How to remove PrivacyShield browser

Potentially unwanted application

Also Known As: PrivacyShield potentially unwanted browser

Damage level:

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What is PrivacyShield?

As its name suggests, PrivacyShield is a web browser that focuses on protecting user privacy by offering features designed to block potential privacy invasions. However, it is possible that this browser is promoted using malicious installers. Thus, we classified PrivacyShield as an unwanted application.

PrivacyShield unwanted application

PrivacySheald potentially unwanted application overview

The potential issues with PrivacyShield are not certain but are possible based on how the browser might be distributed. If the browser is obtained from unreliable sources, it could potentially introduce security risks. Unofficial installers might include adware, browser hijackers, or even malware.

These components may lead to issues such as diminished user experience, unwanted redirects, data theft, or even unauthorized access to the system. Also, the installation of PrivacyShield may cause performance issues. Its installer mentions that the app can use all system resources. It may lead to excessive power consumption, slow down a computer (or other applications), and cause delays.

In more extreme cases, it could cause crashes or instability. Furthermore, if PrivacyShield is installed through an unreliable installer, there is a possibility that it could harvest personal information like browsing history, system information, IP addresses, and more. This data could be sold to third parties or used for malicious purposes.

In a more harmful scenario, the browser may be capable of accessing login credentials, financial data, and other sensitive details. Thus, users should always ensure they are downloading software from reliable, official channels and use legitimate installers to avoid privacy and security risks.

Threat Summary:
Name PrivacyShield potentially unwanted browser
Threat Type Potentially unwanted program
Functionality Web browser
Detection Names (Installer) N/A (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (Application) N/A (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Slow performance, frequent pop-up ads, unexpected redirects to unfamiliar websites, and the presence of unfamiliar programs or toolbars.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake updates, questionable websites.
Damage Slow computer performance, potential privacy and security issues.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.

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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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while PrivacyShield may not inherently pose risks, installing it from unreliable sources can introduce significant security and privacy concerns. Additionally, the browser’s potential to utilize all system resources could result in performance issues, slowdowns, or system instability.

More examples of apps classified as unwanted are Cuiall Apps, Keep Awake, and SecuriGuard.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Users often unknowingly install dubious apps alongside free or questionable software, especially when they skip installation settings such as "Advanced" or "Custom" (or leave certain checkboxes ticked) and fail to deselect unwanted bundled offers.

Additionally, unwanted applications can infiltrate systems through deceptive ads, misleading links, notifications from untrustworthy sites, fake software updates, unofficial app stores, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, etc. It is common for such apps to be promoted as useful and legitimate to deceive users into installing them.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Always download apps and files from official websites or reputable app stores. When installing programs, inspect the provided settings (like “Custom” or “Advanced”) to see if they mention unwanted apps. Avoid clicking advertisements, pop-ups, or suspicious links on untrustworthy websites.

Do not allow questionable sites to show notifications. Ensure your system and applications are always up to date. Finally, regularly scan your device with reliable security software to detect and remove potential threats. If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Installation setup of PrivacyShield application:

PrivacyShield PUA installation setup

Website promoting PrivacyShield application:

Website used to promote PrivacyShield

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:

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.

PrivacyShield uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for suspicious 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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

At time of research, PrivacyShield 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:

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 "Extensions" and click "Manage 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 privacyshield potentially unwanted browser, 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 privacyshield potentially unwanted browser 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 privacyshield potentially unwanted browser, 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.

Post a comment:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of an unwanted application?

The purpose of an unwanted application is typically to generate revenue through intrusive ads, data collection, and (or) redirecting users to various websites. Sometimes, it can be used for more malicious purposes.

Is PrivacyShield unwanted application legal?

In most cases, unwanted applications are considered legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) usually inform users about their potential behavior.

Is having PrivacyShield installed on my computer dangerous?

If it was installed through unreliable or unofficial channels, there could be several dangers, including privacy and security risks.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove PrivacyShield unwanted application?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will thoroughly scan your computer and remove all malicious or unwanted applications. Keep in mind that manual removal may not always be fully effective, as file remnants can sometimes remain hidden within the system. Combo Cleaner helps to remove unwanted apps fully.

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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.

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