What is ProtectedSurf?

ProtectedSurf is adware that has been flagged for questionable and possible unethical behavior. This adware is known to install to a personal computer without user consent, change internet proxy settings, gather user browser data, and display a wide variety of targeted advertisements.

Potential ProtectedSurf malware may participate in aggressive marketing tactics to infiltrate a computer system without detection by Antivirus products, although the actions it performs may initiate a response by many reputable programs. Once installed, the adware will use browser helper objects, add-ons, and extensions to gather user browsing data and introduce users to targeted advertisements based off browsing habits.

Information collected by the protectedsurf extension for Google Chrome has permission to read and modify all your data on the websites you visit, manage your apps, extensions, and themes, and communicate with cooperating native applications.

Furthermore, the browser attachments placed on affected internet browsers, including Google Chrome do not have the option to disable and remove. If you locate the extension for Google Chrome you will notice that there is not a trash can icon for this attachment.

This unwanted program usually come bundled with other unwanted items that can cause different issues and will have permissions set that can allow them to change additional existing internet browser settings. In turn, additional items may cause unwanted browser redirects and start-ups to suspicious websites such as lasaoren.

If you notice Ads by protectedsurf on Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer while browsing the internet, it is very likely that other unwanted items are also installed. If this is the case, you must remove third-party programs and browser attachments to completely get rid of unwanted advertisements.

1. Automatic Removal Guide

Use the instructions below to automatically remove ProtectedSurf adware and third-party malware.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

2. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. *Malwarebytes may automatically begin to update and scan your computer at this point.

4. Once the Malwarebytes program has been open, if a scan has not initiated, please click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to initiate a scan. Before the scan is started Malwarebytes may ask to update the software, make sure to do so if prompted to.

5. Once the scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button to remove the files.

6. You may also chose to visit the History tab and click Delete All to remove these files from the Quarantine log, although these files no longer prove a threat.

CCleaner by Piriform

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings, fix system startup up settings, and uninstall unwanted 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 unwanted software, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manual Removal Guide

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall ProtectedSurf adware from Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

How to uninstall ProtectedSurf

1. You will need to restart your computer before you can uninstall protectedsurf from Microsoft Windows. *You can instead sign out and sign back into your Windows user account.

2. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel (on Windows 8, right click the bottom left corner to gain access to the Windows 8 Start Menu. Windows 8 may also select Programs and Features).

3. In Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section (If you are using Windows 8 you will bypass the Control Panel).

4. In the list of installed programs, search for software titled protectedsurf by Gratifying Apps (or other Publisher). Once the adware is located, double click the unwanted program or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. *Follow any on-screen instructions that may prompt to remove this program.

How to remove ProtectedSurf add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions below to remove ProtectedSurf attachments from Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. In most cases you will not be able to remove the browser attachment. You must simple uninstall the program instead.

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 ProtectedSurf extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to it. If there is no trash can icon you will notice text that says “Installed by enterprise policy” and the program must be uninstalled through the Control Panel.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the ProtectedSurf 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 ProtectedSurf add-on and remove it if located.