How to remove the Social Privacy virus (Removal Guide)

Social Privacy virus

The Social Privacy virus (also found as the Social Privacy DNS virus, etc.; though not technically a computer virus) is potential malware categorized as adware, a browser hijacker, and spyware that installs to a Microsoft Windows computer system and attaches to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension with or without user consent in order to change internet proxy settings, cause unwanted browser redirections to websites such as Trovi.com, display pop-up advertisements, and cause further complications.

Social Privacy malware

Social Privacy malware is installed, including Social Privacy DNS or Social Privacy Proxy, the unwanted programs will alter internet browser settings, change Microsoft Windows proxy settings, as well as attempt to display targeted advertisements and offers for searched items or currently viewed products on retail websites.

Most of the time Social Privacy pop-up ads appear form the bottom right of an open internet browser window with targeted coupons and that may say “Deals” on the corner of the pop-up. Some of these advertisements may also be displayed by third-party software like Plus HD malware and so the advertisements generated will say something similar to “brought by Plus-HD 2.2.”

Social Privacy will corrupt proxy settings and disallow users from accessing most websites. It may seem like Social Privacy DNS may cause the computer to lose connection to the internet, but all that has been done is a change in proxy settings.

Social Privacy virus

The Social Privacy extension for Google Chrome has permission to access your data on all websites, as well as access your browser tabs and browsing activity.

Social Privacy malware and third-party items have also been reported to submit collected user information to third-party marketing and mailing lists without user consent. Some users have reported unwanted email spam, junk mail, and have even complained of unwanted telephone calls from telemarketers concerning their recent browser activity and history.

How does Social Privacy malware get onto a computer?

Social Privacy malware often bundles with third-party freeware and shareware, as well as torrents from websites such as download.com and thepiratebay.

Social Privacy

In some cases users are given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install Social Privacy DNS adware and other items; however, the request to decline the offer is often ignored or presented in a very confusing manner alike the image above where there is no option to cancel or decline the install.

Social Privacy can also be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of unethical sources including the company website.

   Green Arrow Bullet   How to remove the Social Privacy virus

  1. Automatically remove Social Privacy virus – Scan for and automatically remove Social Privacy and third-party malware
  2. Manually remove Social Privacy virus – Remove/Uninstall Social Privacy software and third-party malware (if necessary)
  3. For Tech Support – Call 1-888-986-8411 and they will kindly assist you with removing this infection

1. Automatic Social Privacy virus removal

Use the instructions below to automatically remove Social Privacy and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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

Purchase   Download

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.

Malwarebytes Perform Full Scan

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.

CCleaner

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall Social Privacy DNS and associated third-party software.

1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.

Purchase CCleaner for $24.95*   Free Download

CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

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.

CCleaner Startup

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 Social Privacy, Social Privacy DNS, and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Social Privacy, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manual Social Privacy virus removal

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Social Privacy, Social Privacy DNS, and third-party software using Microsoft Windows removal procedures. 

How to uninstall Social Privacy (Social Privacy DNS)

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

Uninstall a program

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

Social Privacy DNS virus

3. In the list of installed programs search for Social Privacy, Social Privacy DNS, and other potentially unwanted software. Once the adware program is located, double click the unwanted program(s) or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button. Keep in mind that Social Privacy malware may use a different title name than suggested.

How to remove Social Privacy add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions to remove Social Privacy add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and toolbars. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party items.



Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.

remove Social Privacy add on

2. Search for the Social Privacy 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 Social Privacy 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 Social Privacy add-on and remove it if located.

Helpful Links:

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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