Removal instructions for the AltostratusOpacus malicious extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is AltostratusOpacus?
AltostratusOpacus is the name of a malicious browser extension. While investigating dubious sites, our researchers discovered this software in an installer promoted by a deceptive webpage.
AltostratusOpacus targets Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers, and it can manage their settings. Additionally, this extension spies on users' browsing activity.
AltostratusOpacus overview
AltostratusOpacus can manage the apps, extensions, themes, and other settings on Chrome and Edge browsers. These capabilities allow the software to change browsers' appearance and operation. This extension also uses the "Managed by your organization" feature, which is present on Chrome and Edge. By utilizing this functionality, AltostratusOpacus gains further control over the browser and ensures persistence by complicating its removal.
Exactly how the level of control that AltostratusOpacus has over browsers is abused may vary. One potential course of action is that this extension seeks browser vulnerabilities and exploits them to cause further infections.
Furthermore, AltostratusOpacus can read browsing histories and collect vulnerable information. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
It must be mentioned that installers like the one carrying AltostratusOpacus are often bundled with adware, browser hijackers, or other unwanted software.
To summarize, the presence of software like AltostratusOpacus on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | AltostratusOpacus unwanted browser extension |
| Threat Type | Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension |
| Browser Extension(s) | AltostratusOpacus |
| Detection Names (installer) | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/DragonBossSolutions.B Potentially U), Fortinet (Riskware/DragonBossSolutions), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.WebCo), Rising (Adware.WebCompanion!8.171BF (CLOUD)), 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. |
Similar software examples
PantheraLeo, Columbiformes, and EuphractusSexcinctus are merely a couple examples of extensions similar to AltostratusOpacus that we have examined recently.
Most rogue browser extensions have data-tracking functionalities. However, they may also operate as adware (display advertisements) and/or browser hijackers (modify settings to promote fake search engines).
Dubious software is commonly presented as legitimate and useful. It can also offer a broad range of "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities, which are usually nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AltostratusOpacus install on my computer?
We downloaded an installation setup containing AltostratusOpacus from a deceptive page. Malicious browser extensions are promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users access them via redirects generated by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute rogue software. Note that such setups (like the one carrying AltostratusOpacus) could contain multiple undesirable supplements.
The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted software?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AltostratusOpacus, 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 an installer containing AltostratusOpacus:
Screenshot of AltostratusOpacus extension's detailed information:
Screenshot of AltostratusOpacus installed on the Microsoft Edge browser:
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 AltostratusOpacus?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Unwanted software 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 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:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "AltostratusOpacus" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the altostratusopacus unwanted browser extension, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with altostratusopacus 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, 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 altostratusopacus unwanted browser extension, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can AltostratusOpacus cause?
AltostratusOpacus can manage and modify browsers – this level of control could be used for a variety of nefarious purposes. For example, this extension could be used to exploit browser vulnerabilities and further the infection. Additionally, AltostratusOpacus is classed as a privacy threat since it has data-tracking abilities. In summary, software like AltostratusOpacus could cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
What does AltostratusOpacus do?
AltostratusOpacus can alter browsers' appearance and behavior. It can manage browsers' apps, extensions, themes, and other settings. This software also utilizes the "Managed by your organization" feature (available on Chrome and Edge) to gain further control and ensure persistence. Furthermore, AltostratusOpacus can read browsing histories and gather sensitive information.
How do AltostratusOpacus developers generate revenue?
AltostratusOpacus' developers could sell collected information or otherwise abuse it for profit. Aside from revenue generated through data gathering, rogue browser extensions commonly rely on content promotion (e.g., through displayed advertisements, caused redirects, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove malicious software?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove all manner of threats. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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