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Browser Keeper Ads

Also Known As: Ads by Browser Keeper
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is BrowserKeeper?

Developed by Intriguing Apps, the BrowserKeeper rogue browser add-on claims to enhance users' online protection by preventing installation of malware or spyware when browsing malicious websites. While such functionality may seem useful and legitimate, be aware that BrowserKeeper is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application.

The developers of this rogue browser add-on employ a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional programs together with the chosen software) to install on Internet browsers without users' permission.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, BrowserKeeper generates various intrusive online advertisements including banner, pop-up, interstitial, targeted video, sponsored link, and download offers of other rogue browser applications (which are also considered to be adware). It is highly probably that clicking these advertisements will cause high-risk adware or malware infections.

BrowserKeeper adware

Furthermore, BrowserKeeper continually tracks users' Internet browsing activity by recording various information, which may be personally identifiable. For example: IP addresses, operating systems, browser types, search queries entered, URLs visited, pages viewed, geographic locations, and other similar details.

There is a high probability that this behavior may result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft, and therefore, you are strongly advised to uninstall BrowserKeeper from your Internet browsers.

At time of research, BrowserKeeper was distributed via fake downloads (Java updates, browser updates, etc.) and download offers generated by other rogue browser plug-ins such as Browser Guardian, Wifi Protector, and other Savings and Coupon related ads.

BrowserKeeper is similar to other rogue browser extensions, which employ 'bundling' as an installation method. For example: Web Security App, ProtectedBrowsing, Media Buzz, amongst many others. Rather than adding any real value for the user, these extensions generate intrusive online ads.

Most users inadvertently install this adware during download of free software via small programs called 'download managers' on freeware download websites (such as download.com, soft32.com, and softonic.com) Download managers are used to monetize these websites' free services by offering installation of promoted 'legitimate' browser add-ons together with the chosen free software.

Thus, reckless download and installation of freeware often leads to adware or malware infections. This situation can be prevented by closely observing each step of the free software download process and never accepting installation of any additional applications offered.

If you are installing downloaded software, choose the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' download options - this will reveal any hidden applications listed for installation and allow you to decline them. If you have already installed BrowserKeeper and observe intrusive online advertisements generated by this adware, read the following removal guide to eliminate it from your Internet browsers. 

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Quick menu:

BrowserKeeper ads 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.

BrowserKeeper adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "BrowserKeeper" (or other potentially unwanted applications - at time of testing, BrowserKeeper ads were generated by various coupon ads showing adware), select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program (which causes BrowserKeeper ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove BrowserKeeper ads from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing BrowserKeeper ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer) select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "BrowserKeeper", select this entry and click "Remove". Note that BrowserKeeper ads can be caused by other adware. In the Manage Add-ons window, remove all suspicious browser add-ons.

Removing BrowserKeeper ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by browser keeper, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing BrowserKeeper ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate: "BrowserKeeper", select this entry and click the trash can icon. Note that BrowserKeeper ads can be caused by other adware. In the "extensions" window of Google Chrome, remove all suspicious browser extensions.

Removing BrowserKeeper ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by browser keeper, 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

If you are unable to remove BrowserKeeper (or any other add-on) and it is greyed-out ("Installed by enterprise policy"), follow this removal guide - how to remove a Google Chrome extension that is "Installed by enterprise policy"?

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing BrowserKeeper 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". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove "BrowserKeeper". Note that BrowserKeeper ads can be generated by other adware. In the "Add-ons Manager" window, remove all suspicious browser add-ons.

Removing BrowserKeeper ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by browser keeper 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 browser keeper, 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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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.

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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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