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Torch Browser

Also Known As: Torch Browser PUP
Type: Adware
Damage level: Low

What is Torch Browser?

Torch Browser is Chromium-based web browser which offers enhanced functionality when downloading torrent files, watching online videos, playing flash games, listening to music, etc. While such functionality might seem legitimate users should know that Torch Browser is considered as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

Despite the fact that it has it's own official website, this application is also distributed using the bundling method, pop-up ads and deceptive banner ads.

In addition, after installation, Torch Browser tracks Internet browsing activity and might display ads as well as diminish computer's performance. During the installation of Torch browser users are offered to install the Ask toolbar which then causes browser redirects to search.ask.com website.

Torch Browser adware

This browser is distributed by the same company that created iLivid Download Manager and jZip - programs that user's report to install on their computers without their consent (using a software marketing method called bundling). Torch browser collects diverse types of information related to Internet browsing.

Torch Browser statement regarding data collection:

For example, the Torch Browser may store basic browsing history such as URL's of pages you visit, text and images from those pages, IP addresses linked from the pages, index of most pages you visit, cookies deposited on your system by and a record of downloads you have made.

While Torch Browser doesn't pose direct threats to user's Internet browsing safety the fact that this application is distributed using deceptive ads and comes bundled with other free software makes it similar to other PUPs and adware.

Lately various companies started distributing potentially unwanted applications pretending to be legitimate Chromium based browsers to generated income from third party ads and browser redirects.

For example Chromatic - states to protect user's privacy but generated third party ads; Cassiopesa - according to the developers it's the latest way to get around the web because it connects users with the current happenings and opportunities offered around the internet, however in reality it's a browser hijacker causing browser redirect issues;

Dregol - according to developers this search browser is an effective way of making browsing more accessible and for users, and the websites who are looking for organic traffic, however it's just another browser hijacker.

How did Torch Browser install on my computer?

Torch Browser is often distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - an undercover installation of third party apps (usually rogue) along with the user's chosen one. The reason why this method is so popular and effective is user's lack of attention when downloading an installing applications.

Vast majority of users skip most of the download and installation procedure steps, thus, they often unwillingly install additional programs. The installation is most likely to be concealed within 'Custom' or either 'Advanced' settings, that are often skipped.

Income of bogus applications' developers rely on the amount of distributed apps, therefore, they are not concerned about the proper disclose of the installation. All considered, adware-type applications are most likely to be installed by the user himself, since one does not express caution during the download and installation of computer software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is very important to download any chosen application from a trusted source - usually the official website.

Yet if the webpage is unavailable, and you're downloading from a freeware download website that demands to use a download manager, always closely follow each step of the procedure - download managers often include additional programs that may be harmful, therefore, you should never accept an offer to install unrecognized, third party software.

Noteworthy that some of the freeware download websites still provide a direct download link, which you should always select, instead of the download manager.

As well as the download procedure, installation should also be performed with great caution - make sure to select 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings, that will expose and allow to cancel any potentially unwanted program listed for the installation.

Deceptive free software installer used in Torch browser distribution:

freeware installer used in Torch browser distribution

Torch Browser installer set-up:

Torch Browser installer

Screenshot of Torch Browser application:

Torch Browser adware app

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Quick menu:

Torch Browser 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.

Torch Browser adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Torch", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove Torch Browser adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Torch Browser did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Torch Browser 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 any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Torch Browser ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the torch browser pup, 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 Torch Browser  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: all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing Torch Browser ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the torch browser pup, 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 Torch Browser 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Torch Browser ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with torch browser pup 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 torch browser pup, 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.

QR Code
Torch Browser PUP QR code
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