Torch Browser

What is Torch Browser?

Torch Browser is Chromium-based web browser which offers enhanced functionality when downloading torrent files, watching online videos, playing flash games, listening to music, etc. While such functionality might seem legitimate users should know that Torch Browser is considered as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

Despite the fact that it has it's own official website, this application is also distributed using the bundling method, pop-up ads and deceptive banner ads.

In addition, after installation, Torch Browser tracks Internet browsing activity and might display ads as well as diminish computer's performance. During the installation of Torch browser users are offered to install the Ask toolbar which then causes browser redirects to search.ask.com website.

This browser is distributed by the same company that created iLivid Download Manager and jZip - programs that user's report to install on their computers without their consent (using a software marketing method called bundling). Torch browser collects diverse types of information related to Internet browsing.

Torch Browser statement regarding data collection:

For example, the Torch Browser may store basic browsing history such as URL's of pages you visit, text and images from those pages, IP addresses linked from the pages, index of most pages you visit, cookies deposited on your system by and a record of downloads you have made.

While Torch Browser doesn't pose direct threats to user's Internet browsing safety the fact that this application is distributed using deceptive ads and comes bundled with other free software makes it similar to other PUPs and adware.

Lately various companies started distributing potentially unwanted applications pretending to be legitimate Chromium based browsers to generated income from third party ads and browser redirects.

For example Chromatic - states to protect user's privacy but generated third party ads; Cassiopesa - according to the developers it's the latest way to get around the web because it connects users with the current happenings and opportunities offered around the internet, however in reality it's a browser hijacker causing browser redirect issues;

Dregol - according to developers this search browser is an effective way of making browsing more accessible and for users, and the websites who are looking for organic traffic, however it's just another browser hijacker.

How did Torch Browser install on my computer?

Torch Browser is often distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - an undercover installation of third party apps (usually rogue) along with the user's chosen one. The reason why this method is so popular and effective is user's lack of attention when downloading an installing applications.

Vast majority of users skip most of the download and installation procedure steps, thus, they often unwillingly install additional programs. The installation is most likely to be concealed within 'Custom' or either 'Advanced' settings, that are often skipped.

Income of bogus applications' developers rely on the amount of distributed apps, therefore, they are not concerned about the proper disclose of the installation. All considered, adware-type applications are most likely to be installed by the user himself, since one does not express caution during the download and installation of computer software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is very important to download any chosen application from a trusted source - usually the official website.

Yet if the webpage is unavailable, and you're downloading from a freeware download website that demands to use a download manager, always closely follow each step of the procedure - download managers often include additional programs that may be harmful, therefore, you should never accept an offer to install unrecognized, third party software.

Noteworthy that some of the freeware download websites still provide a direct download link, which you should always select, instead of the download manager.

As well as the download procedure, installation should also be performed with great caution - make sure to select 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings, that will expose and allow to cancel any potentially unwanted program listed for the installation.

Deceptive free software installer used in Torch browser distribution:

Torch Browser installer set-up:

Screenshot of Torch Browser application:

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Quick menu:

• What is Torch Browser?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Torch Browser application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove unwanted plugins from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove adware from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove unwanted extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Torch Browser 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 "Torch", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove Torch Browser adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Torch Browser did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your 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 any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the torch browser pup, 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: all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the torch browser pup, 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with torch browser pup 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 torch browser pup, 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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