How to eliminate AltocumulusFloccus malicious extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AltocumulusFloccus?
While analyzing a suspicious installer obtained from an untrustworthy website, we came across the AltocumulusFloccus browser extension. Our investigation revealed that this extension is malign in nature, capable of enabling the "Managed by your organization" feature in the Chrome browser, collecting diverse data, and controlling specific browser elements.
AltocumulusFloccus in detail
If allowed, AltocumulusFloccus can access and modify data across all websites and oversee apps, extensions, and themes within the Chrome browser. It means that AltocumulusFloccus may be capable of accessing data like login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive data. This poses a substantial privacy concern, as the extension may exploit the mentioned data.
The extension's ability to oversee apps, extensions, and themes implies it can modify the browser's operation. This could result in undesired alterations in the browsing experience, such as the introduction of additional (potentially malicious) extensions or adjustments to the browser's settings.
It is essential to meticulously assess and keep an eye on the permissions assigned to browser extensions and uninstall any extensions that are not actively used or trusted, particularly those with overly extensive permissions, such as AltocumulusFloccus.
Moreover, the AltocumulusFloccus installer includes extra undesired software components, such as the Chromstera web browser. Occasionally, programs like AltocumulusFloccus may be packaged with other questionable applications like adware and browser hijackers.
Malicious actors can also use unreliable installers to disseminate Trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and various other types of malware. Consequently, it is strongly recommended to exercise caution and avoid using installers obtained from dubious websites and other untrustworthy sources.
Name | AltocumulusFloccus unwanted application |
Threat Type | Malicious Extension |
Detection Names | Gridinsoft (PUP.Win32.Chromnius.dg!c), Full List (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Chromstera browser is installed on your computer, "Managed by your organization" is activated in the Chrome browser, your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Unreliable websites, 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, AltocumulusFloccus stands as a prime example of the hidden dangers that can lurk within seemingly benign browser extensions. Beyond their innocent facade, extensions like AltocumulusFloccus have the potential to disrupt online privacy, manipulate browser functionality, and introduce substantial security risks.
More examples of similar applications (browser extensions) are MelursusUrsinus, CumulonimbusIncus, and Cervidae.
How did AltocumulusFloccus install on my computer?
Users often inadvertently add unwanted apps like AltocumulusFloccus to their browsers through a variety of methods. One common way is through bundled software downloads, where legitimate programs come with additional software or browser extensions that users may unknowingly agree to install during the setup process.
Deceptive websites also play a role, using misleading download buttons, fake software updates, or deceptive ads to trick users into downloading these unwanted apps. Additionally, downloading software from unverified sources, social engineering tactics, drive-by downloads from malicious websites, and exploiting software vulnerabilities are all avenues through which unwanted apps can find their way onto users' browsers.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
To prevent the inclusion of undesired applications in their web browsers, individuals should employ care when downloading and installing software, avoid interacting with dubious links or advertisements, ensure that their software and operating systems are regularly updated, and utilize trustworthy antivirus and anti-malware solutions for identifying and eliminating potential risks.
Moreover, carefully scrutinizing installation choices and permissions during software setup can be instrumental in averting the inadvertent installation of undesirable applications. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Website distributing the installer containing AltocumulusFloccus:
AltocumulusFloccus app information:
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 AltocumulusFloccus?
- STEP 1. Uninstall shady applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Unwanted software 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 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:
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 "AltocumulusFloccus" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the altocumulusfloccus 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with altocumulusfloccus 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 altocumulusfloccus 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can AltocumulusFloccus cause?
AltocumulusFloccus can compromise user privacy by accessing and modifying data on websites, potentially leading to the misuse of personal information. It can also disrupt the browser's functionality, introducing unexpected changes and security vulnerabilities that may put users at risk.
What does AltocumulusFloccus do?
AltocumulusFloccus can read and alter data across all websites, manage extensions and themes, and enable the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers. It may have additional capabilities.
How do AltocumulusFloccus developers generate revenue?
The developers of AltocumulusFloccus are likely collecting various data, potentially for sale to third parties or other profit-driven purposes. They may also explore alternative methods, such as affiliate programs, to generate revenue from AltocumulusFloccus.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AltocumulusFloccus?
Combo Cleaner performs computer scans to eliminate unwanted and malicious applications. However, manual removal is not always completely effective, as residual files can occasionally linger in the system even after the software has been uninstalled.
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