How to uninstall Ciawu App PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Ciawu App?
While investigating deceptive websites, our researchers discovered a rogue installer containing the Ciawu App PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). Upon investigation, we determined that this app acts as a dropper for the Legion Loader malware. Thus, having Ciawu App on devices can result in high-risk system infections.
Ciawu App overview
Potentially unwanted applications typically have harmful capabilities. Ciawu App has been observed operating as a dropper for (i.e., infiltrating into systems) the Legion Loader malware.
The purpose of Legion Loader is similar – it loads (i.e., downloads/installs) malicious programs/components. This loader is known to infiltrate into systems backdoor-type trojans, ransomware, data stealers, cryptocurrency miners, and malicious browser extensions.
Noted Google Chrome extensions were intended to collect data related to browsing activity and email contents. Additionally, one of the extensions had the ability to turn browsers into HTTP proxies – thereby allowing the software to abuse Internet resources (proxyware).
It is noteworthy that rogue installation setups (like the one promoting Ciawu App) are often bundled with other suspicious software, including PUAs, adware, browser hijackers, etc.
To summarize, the presence of software like Ciawu App on devices may lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ciawu App potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) |
| Detection Names (installer) | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.TAL), Fortinet (W32/Agent.TAL!tr), Symantec (Trojan.Gen.MBT), Microsoft (), 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 | System infections, monetary losses, privacy issues, 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
Tisiqo App, Miasfj App, JoafjApp, Suaiqi App, and Tiaow VApp are just a few examples of PUAs that drop Legion Loader malware.
It is noteworthy that unwanted applications are often presented (and sometimes even disguised) as legitimate software. PUAs can offer various useful functionalities, ranging from threat protection to system optimization. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Ciawu App was promoted through a scam page using a download-themed lure. In addition to such webpages, PUAs can have legitimate-looking promotional sites.
We accessed the page endorsing Ciawu App through a redirect from a rogue advertising network used by a Torrenting website. Aside from such networks, these deceptive webpages are commonly entered via intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and adware.
The bundling marketing technique, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate PUAs. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.
The risk of unintentionally permitting bundled content into the device is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., by ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, unwanted software is spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by inspecting terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/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 Ciawu App application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Ciawu App?
- 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 "Ciawu 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:
At time of research, Ciawu App 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 ciawu app 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 ciawu app 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 ciawu app 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?
The purpose of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for their developers/publishers. Typically, this goal is achieved through nefarious means, such as causing chain infections, tricking users into buying fake activation keys, promoting in-app purchases, endorsing content (via advertisements, redirects, etc.), collecting/selling private information, and so forth.
Are unwanted applications legal?
Due to the EULAs (End User License Agreements) informing users of the software's potential behavior – unwanted applications are usually considered legal.
Is having Ciawu App installed on my computer dangerous?
Ciawu App infiltrates Legion Loader malware onto systems. This loader program is designed to cause chain infections and can install malicious browser extensions, trojans, ransomware, stealers, cryptominers, and other malware onto devices. Hence, Ciawu App may cause multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Ciawu App unwanted application?
Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats, including unwanted/malicious applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after an app has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. In regards to malware detection/removal, it is paramount to perform a complete system scan since sophisticated malicious software tends to hide deep within systems.
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