Removal instructions for the fake "Online Security" Chrome extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the fake Online Security Chrome extension?
This "Online Security" browser extension is fake because it imitates a legitimate extension of the same name. The imitator software has data-tracking abilities and can modify browsers' behavior.
Our researchers discovered this malicious extension in an installation setup promoted by a scam page found during a routine investigation of a Torrenting website that uses rogue advertising networks. The setup included other unwanted and potentially dangerous software.
Fake Online Security Chrome extension overview
This fake "Online Security" extension can manage browsers' apps, extensions, and themes. Hence, it can change browsers' appearance and mode of operation. This software also uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature to gain further control over browsers and as a mechanism to ensure persistence.
The exact goal of this malicious extension is currently unknown. Software of this kind may be used to exploit browser vulnerabilities and cause further infection. However, the fraudulent "Online Security" browser extension could be used for other nefarious purposes as well.
"Online Security" imitator has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like this fake Online Security Chrome extension can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Fraudulent "Online Security" extension |
| Threat Type | Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension |
| Browser Extension(s) | Online Security |
| Supposed Functionality | Enhanced online protection |
| Detection Names (installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | "Managed by your organization" feature is activated, 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. |
Malicious browser extension examples
We have examined thousands of malicious browser extensions; Ursidae, TraceUrl, Pinnipedia, and Held Error are just some examples.
Most collect vulnerable information, and many exhibit adware or browser hijacker capabilities. Rogue extensions are often disguised as useful or existing tools. However, the promised functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational, as their sole purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing or purchasing.
Remember that even if a piece of software works as indicated by the promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did this fake "Online Security" extension install on my computer?
We downloaded an installer containing this fake "Online Security" browser extension from a deceptive website endorsing it as a UHD Titanic 1997 movie file. It is noteworthy that this installation setup was bundled with other suspicious software.
Scam pages of this kind are primarily entered via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – a marketing technique that involves packing regular installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute rogue extensions.
The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate rogue software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted software?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with this fake "Online Security" extension, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this rogue software.
Screenshot of the fake Online Security Chrome extension's installation folder:
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote fake Online Security Chrome extension:
Screenshot of the fake Online Security Chrome extension's detailed 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 fake Online Security Chrome extension?
- 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 "Online Security" 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 fraudulent "online security" 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 fraudulent "online security" 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 fraudulent "online security" 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 fake Online Security Chrome extension cause?
This fake "Online Security" extension can modify browsers' behavior and may exploit them to cause further infections. Additionally, this software is a privacy threat since it has data-tracking functionalities. Hence, the presence of this browser extension might lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
What does fake Online Security Chrome extension do?
This fake "Online Security" extension can manage browsers' apps, extensions, and themes – thus having the ability to change the software's appearance and behavior. For additional functionality, the extension uses the "Managed by your organization" Chrome feature. "Online Security" also collects private information.
How do fake Online Security Chrome extension developers generate revenue?
The developers of this fake "Online Security" extension may profit by selling or abusing collected data. However, it could generate revenue through other means as well. Aside from data tracking, rogue extension developers may earn commissions through content promotion (e.g., via ads, redirects, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove rogue software?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate unwanted/malicious applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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