Incognito Private Shield Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Incognito Private Shield?
Developers promote Incognito Private Shield as a program that provides online protection. It allows users to browse the web anonymously without leaving any trace (removing all browsing history, chat conversations, downloaded files, and so on), however, developers distribute this program by bundling it into the set-ups of other software.
This increases the possibility that people will install it unintentionally. For this reason, Private Shield is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Incognito Private Shield allows users to scan the system for usernames, passwords, profiles, cookies and other entries, and personal information that is stored on the computer. To clean the entries, however, they must first register the program by purchasing it.
This may seem to be a legitimate program, however, do not trust developers who promote apps using deceptive methods. Many PUAs provide little or no real value - sometimes they detect so-called 'issues' that do not actually exist (fake scan results).
The main purpose of these types of programs is to trick people into believing that the software is useful and is worth registering (purchasing). As mentioned, it is possible that Incognito Private Shield is one of these rogue programs. Furthermore, developers usually bundle more than one PUA into the set-ups of other software (they can bundle several apps at once).
For example, they might also bundle browser hijackers or adware. These apps gather details such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, and so on. Developers share the data with third parties who misuse it to generate revenue.
Note that these third parties might include cyber criminals. Adware-type apps feed people with unwanted, intrusive ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. If clicked, they usually open potentially malicious, untrustworthy websites or run scripts designed to download/install other unwanted applications.
We advise you to remove PUAs immediately. Furthermore, do not trust apps that are promoted by including them into set-ups of other software.
| Name | Incognito Private Shield potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | Privacy protection, safer web browsing. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.40528248), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/UwS.PrivacyMaster.B), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.kw), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared 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. |
Dr. Wolf Internet Security, DriverAgent, and Qbit PC Speedup are just a few examples of other apps promoted using identical methods. Similarly, these apps should not be trusted. If used, they will deliver no real value and not fix any issues. Furthermore, they often are installed together with other unwanted apps.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
The screenshot below shows a website that Incognito Private Shield developers use to promote these programs. Note that this, and other PUAs, are distributed using the "bundling" method, a deceptive marketing method used to trick people into downloading/installing PUAs with other, usually free software.
Developers hide information about the inclusion of apps into set-ups in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar setting. In such cases, note that unwanted downloads and installations occur only when people leave all download/installation settings unchanged.
Additionally, PUAs can be proliferated through intrusive ads - when clicked, some ads execute scripts designed to download and install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Use only official and trustworthy websites (or other sources) and direct links to download software. Avoid using third party downloaders (or installers), Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, and other such tools. Install software with care, and do not skip download/installation setup steps without checking "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar sections.
Dismiss offers to download or install unwanted software and only then finish the installation (or download) procedure. Avoid clicking intrusive ads, since they often redirect to untrustworthy and potentially malicious websites (such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) or cause unwanted downloads/installations.
If you encounter unwanted redirects or ads, check browsers for unwanted/dubious extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons, and remove them immediately. Also check for unwanted programs installed on the operating system and remove them.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of a website that promotes Incognito Private Shield application:
Incognito Private Shield installation setup:
Incognito Private Shield on the list of installed programs:
Appearance of Incognito Private Shield (GIF):
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:
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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 Incognito Private Shield?
- 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 "Incognito Private Shield" 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, Incognito Private Shield 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 incognito private shield 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 incognito private shield 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 incognito private shield 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 incognito private shield 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.
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Outstanding!
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