EpiStart (EpiBrowser) Removal Guide: Protect Your System from This Rogue Browser

Understanding the EpiStart (EpiBrowser) Threat

EpiStart, also known as EpiBrowser, is a rogue browser based on the open-source Chromium project. Unlike traditional browser hijackers that modify settings within an existing browser, EpiStart itself functions as a standalone browser that forces users to conduct searches through a fake search engine, epibrowser.com. This search engine cannot generate results and redirects users to Yahoo Search (search.yahoo.com) or other locations depending on their geolocation.

Beyond its redirecting behavior, EpiStart (EpiBrowser) raises significant security concerns. It may collect browsing data, personal credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data, which could then be sold to third parties. Additionally, rogue browsers like EpiStart are commonly bundled with adware, leading to intrusive pop-ups, misleading ads, and potential malware infections.

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	EpiStart (EpiBrowser)
Threat Type	PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Detection Names (Installer)	Sophos (Epi Browser (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (App)	Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.EpiBrowser), Sophos (Epi Browser (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Related Domains	epibrowser.com
Detection Names (epibrowser.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (epibrowser.com)	65.8.243.80
Symptoms	Unwanted program appearing suddenly, rogue redirects, intrusive pop-up ads, decreased browsing speed, unexpected advertisements.
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, bundling with free software installers.
Damage	Privacy breaches, unwanted redirects, intrusive ads, potential monetary losses, slow system performance.

How to Remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) Using SpyHunter

To fully remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) and restore your system to a clean state, follow these steps:

Step 1: Uninstall EpiStart (EpiBrowser) from Your System

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
3. Locate EpiStart (EpiBrowser) in the list.
4. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Remove Suspicious Browser Extensions

If EpiStart has installed additional extensions in your regular browsers, remove them:

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
2. Navigate to More tools > Extensions.
3. Look for suspicious extensions (related to EpiStart) and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click the menu button (☰).
2. Select Add-ons and themes.
3. Go to Extensions, find any unwanted extensions, and click Remove.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and click on the three-dot menu (⋮).
2. Select Extensions.
3. Find any unfamiliar extensions and click Remove.

Step 3: Scan Your System with SpyHunter

SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to detect and eliminate potentially unwanted programs (PUAs) like EpiStart.

1. Download SpyHunter.
2. Install the program by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Open SpyHunter and click Start Scan to detect EpiStart (EpiBrowser) and associated threats.
4. After the scan, click Remove Selected to eliminate the detected threats.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings

Resetting your browser can remove unwanted modifications made by EpiStart.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Reset settings.
3. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and type about:support in the address bar.
2. Click Refresh Firefox and confirm.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and go to Settings.
2. Click Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values > Reset.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Infections

To prevent similar threats in the future, follow these security best practices:

• Avoid Downloading Software from Unverified Sources: Only download software from official websites and reputable platforms.
• Be Cautious of Bundled Software: Always choose Custom or Advanced installation options to spot and deselect unwanted software.
• Enable Browser Security Settings: Use features like Enhanced Safe Browsing (Chrome) and Strict Tracking Protection (Firefox) to block malicious sites.
• Install a Reliable Anti-Malware Program: Keep SpyHunter or other trusted security software active to detect and block threats in real time.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Ads and Links: Be wary of pop-ups and misleading advertisements that encourage downloads.
• Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system, browsers, and software updated to patch vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malware.

Conclusion

EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is a deceptive rogue browser that redirects users to fraudulent search engines, collects sensitive data, and may expose victims to malicious advertisements and potential financial threats. Its presence on a system can degrade user experience and introduce serious privacy risks.

By following the comprehensive removal guide and using SpyHunter, you can efficiently eliminate EpiStart and restore your device’s security. Additionally, adopting preventive measures will help safeguard your system from similar infections in the future.

If you are still having trouble, consider contacting remote technical support options.