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Removal instructions for Disoaq App potentially unwanted application (PUA)

Also Known As: Disoaq App dropper
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Disoaq App?

Disoaq App is a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) discovered by our researchers while analyzing a rogue installer. Software within this classification usually has undesirable and hazardous capabilities.

Upon investigation, we learned that Disoaq App operates as a dropper for the Legion Loader malware. Note that it could drop other unwanted/malicious programs or browser extensions into systems. The installation setup promoting Disoaq App that we analyzed also included the fake "Save to Google Drive" extension.

Disoaq App unwanted application installation folder

Disoaq App overview

Disoaq App is an unwanted application that functions as a dropper, i.e., it can drop (download/install) additional harmful or malicious software onto devices. Disoaq App has been noted dropping the Legion Loader malware.

This loader is likewise designed to cause chain infections. It has been used to introduce various malicious programs into systems, including backdoor-type trojans, data stealers, ransomware, and cryptocurrency miners. It has also infiltrated malicious browser extensions.

Some of the known Google Chrome extensions operated by tracking browsing activity, modifying browsers into HTTP proxies to abuse Internet resources (proxyware), and stealing email contents. Another ability of Legion Loader itself is stealing cryptowallets.

It is pertinent to mention that Disoaq App might be used to drop other malware or malicious extensions. It is also worth noting that the installation setup promoting Disoaq App that we inspected included the fake "Save to Google Drive" browser extension.

To summarize, the presence of software like Disoaq App on devices can lead to multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Disoaq App dropper
Threat Type PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application), Dropper
Detection Names (installer) NANO-Antivirus (Trojan.Win32.Injuke.kudqxk), VBA32 (TrojanPSW.Vidar), Zillya (Trojan.Agent.Win32.4093738), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Payload Legion Loader
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 Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, slow computer performance.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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Potentially unwanted application examples

Potentially unwanted applications are often disguised as legitimate and useful software. These apps may also offer a broad range of handy functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational. However, it must be stressed that functional features alone do not prove the legitimacy or safety of an app/extension.

PUAs tend to have harmful abilities. Prevalent ones include gathering sensitive user data, changing browser settings and generating redirects (browser hijackers), running intrusive advertisement campaigns (adware), etc.

We have investigated thousands of unwanted apps; StealthGuardRotq AppJoas AppWeisx App, and Fira App are merely some of our newest articles.

How did Disoaq App install on my computer?

We found an installer containing Disoaq App promoted by a deceptive page. Our research team discovered it while inspecting a Torrenting website that uses rogue advertising networks. Aside from webpages that employ said networks, sites that endorse such software can be accessed via redirects produced by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

PUAs can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, intrusive adverts proliferate unwanted software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

We strongly recommend researching software before downloading/installing. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous 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 PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Deceptive website promoting an installer carrying Disoaq App application:

Deceptive website used to promote Disoaq App 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.

Disoaq App uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Disoaq App" 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:

Disoaq App acts as a dropper and can install malware (e.g., Legion Loader) and unwanted/malicious browser extensions (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 disoaq app dropper, 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 disoaq app dropper 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 disoaq app dropper, 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 aim to generate revenue at users' expense. This goal is typically achieved through nefarious means like tricking users into buying fake activation keys, promoting content (through ads, redirects, etc.), pushing in-app purchases, collecting/selling private information, and so on.

Are unwanted applications legal?

Unwanted applications typically have EULAs (End User License Agreements) that provide information concerning their modus operandi. Hence, upon installation, users agree to the EULA, which makes the apps legal in most instances.

Is having Disoaq App installed on my computer dangerous?

Disoaq App has been observed infiltrating the Legion Loader malware into devices, which is known to cause high-risk infections. This unwanted app could also download/install other malicious software onto systems. Generally, programs like Disoaq App could cause multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Disoaq App unwanted application?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan devices and eliminate all kinds of threats, including unwanted/malicious apps. Remember that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the application has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount 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.

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