How to uninstall the Wave Surge Lite potentially unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Wave Surge Lite?
Wave Surge Lite is a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Our research team discovered this app in an installer promoted by a deceptive page under the guise of a movie file. The webpage was found during a routine investigation of a Torrent website that utilizes rogue advertising networks.
PUAs typically have harmful abilities. It is noteworthy that this installation setup containing Wave Surge Lite was bundled with other dubious software.
Potentially unwanted application overview
Potentially unwanted applications can have a variety of hazardous functionalities. Data tracking is incredibly prevalent. Apps capable of this tend to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
Another common mode of operation for PUAs is functioning as advertising-supported software (adware). These applications display ads on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. The advertisements can endorse deceptive and malicious content. Some of the adverts can even perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Many unwanted apps exhibit browser-hijacking abilities. They change browser settings (e.g., homepages, default search engines, new tab/window URLs, etc.) to generate redirects to fraudulent search engines.
These webpages typically cannot provide search results and lead users to legitimate Internet search websites (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.). The fake search engines that can produce results provide irrelevant ones, which may include sponsored, unreliable, deceptive, and possibly dangerous content.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted applications on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Wave Surge Lite potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
| Detection Names (installer) | AliCloud (Trojan:Win/Agent.gyf), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/GenKryptik.GVXA), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Program:Win32/Wacapew.C!ml), WithSecure (Trojan:W32/GenInflated.B), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (app) | Avast (FileRepMalware [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HVKA), Fortinet (W32/Kryptik.HLKD!tr), Malwarebytes (Backdoor.TVRat.Generic), 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 | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), privacy issues, unwanted warning pop-ups, 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
TroxApp, Audio Normalizer, AERO Sample, PrivAci, and PubQuo are just some examples of our newest articles on unwanted apps.
Usually, PUAs look legitimate and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing the software by promises of various "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that operational functionalities alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
We downloaded an installation setup containing Wave Surge Lite (and other suspect software) from a scam page promoting it as a file of the 1997 film Titanic.
PUA-endorsing sites are primarily accessed via redirects caused by webpages that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute PUAs.
The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. These adverts are used to proliferate unwanted software as well.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise vigilance when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect 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 Wave Surge Lite 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 Wave Surge Lite?
- 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 "Wave Surge Lite" 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, the Wave Surge Lite installation setup included other suspicious 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 wave surge lite 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 wave surge lite 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 wave surge lite 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 developed to generate revenue through nefarious means. This goal may be achieved by gathering/selling private data, endorsing content (via advertisements, redirects, etc.), promoting in-app purchases, requesting users to buy fake activation keys, and so forth.
Is Wave Surge Lite unwanted application legal?
Usually, unwanted apps are considered legal due to their End User License Agreements (EULAs) providing information concerning the software's behavior.
Is having Wave Surge Lite installed on my computer dangerous?
Unwanted applications usually have hazardous capabilities (e.g., gathering information, displaying ads, force-opening sites, etc.). What is more, these apps tend to infiltrate systems in bundles (multiples). Generally, the presence of such software is linked to system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Wave Surge Lite unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all unwanted/malicious applications that are detected. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after an application has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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