Dr. Wolf Internet Security Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Dr. Wolf Internet Security?
Dr. Wolf Internet Security is anti-virus software that provides protection for users of desktop computers and Android mobile devices.
It protects against viruses, spyware, malware, trojans, ransomware, and other threats. In summary, it is promoted as a legitimate anti-virus suite, however, it is also categorized as a potentially unwanted app (PUA), since many people install it unintentionally. This is due to a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", which developers use to promote it.
Dr. Wolf Internet Security allows users to perform a 'free scan', however, to remove any of the detected threats, they are required to register by purchasing the program. Many potentially unwanted apps do not fix any issues - they simply display fake scan results and "remove" non-existent threats.
Typically, PUAs are promoted using bundling, and this includes Dr. Wolf Internet Security. It might also attempt to trick people into purchasing it by tricking people into believing that their computers are infected. Furthermore, Dr. Wolf Internet Security might be bundled with other PUAs such as browser hijackers and adware.
Apps of this type usually feed users with unwanted, intrusive ads and collect data relating to browsing activities. They serve pop-up ads, coupons, banners, surveys, and so on. Typically, they conceal underlying content of visited websites and, if clicked, open potentially malicious websites.
Sometimes they run scripts that download and install unwanted, possibly malicious apps. Another issue is information tracking: these PUAs usually collect IP addresses, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, geolocations, and other information relating to users' browsing habits.
It is possible that some of these apps might be designed to record sensitive details. People behind these apps (their developers) share gathered data with other parties who misuse it to generate revenue. This can lead to problems with privacy, browsing safety, etc. There is a strong possibility that some people might also end up having their identities stolen.
Name | Dr. Wolf Internet Security potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
Supposed Functionality | Internet security suite, malware removal. |
Detection Names (Dr.WolfInternetSecuritySetup.exe) | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.4188), ESET-NOD32 (a variant of MSIL/ShieldApps.B potentially unwanted), McAfee (Artemis!96FA8B16A87C), Microsoft (Misleading:Win32/Lodi), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appears on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment in order to eliminate the supposedly-found errors. |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many other PUAs promoted using deceptive methods. Some examples include DriverAgent, Qbit PC Speedup, and Nero TuneItUp. PUAs are designed only to generate revenue for their developers and deliver none of the promoted features, tools, and so on.
They are often delivered together with other unwanted apps that might lead to further problems. Therefore, do not use PUAs and uninstall them immediately.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Most users do not download and install PUAs intentionally - this is often caused through certain clicked ads that execute scripts designed to download PUAs, or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". They use bundling to trick people into downloading/installing PUAs with regular software.
Developers hide information regarding the inclusion of these apps in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the software set-ups. Furthermore, many users do not check the aforementioned settings, thereby granting permission for PUAs to be downloaded and installed by default.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To avoid unwanted downloads and installations, we recommend that you download software from trustworthy, official websites and using direct links. Do not use third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule) or other untrustworthy sources.
Additionally, it is essential to check all available settings of any setup and opt-out of offers to download and install software that is not required. Do not trust or click intrusive ads, especially on dubious websites. When clicked, they can cause redirects to potentially malicious sites (or even cause unwanted downloads/installations).
If intrusive ads appear or unwanted redirects occur regularly, check your browser for unknown, unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons.
Remove unwanted entries immediately. This also applies to unwanted programs installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting Dr. Wolf Internet Security:
Dr. Wolf Internet Security installation setup:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Dr. Wolf Internet Security?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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 "Dr. Wolf Internet Security" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Dr. Wolf Internet Security did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.
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 dr. wolf internet security potentially unwanted application, 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 dr. wolf internet security potentially unwanted application, 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 dr. wolf internet security potentially unwanted application 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 dr. wolf internet security potentially unwanted application, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on dr. wolf internet security potentially unwanted application or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
▼ Show Discussion