Removing Tiaow VApp unwanted application from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Tiaow VApp?
Our research team discovered Tiaow VApp while analyzing a rogue installer promoted by a deceptive webpage. The setup also included the fake "Save to Google Drive" browser extension. Tiaow VApp is a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Upon analysis, we found that this app drops the Legion Loader malware onto systems.
Tiaow VApp overview
Potentially unwanted applications usually have harmful capabilities. Tiaow VApp operates as a dropper; at the time of research, this app dropped the Legion Loader malware. This program is a loader, and its purpose is similar to that of Tiaow VApp – to introduce (i.e., load) additional malicious software and components into systems.
Legion Loader has previously infiltrated backdoor-type trojans, ransomware, data stealers, cryptocurrency miners, and malicious browser extensions. Known Google Chrome extensions had capabilities for stealing email contents, gathering browsing histories, and turning browsers into HTTP proxies for abusing Internet resources (proxyware).
Tiaow VApp's installation setup, which we investigated, also installed the fake "Save to Google Drive" extension. It is worth mentioning that setups of this kind can include multiple pieces of software, and Tiaow VApp could be introduced alongside other programs into systems.
To summarize, the presence of software like Tiaow VApp on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Tiaow VApp potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application), Dropper |
| Detection Names (installer) | ESET-NOD32 (Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.TAL), NANO-Antivirus (Trojan.Win32.Injuke.kudqxk), VBA32 (TrojanPSW.Vidar), Zillya (Trojan.Agent.Win32.4093738), 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 | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, 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 investigated numerous unwanted apps; SecuriGuard, Mental Mentor, Woiap WApp, EpiStart (EpiBrowser), and Kowi SApp are merely some of our latest articles.
PUAs typically have harmful functionalities, and the most prevalent ones include data tracking, displaying advertisements (adware), and changing browser settings (browser hijackers).
These applications can look legitimate and innocuous. PUAs may also offer various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Our researchers discovered the installer promoting Tiaow VApp on a deceptive page, which was accessed via a redirect caused by a Torrenting website that utilizes rogue advertising networks. PUAs may also have "official" download webpages.
Aside from such advertising networks, these pages can be entered through redirects produced by intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute PUAs as well. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious channels.
The risk of inadvertently permitting this content into the system is increased by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, intrusive adverts proliferate unwanted software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device 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 an installer carrying the Tiaow VApp application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Tiaow VApp?
- 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 "Tiaow VApp" 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, Tiaow VApp 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 tiaow vapp 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 tiaow vapp 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 tiaow vapp 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 aim to generate revenue for their developers, and they often achieve this by causing chain infections, deceiving users into buying fake activation keys, endorsing content (via redirects, ads, etc.), promoting in-app purchases, gathering/selling information, and so on.
Is Tiaow VApp unwanted application legal?
Typically, unwanted applications are deemed to be legal due to their End User License Agreements (EULAs) informing users of the software's potential behavior.
Is having Tiaow VApp installed on my computer dangerous?
Tiaow VApp is associated with serious threats. This application operates as a dropper, and is known to infiltrate Legion Loader malware into devices. It is noteworthy that Tiaow VApp could be installed alongside other hazardous software (e.g., fake "Save to Google Drive", etc.). The presence of Tiaow VApp can lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Tiaow VApp unwanted application?
Combo Cleaner will scan your systems and eliminate all kinds of threats, including unwanted/malicious applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after an app has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate software thoroughly.
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