexcinctus are commonly bundled with additional unwanted and potentially dangerous software.

EuphractusSexcinctus browser extension

EuphractusSexcinctus overview

EuphractusSexcinctus can make alterations to browsers' apps, extensions, themes, and other settings. This allows the extension to manage and modify browsers' appearance and behavior. How these capabilities are applied may vary.

Furthermore, EuphractusSexcinctus abuses the "Managed by your organization" feature (in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge) to gain further control of the browser and ensure persistence by complicating its removal.

It is worth mentioning that this malicious extension might be used to detect existing vulnerabilities and exploit them to cause further infections.

What is more, EuphractusSexcinctus has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like EuphractusSexcinctus on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name EuphractusSexcinctus unwanted browser extension
Threat Type Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension
Browser Extension(s) EuphractusSexcinctus
Detection Names (installer) Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.WebCo), Rising (Adware.WebCompanion!8.171BF (CLOUD)), Varist (ABRisk.WYZS-3), Zillya (Adware.WebCompanion.Win32.23), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.WebCo), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms The "Managed by your organization" feature is activated in Chrome or Edge browser, decreased Internet browsing speed, your computer becomes slower than usual.
Distribution Methods Dubious websites, malicious installers, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
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.
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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.

Similar software examples

SusScrofaHostaSieboldianaPelargoniumHortorum, and DelphiniumElatum are merely a few examples of extensions similar to EuphractusSexcinctus.

Data-tracking abilities are not the only common harmful functionalities possessed by rogue browser extensions. Other standard features include displaying advertisements (adware) and generating redirects (browser hijackers).

Malicious browser extensions may appear legitimate and innocuous. They can also offer a broad range of handy and advantageous functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did EuphractusSexcinctus install on my computer?

We downloaded an installer containing EuphractusSexcinctus from a dubious software-promoting webpage. Sites that push such extensions can appear legitimate or use false claims to lure visitors into download/installation (online scams).

Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.

"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute such software.

The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, rogue software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of unwanted software?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EuphractusSexcinctus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this rogue software.

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote EuphractusSexcinctus:

Website promoting EuphractusSexcinctus

Screenshot of EuphractusSexcinctus extension's detailed information:

EuphractusSexcinctus browser extension details

Screenshot of EuphractusSexcinctus installed on the Microsoft Edge browser:

EuphractusSexcinctus extension installed on Edge

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:

Unwanted software 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 unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted extensions from Google Chrome step 1

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

Removing unwanted extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the euphractussexcinctus unwanted browser 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 unwanted extensions 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with euphractussexcinctus unwanted browser 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 euphractussexcinctus unwanted browser 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can EuphractusSexcinctus cause?

EuphractusSexcinctus can change browsers' appearance and behavior for nefarious purposes. This extension might be capable of exploiting browser vulnerabilities to further the infection. Additionally, EuphractusSexcinctus can read browsing histories and collect vulnerable information. Hence, the primary threats include system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

What does EuphractusSexcinctus do?

EuphractusSexcinctus can manage browsers' apps, extensions, themes, and other settings. It also utilizes the "Managed by your organization" feature (Chrome, Edge) for additional control and to ensure persistence. This extension also spies on users' browsing activity and collects sensitive data.

How do EuphractusSexcinctus developers generate revenue?

Profit could be made by selling or abusing the collected information. It is also common for rogue browser extensions to generate revenue through content promotion, e.g., by displaying advertisements, force-opening webpages, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malicious software?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing all manner of threats. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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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.

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