Instagram2go Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Instagram2go?
Instagram2go is a deceptive application that claims to allow use of the Instagram social network directly from the desktop. This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, this app is likely to infiltrate systems without permission.
Furthermore, it delivers intrusive advertisements and potentially gathers sensitive information. For these reasons, Instagram2go is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and adware.
After successful system infiltration, Instagram2go delivers intrusive advertisements using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. The ads often conceal website content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore, they can redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click can lead to high-risk system infections. Many adware-type applications (including Instagram2go) record sensitive information.
In most cases, the list of collected data types includes (but is not limited to) keystrokes, queries entered into search engines, website URLs visited, pages viewed, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and geo-locations. The collected data usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
These people misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of information-tracking app can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to eliminate Instagram2go adware immediately.
Name | Ads by Instagram2go |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are hundreds of adware-type applications that have similar characteristics to Instagram2go, including HidenGate, Amazon Shopping Assistant, and Smart Application Controller - these are just some examples from many.
By offering "useful features", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, the only purpose of all PUAs is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they pose a significant threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.
How did Instagram2go install on my computer?
Instagram2go has an official download/promotion website, however, due to the careless behavior and lack of knowledge of many users, it often infiltrates systems without permission, since developers proliferate it using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications with regular software/apps.
Developers do not adequately disclose "bundled" PUA installations, and thus most are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users click various advertisements, rush download/installation procedures, and skip steps - behavior that often leads to inadvertent installation of apps such as Instagram2go. In this way, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent system infiltration by potentially unwanted applications, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Remember that developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design.
These ads redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you encounter them, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. It is also very important to select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes.
Opt-out of additionally-included applications and decline offers to download/install them. Furthermore, avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since most are monetized using the "bundling" method (promoting PUAs). Download software from official sources only, using direct download links.
The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with Instagram2go, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Official Instagram2go adware installation setup:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Instagram2go?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Instagram2go application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Instagram2go adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove Instagram2go ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by Instagram2go' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove Instagram2go extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Instagram2go adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Instagram2go", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes Instagram2go ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Instagram2go adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Instagram2go did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by instagram2go, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by instagram2go, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by instagram2go removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by instagram2go, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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