HostSecurePlugin Adware

What is HostSecurePlugin?

Created by Plugin Update SL, the HostSecurePlugin add-on claims to provide relevant additional information to websites viewed and speed-up the Internet search process. HostSecurePlugin is compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

While this added functionality may seem legitimate, many Internet users refer to HostSecurePlugin as a virus or malware. These negative associations are made since this plug-in is distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - the add-on installs on browsers together with free software downloaded from the Internet.

Furthermore, HostSecurePlugin generates various banner, search, in-text, and pop-up ads when surfing the Internet.

This behavior is typical of adware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Although this browser add-on is not technically a virus or malware, be aware that clicking advertisements generated by HostSecurePlugin may lead to serious computer security and privacy issues.

A clear indication that your Internet browsers are infiltrated by this potentially unwanted application are "Powered by HostSecurePlugin", "HostSecurePlugin Advertisement", and "Ads by Host Secure" advertisements generated while surfing the Internet. You are strongly advised to remove this adware from your Internet browsers.

This adware is similar to other PUPs, which install without users' consent together with free software downloaded from the Internet. Examples include Trust Media Viewer, Rich Media View, and Media Buzz among many others. These browser add-ons provide no significant value and cause various unwanted ads that may lead to installation of malware or additional PUPs.

The best way to avoid installation of adware is to be attentive when downloading free software. If your download is managed by a 'download client', opt-out of installation of any promoted browser plug-ins by clicking the 'decline' button.

When installing free software, choose the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options, rather than 'Typical' or 'Quick'. This will reveal any bundled browser extensions listed for installation and allow you to opt-out.

If you observe advertisements caused by HostSecurePlugin, use the removal guide provided to eliminate this potentially unwanted application from your Internet browser/s.

Deceptive free software installers used in HostSecurePlugin adware distribution (disclosed as 'Host Secure'):

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Quick menu:

• What is HostSecurePlugin?
• STEP 1. Uninstall HostSecurePlugin application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove HostSecurePlugin ads from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove HostSecurePlugin adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by HostSecurePlugin' from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove HostSecurePlugin extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

HostSecurePlugin adware removal:

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 "HostSecurePlugin", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program (which causes HostSecurePlugin ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove HostSecurePlugin adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "HostSecurePlugin", select this entry and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by hostsecureplugin, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate: "HostSecurePlugin", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by hostsecureplugin, 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". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "HostSecurePlugin".

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by hostsecureplugin 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 ads by hostsecureplugin, 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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