Removal instructions for the SecuriGuard potentially unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SecuriGuard?
While browsing suspicious websites, our researchers discovered the SecuriGuard app. It is endorsed as a browser with improved security and privacy features.
Upon analysis, we determined that SecuriGuard is a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Apps within this classification typically have harmful capabilities and may infiltrate systems alongside other suspect software.
Potentially unwanted application overview
SecuriGuard's installer lists its capabilities as "using all system resources". Further clarification is not provided – hence, it is unclear which resources and for what purposes this app employs. However, software that operates in a manner that consumes a lot of system resources can significantly diminish system performance and browsing quality.
As mentioned in the introduction, potentially unwanted applications tend to have hazardous abilities. Data tracking is by far the most prevalent, and it can be used to gather browsing histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
PUAs can also operate as adware. Software within this classification typically displays advertisements on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These ads promote deceptive and malicious content. Some can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Unwanted apps may function as browser hijackers as well. Hijacker software modifies browser settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab/window, etc.) to generate redirects to promoted sites.
Usually, the endorsed websites are fake search engines that cannot provide search results and redirect to legitimate Internet search sites. Even if a fraudulent search engine can produce search results – they are inaccurate and may include sponsored, deceptive, and possibly dangerous content.
To summarize, presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | SecuriGuard potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
Supposed Functionality | Browser designed for secure and confidential browsing. |
Detection Names (installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (app) | CrowdStrike Falcon (Win/grayware_confidence_100% (W)), 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. Diminished system performance. |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling). |
Damage | Privacy issues, potential monetary losses, unwanted 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
We have written about countless PUAs; StealthGuard – is an example of an app similar to SecuriGuard, and EpiStart (EpiBrowser), Woiap WApp, Kowi SApp, Traw Dapp – are just a couple of our latest articles on these applications.
This software is usually disguised as legitimate and harmless, such as browsers, system utility tools, anti-viruses, media players, and so on. Yet unwanted applications seldom function as promised; all their features tend to be nonfunctional.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
SecuriGuard has an "official" promotional webpage, and it is endorsed on deceptive sites. Such pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to proliferate PUAs.
These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using the "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, unwanted software is spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to always research software before downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device 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.
Installation setup of SecuriGuard application:
SecuriGuard application's "official" promotional website:
First step provided by a deceptive website promoting the SecuriGuard application:
Last steps provided by a deceptive website promoting the SecuriGuard 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 SecuriGuard?
- 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 "SecuriGuard" 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, SecuriGuard did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. 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 securiguard 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 securiguard 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 securiguard 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 apps are designed to generate revenue through nefarious means, such as abusing system resources, tricking users into buying fake activation keys, promoting content (via ads, redirects, etc.), endorsing in-app purchases, gathering/selling private information, and so on.
Is SecuriGuard unwanted application legal?
Usually, unwanted apps are considered legal due to their EULAs (End User License Agreements) informing users of the software's modus operandi.
Is having SecuriGuard installed on my computer dangerous?
SecuriGuard can utilize all system resources for unspecified reasons. Hence, its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. However, this application could possess other harmful capabilities and/or infiltrate systems alongside suspicious software. Generally, unwanted applications are associated with risks of system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove SecuriGuard unwanted application?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected unwanted/malicious applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After an app has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate undesirable software thoroughly.
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