How to remove PhishAlert (Virus Removal Guide)
PhishAlert (also searched for as PhishAlert virus) is adware that usually enters a computer system using stealth and misleading tactics; either by promoting itself as something it is not or bundling with third-party trojan downloaders and software bundlers. The adware will additionally install alongside other unwanted programs and malware. PhishAlert is known to read user browsing data such as the content on the webpages you visit, your browser history, your browser bookmarks, and more. The adware will use your browsing data to serve advertisements it feels you are most likely to click on. The adware and programs that it may install with may also change existing internet browser settings, which will cause affected web browsers to start-up on and redirect to sponsored webpages. Once a computer has become infected with the “PhishAlert virus” it will immediately edit Windows registry and make modifications to the computer system in order to run every time Windows starts and remain enabled in the background. Multiple processes including PhishAlert.exe and App.exe will remain active in Windows Task Manager and the associated files can enable themselves if manually ended.
PhishAlert adware will display pop-up and in-text ads on the internet and Windows desktop. It can also show a large bar at the top of Windows desktop similar to Bubble Suite that contains links and a search box. Advertisements generated by this adware might say something like “advertisement” and “by phishalert” on them as shown in the picture above.
The adware is often distributed by deceptive third-party software bundlers and download managers associated with dubious freeware. Some users may be given a chance to accept or decline an offer to install PhishAlert and other programs during the setup process.
PhishAlert Removal Guide
PhishAlert can be uninstalled manually from your computer and internet browser. We have provided several steps below the article to show you how remove PhishAlert and other threats. However, if you have clicked on any random ads or have been redirected to suspicious websites, your system may have been exposed to malware and other threats. To make sure your PC is completely clean and your information is protected from cyber criminals, we recommend that you follow all the steps below.
Quick Links
- Step 1: Uninstall PhishAlert from Windows
- Step 2: Remove unwanted browser attachments
- Step 3: Remove PhishAlert virus with Malwarebytes
- Step 4: Remove PhishAlert malware with HitmanPro
- Step 5: Clean and repair your computer with CCleaner
Step 1: Uninstall PhishAlert from Windows
Follow the instructions to uninstall PhishAlert and other programs that it may bundle with from your Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 computer. If you do not find PhishAlert installed on your computer but still notice unwanted symptoms such as pop-up ads while you browse the web it is recommended to use Malwarebytes and HitmanPro to eradicate troublesome files.
1. Open Windows Start or Task menu and go to the Control Panel (or directly to Programs and Features).
2. In the “Programs” section click Uninstall a program (or Add and remove programs).
3. Search for PhishAlert and other programs in the list of installed programs and double click the program you want to remove to uninstall it. You can also select PhishAlert with your mouse and click the Uninstall button once it appears. Once you have uninstalled PhishAlert look for other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs and uninstall any if they are found. A general tip is to click “Installed On” to locate any programs that installed around the same time.
Step 2: Remove unwanted browser attachments
Follow the instructions to remove PhishAlert add-ons and extensions, as well as other attachments that it may bundle with from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer & Edge, and Apple Safari. If you do not find a PhishAlert attachments installed on your internet browser but still notice unwanted symptoms such as pop-up ads while you browse the web it is recommended to use Malwarebytes and HitmanPro to eradicate troublesome files. To remove PhishAlert from Microsoft internet browsers you must uninstall the program.
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the PhishAlert extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the PhishAlert add-on and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the PhishAlert extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
Step 3: Remove PhishAlert virus with Malwarebytes
Follow the instructions to remove PhishAlert with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
1. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software once it has finished installing.
3. Make sure that Malwarebytes has been updated. To ensure it is updated click Update Now on the Dashboard.
4. Click the large Scan Now button on the dashboard to perform a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
5. When the scan is complete click the Remove Selected button and then click the Finish button or restart your computer if Malwarebytes suggests that you do so.
Step 4: Remove PhishAlert malware with HitmanPro
Follow the instructions to remove PhishAlert with HitmanPro second-opinion software.
1. Download and install HitmanPro second opinion scanner and removal tool.
3. Once Hitman Pro is installed, open the program and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
4. When the scan is complete, click the Next button again to delete any threats or traces on your system.
5. If you are initially using the free version, to activate it, enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
6. Restart your computer by selecting Reboot.
Step 5: Clean and repair your computer with CCleaner
Follow the instructions to clean your computer and repair your computer’s settings.
1. Download and install CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and go to the main Cleaner screen 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. If you find any thing suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
4. To finish things off, go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.
