What is the ZoomEx virus (Zoomex Browser Hijacker)?
The Zoomex virus (ZoomEx) is freeware distributed by ZoomEx.net on a variety of websites and third party software, that allegedly allows users to automatically enlarge and zoom into every photo on Facebook, but alike the FBPhotoZoom extension, Zoomex invades the privacy of computer users and entraps victims to ZoomEx’s and their sponsor’s terms, which may include the installation of adware and spyware without permission, as well as the installation of unwanted ZoomEx add-ons and extensions.
Victims infected by ZoomEx without permission often complain of spam advertisements, in particular advertisements placed in text via the Text Enhance adware platform. Advertisements prompted by ZoomEx may also appear in pop-up windows and contain links to malicious domain addresses.
ZoomEx is not to be confused with Canon’s ZoomEx camera downloadable content, but please note downloading software from an unpopular source can be very harmful, as many distributors of legitimate software bundle products with sponsored adware and spyware platforms (CNET Downloads), as well as browser hijackers such as CouponDropDown and Incredibar in order to gain an unethical revenue stream.
ZoomEx Virus Dangers
- ZoomEx may install onto a computer without permission from the owner, mostly bundled with third party applications, freeware, shareware, and malicious spam links that may include email spam and Facebook post spam.
- ZoomEx attaches to internet browsers as a browser helper object in the form of add-ons, extensions, plugins and Toolbars. These browser helper objects may also include third party additions without permission of the computer owner.
- ZoomEx allows third party malware access to a computer system, most notably platforms that produce unwarranted advertisements. Third parties have the ability to access private information including browser activity, browser history, and user data.
- ZoomEx and third party malware can hijack browser settings including home pages (startup pages) and provided search engines which causes browsers to redirect to malicious URLs when attempting to visit specific websites or search the internet via the browser’s address bar.
How To Remove The ZoomEx Virus And Third Party Malware
To ensure the complete removal of ZoomEx and third party malware please select a DIY option below.
1. Anti-Malware Software (Remove/Troubleshoot Malware)
Malwarebytes is the most recommended Anti-Malware software used to scan, detect, and remove malware, including browser hijackers and adware associated with ZoomEx.
It is recommended to perform a full-system scan using the free or full Malwarebytes Malware-Removal product.
2. Uninstall ZoomEx Programs (WIN)
1. Access Windows Control Panel and navigate to Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program (depending on Windows OS).
2. Find ZoomEx and related third party software in the list of installed programs and double click the software to uninstall it (or highlight it and click the Uninstall button/or right click and select Uninstall).
Also note, freeware, shareware, torrents, and other free downloads and media related websites from the internet may have bundled with third party programs. If you have downloaded free content, please analyse the items. Free downloads often utilize unethical platforms to generate income.
3. Remove ZoomEx Add-on, Extension, Toolbar
How to remove ZoomEx from your internet browser.
When a browser helper object is present, a program is often installed to a system alongside the add-on, extension, plugin, or toolbar. Sometimes the program must be uninstalled before being removed as a browser attachment. – So make sure to uninstall ZoomEx before removing the browser helper object.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the customize and control icon (wrench, 3 bars) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for Zoomex and remove the extension by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Click Tools and select Add-ons. (Ctrl+Shift+A)
2. On the Extensions and Plugin tabs search for Zoomex and remove the ZoomEx addon.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tabs search for ZoomEx and remove it.
4. System Restore (Remove/Troubleshoot Malware)
Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week or during system updates.
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