Web Protect virus

Web Protect is a potentially unwanted program (PUP.Optional.WebProtect.A) or malware found in the adware, browser hijacker, and spyware categories. Web Protect adware is a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension that is used to collect user data in order to display targeted advertisements. In return, targeted advertisements can create additional privacy related issues for computer users since the use of data harvesting may be initiated by the program.

The Web Protect virus (though not an actual computer virus by definition) may also change existing internet browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer, including the homepage and default, managed, and/or provided search engine. This causes internet browsers to redirect to Web Protect websites, as well as third-party search engines such as conduit.com when users search the web using the browser address or omni bar, or open a new tab. Web Protect will even cause browsers to start up on unwanted websites upon booting the affected browser.

Web Protect is a Microsoft Windows program that attaches to Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer with or without user consent and knowledge.

Once Web Protect malware is installed, the adware program will collect user information, which it uses to display a variety of advertisements. Some Web Protect ads are pop-under browser ads, in-text ads that say something similar to “Ads by Web Protect” on them, and/or pop-up advertisements that appear in images and say “brought by Web Protect” or “Web Protect Deals” on them. Overall, the advertisements display by this program will vary.

Some Web Protect users and victims of similar adware complain of unwanted email spam, junk mail, and sometimes telephone calls from telemarketers. Once these types of programs get onto a computer, they may begin to collect data that users manually submit online in order to add these users to mailing and marketing lists, inducing the lists of third-party affiliates, contractors, and larger-based partners

How does Web Protect malware get onto a computer?

Web Protect bundles with third-party freeware and shareware distributed by websites such as download.com and though rare, can also be contracted through advertisements and torrents on media related websites such as thepiratebay.

Users are sometimes given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install Web Protect software and other items during the setup of third-party software; However, the request to decline the offer is often ignored or presented in a very confusing manner. In some cases the user’s only option to install freeware or shareware is to install WebProtect alongside it.

1. Automatic Web Protect virus removal

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

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.

1-888-879-0084
if you need help give us a call

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Web Protect adware and associated third-party 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 Web Protect and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Web Protect, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manual Web Protect virus removal

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Web Protect and third-party software using Microsoft Windows removal procedures.

How to uninstall Web Protect

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 Web Protect 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 Web Protect may use a different title name than suggested.

How to remove Web Protect add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions to remove Web Protect 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.

2. Search for the Web Protect extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

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

Helpful Links:

• How to remove Text Enhance (adware)
• How to restore Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, 7)
• How to refresh/reset Microsoft Windows 8 Operating Systems