How to remove the Internet Helper virus – InternetHelper Toolbar removal (Uninstall guide)
What is the Internet Helper virus (InternetHelper)?
The Internet Helper virus, Internet Helper Toolbar virus, or simply InternetHelper virus (among other references) are terms for malware categorized as a browser hijacker that primarily associates with third-party malware items including adware, spyware, and additional hijackers that change internet browser settings such as the home page and default search engine to unethical search engines including Conduit. Internet Helper malware installs to Windows computer systems as a browser helper object (BHO) and attaches to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as a browser add-on and extension titled Internet Helper Toolbar (InternetHelper, InternetHelper3.1 Toolbar, etc.).
Computers and internet browsers infected with Internet Helper malware may notice unwanted advertisements including in-text advertisements from LessTabs, pop-up adverts, and pop-under advertisements from unethical software such as fake Flash Players and additional scareware. Furthermore, Internet Helper and the Internet Helper Toolbar cause internet browsers to redirect to unwanted websites and search engines that may promote unethical software or contain links that install malicious payloads to a computer system. Internet Helper Toolbar only display sponsored search results.
What is Internet Helper Toolbar?
Internet Helper Toolbar (InternetHelper Toolbar, InternetHelper3.1 Toolbar) is an unwanted browser helper object, add-on, and extension for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems and popular internet browsers such as Chrome, IE, and Firefox that changes system and browser settings without direct permission of computer users. This may involve third-parties targeting and entrapping unsuspecting victims to unethical inclusion terms.
The Internet Helper Toolbar appears at the top of the internet browser and includes buttons and links to search the web via third-party search engines in which Internet Helper is paid for, email, Amazon, music, Facebook, Pinterest, and more. Internet Helper may even display information concerning related malware located on the system (blank space on toolbar).
How does Internet Helper Toolbar infect a computer?
Internet Helper Toolbar primarily installs alongside unethical third-party software including freeware, shareware, codecs, and torrents. Internet Helper gets onto a computer by bundling with these products, with or without the opportunity to opt out of the installation.
Internet Helper may also infect a computer via email spam, compromised social media content, and malicious advertisements.
InternetHelper malware dangers (Internet Helper)
Internet Helper is dangerous for reasons concerning the invasion of privacy, entrapment, and cyber criminal activity. Internet Helper and third-parties closely associated with the Toolbar are reported to be involved with credit theft, extortion, and identity theft. Furthermore, on a lesser-scale Internet Helper and third-parties have also been reported to include victims to marketing lists without consent or knowledge.
- Excessive email spam, junk mail, telemarketers, and phishing attempts (marketing lists)
- Bundles with dangerous third-party malware, including adware, hijackers, scareware, and spyware, as well as trojan horses
- Changes internet browser and system settings without consent
How to remove Internet Helper malware
- Automatically remove Internet Helper malware – Scan for and automatically remove Internet Helper and third-party malware
- Manually remove Internet Helper malware – Remove/Uninstall the Internet Helper hijacker and third-party malware
1. Automatic Internet Helper removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove Internet Helper Toolbar and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your home page, default search engine, browser shortcuts, and other hijacked settings.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.
3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall Internet Helper software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.
4. To automatically uninstall Internet Helper Toolbar and unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Internet Helper software (InternetHelper), etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the programs as selected.
2. Manual Internet Helper removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Internet Helper using generic removal procedures.
How to uninstall Internet Helper malware
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.
3. In the list of installed programs, search for Internet Helper Toolbar (InternetHelper) and other potentially unwanted software, including software downloaded from websites such as download.com. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
How to remove the Internet Helper add-on and extension
Use the instructions to remove InternetHelper add-ons, extensions, plugins, and toolbars.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the InternetHelper extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the InternetHelper add-on and remove it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the InternetHelper add-on and remove it if located.
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