How to uninstall the Chromium Shield rogue browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Chromium Shield?
Chromium Shield is a rogue browser based on a legitimate, open-source project called Chromium. This piece of software is endorsed as supposedly capable of providing safe, secure and fast browsing.
Amongst its listed features are: free VPN; advertisement blocking; protection against tracking, surveillance and censorship; increased widow/tab response (i.e. reduced "freezing" of windows), and so on. In fact, the Chromium Shield browser operates as adware (i.e. delivers intrusive ad campaigns) and promotes fake search engines (e.g. opti-page.com).
Due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate Chromium Shield, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Additionally, most PUAs monitor users' browsing activity and collect sensitive information extracted from it. Therefore, it is likely that Chromium Shield also has such data tracking capabilities.
Rogue adware-type browsers create a "virtual layer", which enables them to place intrusive advertisements (e.g. pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page and others) on any visited web page. Therefore, the ads do not originate from the websites themselves.
These advertisements significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed. Furthermore, once clicked, they can redirect to untrusted/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs).
Through these websites and/or installed software, users can experience a wide variety of serious problems. As mentioned, Chromium Shield also promotes opti-page.com, a bogus search engine, by redirecting to this address when a new browser tab/window is opened and/or a web search is made via the URL bar.
Fake search engines are rarely able to provide search results, and so they tend to redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate sites. Even if bogus web search engines can generate unique results, they are typically inaccurate and/or promote dubious and dangerous web pages.
Furthermore, most PUAs can track data. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This vulnerable data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), likewise intent on misusing it for profit.
In summary, the presence of this unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. To protect device and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Ads by Chromium Shield |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved browsing experience and security. |
| Detection Names (installer) | DrWeb (Adware.Bundlore.8), AhnLab-V3 (Malware/Gen.Generic.C3292264), McAfee-GW-Edition (BehavesLike.Win32.CSDIMonetize.vc), Qihoo-360 (HEUR/QVM05.1.B0DA.Malware.Gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal). |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. 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. |
| Promoted URL | opti-page.com |
| 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. |
WebNavigatorBrowser, Email Assistant, Citrio, TappyTop and WebExplorer are some examples of other Chromium-based dubious browsers. They may seem legitimate and offer a wide variety of "useful" functionality, however, these functions seldom work as advertised and, in most cases, do not work at all. In fact, this applies to most PUAs.
The only purpose of these unwanted apps is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, force-open dubious and malicious web pages, modify browsers (browser hijackers), gather vulnerable and personally identifiable information.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs (including Chromium Shield) have "official" promotional pages, from which they can be downloaded. PUAs are also downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well.
When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).
If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of Chromium Shield browser promoting opti-page.com (GIF):
Chromium Shield browser homepage:
Official installation setup of Chromium Shield browser:
Website promoting Chromium Shield application:
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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Quick menu:
- What is Chromium Shield?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
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 "Chromium 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, Chromium 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 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 chromium shield, 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 chromium shield 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 chromium shield, 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.
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 chromium shield, 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.
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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