How to uninstall the CyberSound AudioDirector unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CyberSound AudioDirector?
While investigating a Torrenting website that uses rogue advertising networks, we found a deceptive page promoting an installer containing the CyberSound AudioDirector PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
Apps within this classification typically have harmful capabilities. Furthermore, this installation setup contained a variety of other undesirable and possibly dangerous software.
Potentially unwanted application overview
Potentially unwanted applications commonly have hazardous capabilities. Many of these apps collect sensitive user data, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (possibly to cyber criminals).
PUAs can also operate as advertising-supported software (adware). These applications display advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
The ads can endorse deceptive/malicious sites and software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, unwanted apps can have browser-hijacking functionalities. They modify browser settings (e.g., homepages, default search engines, new tabs/windows, etc.) in order to generate redirects to fake search engines. These pages cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.).
To summarize, the presence of software like CyberSound AudioDirector on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | "CyberSound AudioDirector" potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
Detection Names (installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (app) | Avast (Win32:AdwareX-gen [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HVSI), Fortinet (W32/Kryptik.HLKD!tr), Kaspersky (VHO:Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Rogue redirects. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling). |
Damage | Privacy issues, potential monetary losses, unwanted pop-ups, rogue redirects, slow computer performance. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Potentially unwanted application examples
We have written about countless unwanted apps; AppQue, WinTrackerSP, ExtreamFanV5, Victoria Pigments, World Wide Web, and Universal Browser are merely some of our newest articles.
Potentially unwanted applications tend to look ordinary and harmless. These apps can also offer a wide variety of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
We downloaded an installer containing CyberSound AudioDirector (and other suspect software) from a deceptive webpage.
PUAs are often endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects generated by webpages employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with undesirable/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute PUAs.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate unwanted software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we strongly advise caution while browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive website promoting CyberSound AudioDirector application:
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 CyberSound AudioDirector?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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 "CyberSound AudioDirector" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, 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:
At time of research, CyberSound AudioDirector itself did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, the installer carrying it that we analyzed included other dubious software (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, etc.). If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.
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 "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "cybersound audiodirector" potentially 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 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "cybersound audiodirector" potentially 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 "cybersound audiodirector" potentially 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 is the purpose of an unwanted application?
Unwanted applications are designed to generate revenue for developers/publishers. This goal may be achieved by requesting users to buy fake activation keys, promoting in-app purchases, endorsing content (via redirects, ads, etc.), collecting/selling private information, and so on.
Is CyberSound AudioDirector unwanted application legal?
Typically, unwanted applications are deemed legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) provide information regarding the software's behavior.
Is having CyberSound AudioDirector installed on my computer dangerous?
Unwanted applications often have harmful abilities and/or infiltrate devices alongside software with such functionalities. For example, PUAs may have adware-type, browser-hijacking, data-tracking, and countless other hazardous capabilities. Generally, unwanted apps are associated with system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove CyberSound AudioDirector unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected unwanted/malicious applications. Manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after an app has been manually removed – file remnants remain hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate software thoroughly.
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