How to remove PiceaAbies malicious extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PiceaAbies?
After scrutinizing the PiceaAbies browser extension, it has come to our attention that this extension is malicious in nature. PiceaAbies is distributed through a malicious installer and possesses capabilities such as reading browsing history, managing various aspects within the Chrome browser, altering data on web pages, and more.
PiceaAbies in detail
PiceaAbies exhibits the ability to access a user's browsing history, a concerning breach of privacy that permits the app to monitor and record the websites visited by the user. This intrusive behavior can lead to various malicious activities, including creating targeted advertisements or the sale of personal data to third parties.
Additionally, PiceaAbies can manipulate apps, extensions, and themes within the Chrome browser. This level of control is hazardous, allowing PiceaAbies to modify the user's browser settings without consent, potentially enabling harmful extensions and themes.
Another distressing aspect of PiceaAbies is its ability to enable the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers, essentially hijacking control of the user's browser. This severely limits users' capacity to customize browser settings and preferences, leaving them with minimal control.
The distribution method of PiceaAbies is also alarming, as it is disseminated via a malicious installer. This installer not only installs PiceaAbies but also introduces the Chromstera browser and may include other unwelcome applications, such as browser hijackers or adware.
Name | PiceaAbies unwanted application |
Threat Type | Malicious Extension |
Detection Names (Installer) | Gridinsoft (PUP.Win32.Chromnius.dg!c), Full List (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | The "Managed by your organization" feature is activated in Chrome browser, Chromstera browser is installed, your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Dubious 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, PiceaAbies poses a significant threat to user privacy and security due to its invasive behavior, unethical distribution methods, and potential for misuse by malicious actors. To protect themselves, users must exercise vigilance during software installation, manage their browser extensions regularly, and stay cautious when downloading or adding new software.
There are many malicious browser extensions akin to PiceaAbies, for example, TachyglossusAculeatus, FuchsiaHybrida, and MalusDomestica.
How did unwanted software install on my computer?
Users often unwittingly install apps like PiceaAbies, as these applications are commonly disseminated through deceptive or unauthorized means. PiceaAbies, for instance, is distributed via a deceitful installer hosted on misleading websites and becomes integrated with a browser upon installation.
Another prevalent method is software bundling, where unwanted apps are packaged with other software that users intentionally download and install. Users may overlook or fail to notice these bundled applications during the installation process, allowing them to be added or installed alongside the desired software.
Deceptive pop-ups, phishing emails, drive-by downloads, counterfeit download sites, social engineering, third-party app stores, files obtained via P2P networks, and analogous channels are additional conduits through which these apps infiltrate systems.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software exclusively from reputable sources like official app stores or the developer's website. Exercise caution when granting permissions during installations and refrain from rushing through their steps. Carefully review settings before finalizing installations.
Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, and links on dubious websites and decline requests to deliver notifications from such pages. Keep your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date. Employ reliable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan and safeguard your device.
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 hosting the installer used to distribute PiceaAbies:
PiceaAbies 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 PiceaAbies?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted 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 "PiceaAbies" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the piceaabies 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 piceaabies 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 piceaabies 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 PiceaAbies cause?
PiceaAbies poses a substantial threat by jeopardizing user privacy and security. With a range of capabilities at its disposal, it has the potential to culminate in the theft of sensitive information, exposure to malicious websites, and unwarranted control over the user's online actions.
What does PiceaAbies do?
PiceaAbies is capable of accessing and changing data on visited pages and managing themes, and extensions. Additionally, it has the ability to activate the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers.
How do PiceaAbies developers generate revenue?
The developers of PiceaAbies may seek to generate income through unscrupulous methods, mainly at the expense of users. This may involve practices like harvesting and selling user data to third parties, showcasing intrusive and personalized ads, or coercing users into parting with money through deceptive services.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PiceaAbies?
Combo Cleaner will perform an extensive scan of your computer, ridding it of all undesirable applications. It is essential to remember that manual removal is not infallible, as remnants of files might persist concealed within the system even after the primary software has been uninstalled.
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