How to remove PrivacyKeeper from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is PrivacyKeeper?
PrivacyKeeper is advertised as a tool that helps users to analyze how secure their profile is on websites where they have shared their email addresses. However, it may be distributed via unreliable installers, which is why we have classified it as a potentially unwanted application.
PrivacyKeeper potentially unwanted application overview
The potential risks of using PrivacyKeeper depend on how and where it is obtained. If downloaded from unreliable or untrustworthy sources, it could expose users to a range of different threats. Sometimes, unofficial installers might include additional unwanted software, such as adware, browser hijackers, or even malicious programs.
These additional programs could lead to several issues, including unwanted advertisements, diminished user experience, unexpected redirects, potential data theft, persistent and intrusive notifications or system alerts, and similar negative outcomes. In some cases, installing PrivacyKeeper could also result in performance problems, like slowdowns or crashes.
It is known that PrivacyKeeper is capable of using all system resources. Furthermore, downloading PrivacyKeeper from questionable sources might enable the collection of personal information, such as browsing habits, system details, and IP addresses, all of which could be misused or sold to third parties.
Thus, users should only download software from reliable, well-known sources and ensure they are using official installers.
Name | PrivacyKeeper unwanted program |
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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PrivacyKeeper may offer useful features, downloading it from unreliable sources can expose users to various risks, including unwanted software, privacy issues, and system performance problems. To ensure safety and avoid potential complications, it is essential to obtain software only from trusted, legitimate sources and use official installation methods.
More examples of apps classified as potentially unwanted are Caveqn App, NetGuard, and PrivacyShield.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Users often install unwanted apps by downloading them from untrustworthy sources, such as third-party downloaders, unofficial app stores or pages, P2P networks, etc. Free software bundles may also include additional apps. These apps can be installed if users do not carefully review the installation process and reject unwanted offers through the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom").
Deceptive pop-ups, notifications from unreliable websites, phishing emails, and similar channels can also be used to trick users into downloading unwanted software. Additionally, pirated software can often come bundled with unwanted programs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Always download files and apps from reputable app stores or official websites. When installing programs, review the settings (such as “Custom” or “Advanced”) to check for any mentions of unwanted apps and deselect them.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups, or advertisements on untrustworthy websites. Do not grant permission to show notifications to questionable sites. Keep your system and applications up to date, and regularly scan your device with reliable security software. If your computer is already infected with rogue apps, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Results shown by PrivacyKeeper after entering an email address:
Installation setup of PrivacyKeeper application:
Installation folder of PrivacyKeeper:
Website promoting PrivacyKeeper 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 PrivacyKeeper?
- 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 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.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, PrivacyKeeper 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage 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 privacykeeper unwanted program, 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 privacykeeper unwanted program 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 privacykeeper unwanted program, 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 are generally designed to generate revenue by displaying intrusive ads, collecting user data, and (or) exposing users to potentially unsafe websites. In some cases, they may also serve more harmful purposes.
Is PrivacyKeeper application legal?
Typically, unwanted applications are legally allowed because their End User License Agreements (EULA) disclose the actions they might take, such as displaying ads or collecting data, to the users.
Is having PrivacyKeeper installed on my computer dangerous?
If obtained from an unreliable source, PrivacyKeeper may pose various risks, including threats to privacy and security.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove PrivacyKeeper application?
Combo Cleaner will perform a scan of your computer to detect and eliminate all malicious or unwanted applications. While manual removal might not always be entirely successful due to hidden file remnants, Combo Cleaner ensures complete removal of unwanted apps.
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