How to remove GuardFlare from web browsers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of program is GuardFlare?
While examining the GuardFlare extension, we noticed that it can generate various advertisements. For this reason, we classified it as adware. Additionally, we discovered that GuardFlare can activate the "Managed by your organization" feature. It is worth noting that the installer distributing this extension also includes QuickFind.
GuardFlare overview
GuardFlare is promoted as an extension that provides advanced security measures to protect users online. However, it can deliver unwanted banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other advertisements. These ads can contain misleading information (e.g., fake warnings) and take users to unreliable web pages.
Once clicked, they can take users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information, such as credit card details, login credentials, and ID card information. These ads may also lead to pages created to lure users into sending money to scammers, downloading malicious (or other unwanted) software, or taking other actions.
Furthermore, GuardFlare may collect data, including browsing history, search queries, email addresses, location data, and other information. This data collection can compromise user privacy and lead to identity theft, among other issues. Additionally, GuardFlare enables the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers.
Legitimate companies or other entities usually use this feature to set certain policies. However, unreliable extensions like GuardFlare can misuse this feature for malicious purposes. GuardFlare may use this feature to access sensitive data, add, remove, and disable extensions, restrict access to certain websites, and more.
It is also worth noting that users may face difficulties in manually removing GuardFlare from their browsers. In such cases, a specialized removal tool might be necessary. As mentioned earlier, GuardFlare is bundled with QuickFind, which is another questionable extension. Therefore, users impacted by this issue should ensure they remove both GuardFlare and QuickFind.
| Name | Ads by GuardFlare |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Detection Names (Installer) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.JXHYXSE), Google (Detected), Ikarus (PUA.MSIL.Chromex), Rising (Adware.Agent!1.1034C (CLASSIC)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
Adware is software that can deliver annoying and deceptive advertisements, especially when distributed using shady methods. In addition to displaying ads, adware can gather various information and even set certain policies in web browsers. Thus, users should avoid adding/installing adware to prevent security, privacy, and other issues.
Examples of apps (or extensions) that function as adware are Movie-web Remastered Extension, Ad Blocker Elite, and Ad Squasher.
How did unwanted software install on my computer?
Adware often comes bundled with free or questionable software, and users can accidentally add or install it if they do not pay close attention during the installation process. This commonly happens when individuals rush through setup steps and do not reject unwanted offers using "Advanced", "Custom", or similar options.
Moreover, adware can be added/installed via downloads from unofficial app stores, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, and unreliable websites. It may also infiltrate systems via deceptive pop-ups, ads, or fake software update prompts.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always download applications from official websites or reputable app stores. Avoid third-party app stores, P2P networks, unofficial pages, etc. During installation, choose "Custom" or "Advanced" options instead of the default settings to deselect any additional offers that you do not want to install/add.
Be wary of clicking on ads, pop-ups, or offers that appear on suspicious websites. Install a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program. Regularly update the operating system and all installed programs. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Permissions asked by GuardFlare:
GuardFlare extension appearance:
Web pages distributing GuardFlare:
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 GuardFlare?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware 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 application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove GuardFlare adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions (like GuardFlare), select these entries and click "Remove".
If the extension is locked (you see the "Your browser is managed by your organization" feature enabled) read this article for detailed removal instructions.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by guardflare, 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 plug-ins 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 ads by guardflare 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 ads by guardflare, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by guardflare or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can disrupt the user experience, lead to privacy breaches, and potentially expose users to security threats.
What does adware do?
Adware can display excessive advertisements and collect personal information. Also, it can be designed to hijack browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers usually earn money by promoting various products, websites, or services through their applications. Most of their revenue comes from affiliate programs, where they receive a commission for directing users to purchase or sign up for these promoted offerings.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GuardFlare adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all installed adware applications. Manual removal may not be entirely effective, as remnants of the software can linger in the system. Therefore, it is advisable to eliminate adware using specialized tools.
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