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How to remove StratusNebulosus malicious extension from your browser

Also Known As: StratusNebulosus unwanted application
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is StratusNebulosus?

Our team discovered the StratusNebulosus browser extension during the analysis of a malicious installer obtained from an unreliable website. We found that StratusNebulosus can perform various actions once added. For instance, it can enable the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers. Users should avoid having StratusNebulosus added to their browsers.

StratusNebulosus malicious extension

StratusNebulosus in detail

StratusNebulosus is an application with extensive capabilities, allowing it to access and manipulate data across all websites. This level of access can be concerning for users who value their data privacy, as it means the app can potentially read and modify information on websites they visit.

Furthermore, StratusNebulosus has the ability to manage apps, extensions, and themes, giving it control over various aspects of the browsing experience. One particularly noteworthy feature of StratusNebulosus is its capacity to enable the "Managed by your organization" setting in Google Chrome.

This setting typically indicates that an organization or entity has control over browser configurations, potentially leading to restricted user control and privacy concerns. Furthermore, during our investigation, we found that the installer that distributes StratusNebulosus also includes additional unwanted software components, such as the Chromstera web browser.

It is crucial to highlight that applications similar to StratusNebulosus can often come bundled with adware, browser hijackers, and various other potentially harmful programs. In certain instances, installers that distribute these applications may go as far as hiding more severe threats, such as ransomware, Trojans, cryptocurrency miners, and similar types of malware.

Threat Summary:
Name StratusNebulosus unwanted application
Threat Type Malicious extension, Unwanted application
Detection Names Avast (Win32:Evo-gen [Trj]), AVG (Win32:Evo-gen [Trj]), Jiangmin (Trojan.Agent.eqdq), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Rising (Trojan.Generic@AI.100 (RDML:579wwd1es5YQ1dPcOYOH3g)), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Dubious pages, malicious installers, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, StratusNebulosus is a browser extension that, while claiming certain functionalities, raises significant concerns regarding user privacy and system security. It is essential for users to exercise caution when encountering applications like StratusNebulosus, as they may not only compromise data privacy but also introduce more serious threats.

Examples of apps similar to StratusNebulosus are ParaceratheriumBugtiense, SempervivumTectorum, and ParasaurolophusWalkeri.

How did StratusNebulosus install on my computer?

Users may inadvertently install browser extensions like StratusNebulosus through various methods, including downloading from untrusted sources, installing bundled extensions with free software, falling for deceptive advertisements, encountering social engineering tactics, or running malicious installers.

StratusNebulosus is typically disseminated via a malicious installer frequently discovered on unreliable websites. When users follow the instructions presented by this installer, it leads to the installation of both StratusNebulosus and Chromstera.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Only download software and browser extensions from official websites or reputable app stores. Avoid third-party sources, as they often host potentially harmful or compromised versions. Carefully read through each step of the installation process. Uncheck any boxes or change settings that offer to install additional software or browser extensions unless you are certain of their legitimacy.

Avoid engaging with pop-up ads and other elements while visiting suspicious pages, routinely evaluate the software on your computer, and uninstall any questionable programs (including browser extensions). If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Shady page distributing the StratusNebulosus application (its installer):

Shady page distributing the StratusNebulosus application

StratusNebulosus application details:

StratusNebulosus application details

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:

Unwanted software removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

StratusNebulosus malicious extension uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove unwanted apps from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing StratusNebulosus malicious extension from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "StratusNebulosus" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing StratusNebulosus malicious extension from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the stratusnebulosus unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing StratusNebulosus malicious extension from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), 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".

Removing StratusNebulosus malicious extension from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with stratusnebulosus 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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the stratusnebulosus unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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 StratusNebulosus cause?

StratusNebulosus can potentially cause several harms to a user's computer and browsing experience. It can compromise data privacy, introduce unwanted advertisements and browser settings modifications, and even lead to performance issues.

What does StratusNebulosus do?

StratusNebulosus can read and modify data on all websites, manage browser settings, and enable the "Managed by your organization" feature in Google Chrome.

How do StratusNebulosus developers generate revenue?

StratusNebulosus developers can earn money in multiple ways. They may gather and profit from user data through targeted ads or data sales to third parties. Furthermore, they might explore income sources such as affiliate marketing or advertiser partnerships, where they receive commissions or fees for promoting products or services through the extension's features or ads.

Will Combo Cleaner remove StratusNebulosus?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer to get rid of StratusNebulosus and other unwanted apps. Keep in mind that manual removal is not always perfect; some leftover files may remain in your system, even after removing the main software, allowing some parts to keep working.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
StratusNebulosus unwanted application QR code
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