How to eliminate the Browse Keeper adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Browse Keeper?
Our research team discovered the Browse Keeper rogue browser extension while investigating deceptive sites. It is promoted as an adblocker – a tool that eliminates intrusive advertisements, blocks online tracking, and offers malware protection.
However, instead of performing any of the previously mentioned functionalities, Browse Keeper operates as advertising-supported software (adware). It feeds users with undesirable/deceptive ads and spies on their browsing activity.
Browse Keeper adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. The delivered adverts endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some of the ads can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Browse Keeper displays adverts – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, this browser extension collects sensitive user information. Adware usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like Browse Keeper on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Browse Keeper |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Browse Keeper |
Supposed Functionality | Adblocker |
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). |
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. |
Adware examples
Subtitles, NX Gone, Ad Free Web, Streaming, and Fast Incognito Mode are just some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate and harmless. It lures users into downloading/installing it with promises of various useful functionalities. However, the features are usually fake and nonoperational.
Note that even if a browser extension or application works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Browse Keeper install on my computer?
We obtained Browse Keeper from its "official" promotional webpage. Aside from such sites, adware is commonly endorsed on scam pages. Visitors to these webpages primarily access them via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software directly as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. And if your computer is already infected with Browse Keeper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Browse Keeper adware:
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 Browse Keeper?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Browse Keeper adware using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Browse Keeper" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by browse keeper, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by browse keeper 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 browse keeper, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software may also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy as well – since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-support software. Applications and browser extensions belonging to this category operate by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can also force-open webpages and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Browse Keeper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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