Stop your browser from causing redirects to safetyvpn.net

What is safetyvpn[.]net?

safetyvpn[.]net is one of many deceptive websites used to trick visitors into believing that their devices are infected with viruses. It targets mostly mobile devices such as iPads and iPhones, but can also be opened by desktop computer users.

The main purpose of these sites is to advertise various apps that supposedly remove 'detected' viruses, errors, and so on (in fact, they are fake). Do not trust pages such as safetyvpn[.]net or download/install apps promoted through them. In many cases, deceptive web pages are opened by potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on browsers.

Once opened, safetyvpn[.]net displays a pop-up with information stating that the iPhone has been compromised and encourages visitors to resolve this problem immediately. Another safetyvpn[.]net web page displays a fake warning stating that the iPhone is severely damaged by six viruses.

Additionally, it states that safetyvpn[.]net detected a Trojan that infected the browser when the user was visiting corrupted websites. To prevent any further damage, visitors are encouraged to remove viruses by clicking the "Remove Virus" button.

At time of the research, this button led to a download page (in the Apple App Store) for the SecureCall PRO and Outlaw VPN applications.

It is likely that safetyvpn[.]net is also used to promote other applications. Applications that can be downloaded from the App Store are often legitimate, however, do not trust software that is promoted through sites such as safetyvpn[.]net or trust these web pages.

Browsers usually open pages such as safetyvpn[.]net due to PUAs installed on them. In addition to unwanted redirects, PUAs usually collect user-system information such as geolocations, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, IP addresses and other, sometimes personal details.

The people behind these apps usually send the data to other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. This can lead to problems with browsing safety, privacy, or even more serious issues such as identity theft. Therefore, remove all PUAs installed on the browser or computer immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	safetyvpn.net pop-up
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus.
Serving IP Address	157.230.152.172
Detection Names	Sophos AV (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Promoted Application	SecureCall PRO and Outlaw VPN.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

safetyvpn[.]net is similar to numberonevpn[.]com, mobillevpn[.]info, thevpnsafety[.]com and other pages of this kind. They promote various apps in deceptive ways (by informing visitors of 'detected' fake viruses, errors, etc.).

Even if the apps are legitimate, do not download or install them, due to the methods that developers use to promote them. Do not trust any PUAs, since they are useless and simply cause problems.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are usually installed via intrusive, deceptive advertisements that people click, or when developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". They use this method to trick people into downloading and/or installing PUAs with other regular programs.

To achieve this, they hide offers to download or install additional software in settings such as "Custom" and "Advanced" of the software set-ups. Unfortunately, many people leave these settings unchecked and unchanged, thereby allowing PUAs to be downloaded or installed by default with regular software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Do not download programs from unofficial, untrustworthy websites, through Peer-to-Peer networks, third party downloaders, or other such tools/sources. We strongly recommend that you use only official websites and direct download links. Check all settings available in various set-ups.

Dismiss offers to download or install additional, unwanted apps. Do not trust or click intrusive ads, especially if they are shown on dubious pages. For example, on those relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. These can lead to potentially malicious pages or cause downloads/installations of unwanted, potentially malicious apps.

Remove any unwanted apps installed on the browser (extensions, add-ons, plug-ins) immediately, since they might be the reason for unwanted redirects and ads. Additionally, remove all unwanted programs installed on the system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Screenshot of a pop-up displayed when safetyvpn[.]net is visited:

Text presented in this pop-up:

Your iPhone Has Been Compromised

Immediate Action Is Required!

Screenshot of a second safetyvpn[.]net page:

Text presented in this page (desktop and mobile version):

WARNING!
Your Apple iPhone is severely damaged by (6) viruses!
We have detected that your Browser is (45.4%) DAMAGED by BROWSER TROJAN VIRUSES picked up while surfing recent corrupted sites.
Immediate action is required to prevent it from spreading and infecting sensitive data like your Facebook account, Whatsapp messages photos and private applications.
Here is how you can solve this in just a few seconds (Step by Step)
Step 1: Tap REMOVE VIRUS to install SecureCall from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the application to activate the latest update and remove any older (Infected) versions.
Remove Virus

Appearance of safetyvpn[.]net scam (GIF):

SecureCall PRO download page:

Download page of Outlaw VPN:

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac 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. Limited seven 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 safetyvpn[.]net?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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