How to remove the AcerPalmatum malicious browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is AcerPalmatum?
After analyzing the AcerPalmatum extension, we determined that it is capable of managing/manipulating browsers. These abilities can be used for a variety of harmful activities. Additionally, this malicious browser extension has data-tracking functionalities.
Our research team found the AcerPalmatum extension in an installer hosted on a deceptive page during a routine investigation of dubious websites.
AcerPalmatum overview
AcerPalmatum targets Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. This malicious software can manage browsers' apps, extensions, themes, and other content/settings. Hence, AcerPalmatum is capable of altering browsers' behavior and appearance. The manipulation can be varied, as can the potential threats. Additionally, this extension may exploit browsers' vulnerabilities – thus opening an avenue to further the infection.
AcerPalmatum utilizes the "Managed by your organization" Chrome and Edge browser feature to gain additional functionality and ensure persistence.
Another worrisome function of this extension is reading browsing histories and collecting browser data. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like AcerPalmatum on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | AcerPalmatum unwanted extension |
Threat Type | Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension |
Browser Extension(s) | AcerPalmatum |
Detection Names (installer) | Gridinsoft (no cloud) (PUP.Win32.Chromnius.dg!c), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | The "Managed by your organization" feature is activated in Chrome/Edge browser, decreased Internet browsing speed, your computer becomes slower than usual. |
Distribution Methods | Dubious websites, malicious installers, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
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. |
Similar software examples
ZygorhizaKochii, PlatyhystrixRugosus, MacacaFascicularis, IchthyosaurusComunicus, and PythonRegius are just some examples of malicious extensions similar to AcerPalmatum.
Unwanted browser extensions are often presented as existing software or disguised as common legitimate-looking tools. Users can also be lured into downloading/installing the software by promises of various "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational. Instead of working as advertised, these extensions can function as adware, browser hijackers, or have other harmful functions.
How did AcerPalmatum install on my computer?
We obtained an installation setup containing AcerPalmatum from a deceptive webpage. Most visitors to unwanted/malicious software endorsing pages enter them via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
Ordinary program installers can also be bundled with harmful additions. The danger of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and compounded by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted software?
It is crucial to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Another recommendation is to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, and so forth.
If your computer is already infected with AcerPalmatum, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this rogue software.
Screenshot of the website used to promote an installer containing AcerPalmatum:
Screenshot of AcerPalmatum extension's detailed information:
Screenshot of AcerPalmatum installed on Microsoft Edge:
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 AcerPalmatum?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted 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.
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 applications, 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:
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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "AcerPalmatum" 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 acerpalmatum unwanted extension, 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 acerpalmatum unwanted extension 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 acerpalmatum unwanted extension, 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 AcerPalmatum cause?
AcerPalmatum may change browsers' appearance and behavior. This piece of software could also be used to exploit browsers' vulnerabilities and cause further infections. Furthermore, this extension has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does AcerPalmatum do?
AcerPalmatum has the ability to manage browsers' apps, extensions, themes, and other settings. This extension uses the "Managed by your organization" browser feature to gain further access and complicate its removal. Additionally, AcerPalmatum reads browsing histories and gathers data stored on browsers.
How do AcerPalmatum developers generate revenue?
AcerPalmatum can sell the data collected from browsers (e.g., log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc.). Revenue may also be generated through further infections or other harmful activities.
Will Combo Cleaner remove malicious extensions?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate threats. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate unwanted software thoroughly.
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