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Rogue Chromium Browsers

Also Known As: Fake Chrome browser
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Chromium?

Chromium is an open-source web browser project. Although Chromium project itself is legitimate, it is often misused as a platform for malicious web browsers categorized as adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUP). Most infiltrate systems without users’ permission.

In addition, these apps continually track Internet browsing activity, generate intrusive advertisements, and cause unwanted browser redirects.

Chromium adware

These browsers employ a 'virtual layer' to generate various intrusive online advertisements. Generally, ads generated by rogue Chromium-based browsers redirect to various e-commerce websites (for example, online stores), however, some lead to malicious sites that are likely to contain infectious content.

Clicking these ads is risky and may lead to high-risk adware or malware infections. Furthermore, deceptive Chromium-based browsers continually track Internet browsing activity and gather browsing-related data, which is later shared with cooperating third party companies.

Be aware that that some of the collected information may be personally identifiable and there is a high probability that private data will be misused. Thus, having an information-tracking app installed can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Fake Chrome browser
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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There are tens of dubious Chromium-based browsers such as Olcinium, eFast, Qword, BrowserAir, Chedot, MyBrowser, Fusion, BeagleBrowser, Tortuga, and Torch. Initially, these apps might appear legitimate and useful, since all claim to significantly improve Internet browsing speed, security, and provide other browsing-related features.

These false claims are merely attempts to trick users to install. Bogus apps are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than providing any significant value for users, they cause unwanted browser redirects, deliver intrusive online advertisements, and track Internet browsing activity, thereby putting users' privacy and system security at risk.

How did rogue Chromium browser install on my computer?

Most dubious Chromium-based browsers are distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - stealth installation of additional programs with regular software/apps.

Research shows that many users do not expect potentially unwanted programs to be concealed within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings. They rush the download and installation processes, skip most/all steps, and often inadvertently install rogue applications.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Potentially unwanted programs are usually hidden within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings. Therefore, only by paying close attention and analyzing each step of the software download and installation processes, will you be able to protect your system from adware-type infections.

Bundled software is mostly rogue and, therefore, you should never accept any offers to install third party programs.

Deceptive free software installer distributing rogue Chromium browser (redirecting to search.yahoo.com):

Delusive installer used to distribute Chromium browser

Other deceptive installers used to promote rogue Chromium browsers:

Rogue Chromium browser promoting installer (sample 1) Rogue Chromium browser promoting installer (sample 2) Rogue Chromium browser promoting installer (sample 3)

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Quick menu:

Rogue Chromium based browsers 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.

Rogue Chromium browsers uninstall programs

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Chromium" (or any other recently-installed suspicious applications), select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, rogue Chromium based browsers did not install their browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, these browsers were 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 Chromium 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 Chromium ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake chrome browser, 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 Chromium  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 Chromium ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake chrome browser, 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Chromium 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Chromium ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with fake chrome browser 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 fake chrome browser, 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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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Fake Chrome browser QR code
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