How to remove "Browser WatchDog for Chrome" unwanted extension

What kind of software is Browser WatchDog for Chrome?

While investigating suspicious sites, our researchers discovered the "Browser WatchDog for Chrome" unwanted browser extension. It is promoted as a tool for improving the browsing experience by removing undesirable/dangerous extensions. Browser WatchDog for Chrome collects sensitive browsing data and may alter browser appearance/operation.

Browser WatchDog for Chrome overview

Browser WatchDog for Chrome has data-tracking functionalities. In most cases, unwanted software targets browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, auto-fills (e.g., personally identifiable details, usernames, etc.), passwords, credit card numbers, etc.

Additionally, this browser extension may be used to modify the behavior and appearance of browsers. How such a capability may be used can differ greatly. The extension might also deliver browser notification spam.

It is worth mentioning that there is a group of software that Browser WatchDog for Chrome shares similarities with (e.g., overlapping code, the same URL within the code, etc.). Extensions from this group have been observed exhibiting various abilities, such as being controlled remotely, executing scripts, managing browser tabs, hijacking browsers, etc.

Some of the browser extensions boasted heavily obfuscated code. There is also speculation that the data-stealing capabilities of this software group may extend to the level of stealers or spyware. While Browser WatchDog for Chrome did not exhibit these functions, the similarity is suspect nonetheless.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Similar software examples

Browser Checkup for Chrome by Doctor, Cuponomia - Cupom e Cashback, Total Safety for Chrome, and Fire Shield Extension Protection are merely some of our latest articles on extensions similar to Browser WatchDog for Chrome.

Unwanted browser extensions tend to have harmful abilities, and the most prevalent ones include – data tracking, displaying ads or generating redirects (adware), and changing browser settings to endorse fake search engines (browser hijackers). Regardless of how legitimate unwanted software may appear – it seldom operates as advertised.

Yet keep in mind that even if an extension or app works exactly as described by its promotional material – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did Browser WatchDog for Chrome install on my computer?

Browser WatchDog for Chrome has an "official" promotional page. Websites endorsing unwanted extensions/applications are predominantly accessed via redirects caused by intrusive adverts, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and adware.

It is pertinent to mention that the browser extensions similar to Browser WatchDog for Chrome (previously described in the article) were hosted on the Chrome Web Store as "unlisted" software. Hence, they cannot be found through search engines and have to be reached directly, likely through malvertising (intrusive ads) or online scams.

Unwanted software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements directly as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Unwanted/malicious programs and extensions can be bundled into (packed inside) regular software installers. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspect sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and being negligent when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

How to avoid installation of unwanted software?

We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. We recommend caution when installing, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Browser WatchDog for Chrome, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this rogue software.

Screenshot of Browser WatchDog for Chrome requesting for permissions:

Screenshot of the website used to promote Browser WatchDog for Chrome:

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is Browser WatchDog for Chrome?
• 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 "Browser WatchDog for Chrome" 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 "browser watchdog for chrome" 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 "browser watchdog for chrome" 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 "browser watchdog for chrome" 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 Browser WatchDog for Chrome cause?

Browser WatchDog for Chrome is primarily a privacy threat due to its data-tracking abilities. However, since this extension can modify browsers' appearance and behavior – it could be used for a variety of nefarious purposes, which could lead to system infections and/or financial losses.

What does Browser WatchDog for Chrome do?

Browser WatchDog for Chrome collects sensitive information and can change how browsers' operate and look. However, it is noteworthy that a group of extensions similar to Browser WatchDog for Chrome have exhibited other harmful capabilities, such as being remotely controllable, executing scripts, managing browser tabs, hijacking browsers, gathering incredibly vulnerable data, etc. While this extension does not have such functionalities, the similarity is suspect.

Will Combo Cleaner remove unwanted software?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove detected unwanted/malicious software. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after a piece of software has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system and may continue running. Hence, it is critical to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.