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How to uninstall the CyberSound AudioDirector unwanted application

Also Known As: "CyberSound AudioDirector" potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

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.

CyberSound AudioDirector unwanted application install folder

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
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Potentially unwanted application examples

We have written about countless unwanted apps; AppQueWinTrackerSPExtreamFanV5Victoria PigmentsWorld 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:

Deceptive website used to promote CyberSound AudioDirector PUA

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

CyberSound AudioDirector uninstall via Control Panel

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:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

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 Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

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 Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
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