StealthBrowse: App Removal

StealthBrowse is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) discovered by cybersecurity researchers while analyzing suspicious websites. This application claims to be a privacy-focused browser, but in reality, it harbors functionalities that can compromise user security and data privacy. PUAs like StealthBrowse are notorious for engaging in data tracking, injecting advertisements, redirecting users to fraudulent websites, and even modifying browser settings without consent.

The presence of this application on your device could lead to privacy risks, identity theft, financial loss, and severe system performance issues. This article explores StealthBrowse’s threat profile, including its symptoms, distribution methods, and potential dangers.

---

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	StealthBrowse Potentially Unwanted Application
Threat Type	PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Supposed Functionality	Privacy-focused Internet browser
Detection Names	Trapmine (Suspicious.low.ml.score), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms of Infection	Unexpected installation, intrusive pop-up ads, rogue redirects, slow browsing speeds
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, software bundling
Damage Potential	Privacy breaches, financial loss, exposure to scams, system slowdowns
Associated Email Addresses	Not publicly disclosed
Danger Level	High

---

Understanding StealthBrowse’s Malicious Capabilities

Data Collection and Privacy Risks

One of the most concerning aspects of StealthBrowse is its ability to collect user data. It can track search engine queries, browsing history, stored credentials, cookies, and even personally identifiable information. This data is often monetized by selling it to third parties, including cybercriminals who use it for fraudulent activities.

Unwanted Advertisements and Redirects

StealthBrowse functions as adware by displaying intrusive advertisements that may lead to malicious websites. These pop-ups and banners promote dubious services, phishing sites, and scam offers. Some advertisements may execute scripts that install additional malware upon being clicked, leading to further infections.

Browser Hijacking Capabilities

This unwanted application also has characteristics of a browser hijacker. Once installed, it can modify the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings. As a result, users are forcibly redirected to fake search engines that do not provide real search results. Instead, these sites reroute queries to legitimate platforms like Google or Bing while displaying deceptive sponsored content.

System Performance Degradation

Users have reported experiencing sluggish browsing speeds and unexpected system slowdowns due to the resource-intensive activities of StealthBrowse. The constant execution of unwanted scripts and ads can consume CPU and memory resources, making even simple web browsing a frustrating experience.

---

How to Remove Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) – Full Guide

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) are intrusive applications that often install without clear user consent, usually bundled with free software. These programs can cause browser hijacking, unwanted ads, slow performance, and security risks. Follow the instructions below to remove PUPs from your Windows or Mac system, as well as from popular browsers.

---

Manual PUP Removal Guide (Windows & Mac)

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

For Windows Users

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find and Remove Suspicious Applications:
   • Look for unfamiliar or suspicious applications.
   • Right-click the unwanted program and select Uninstall.
3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts:
   • If a dialog box appears asking for confirmation, click Yes.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder → Click Applications.
2. Locate Unwanted Apps:
   • Look for recently installed suspicious programs.
3. Move to Trash:
   • Drag the program to Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash:
   • Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

---

Step 2: Remove PUP-Related Browser Extensions

PUPs often install malicious browser extensions that cause unwanted redirects and intrusive ads.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome → Click on the three-dot menu (top-right).
2. Navigate to Extensions:
   • Click More Tools → Extensions.
3. Remove Suspicious Extensions:
   • Locate unknown extensions and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox → Click on the menu button (≡) → Select Add-ons and themes.
2. Go to the Extensions tab.
3. Find and Remove suspicious extensions.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge → Click on the three-dot menu.
2. Select Extensions → Click Manage Extensions.
3. Locate and Remove unwanted extensions.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Select Preferences.
2. Navigate to the Extensions tab.
3. Find and Uninstall unknown extensions.

---

Step 3: Reset Browser Settings (Optional)

If the PUP modified browser settings, reset them.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome → Click three-dot menu → Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox → Click Menu → Help → More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox → Confirm.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge → Go to Settings → Click Reset settings.
2. Choose Restore settings to their default values → Confirm.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Clear History.
2. Select All History → Click Clear History.

---

Step 4: Check for Remaining PUP Files

Windows

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Repeat the process with %appdata%, %localappdata%, and C:\ProgramData.

Mac

1. Open Finder → Click Go → Go to Folder.
2. Enter:javascriptCopyEdit~/Library/Application Support/
3. Locate and delete suspicious folders.

---

Automatic PUP Removal Using SpyHunter

For a faster and more secure method, use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool. Follow these steps to remove PUPs automatically.

Step 1: Download and Install SpyHunter

1. Go to the official SpyHunter download page:
   • Download SpyHunter
2. Click the Download button and follow the on-screen installation steps.

Step 2: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter after installation.
2. Click Start Scan Now to begin scanning your system.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and review the detected threats.

Step 3: Remove Detected PUPs

1. Click Fix Threats to remove all detected PUPs.
2. Restart your computer to complete the process.

For detailed SpyHunter download and installation instructions, refer to: SpyHunter Installation Guide

---

Final Recommendations

• Avoid Free Software Bundles: Always opt-out of unwanted applications when installing free software.
• Use a Reputable Anti-Malware Tool: SpyHunter helps prevent and remove PUP infections.
• Stay Vigilant: Regularly check installed programs and browser extensions.

By following this guide, you can effectively remove and prevent Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) from infecting your device. If you need a quick solution, download and use SpyHunter for automated removal.

Download SpyHunter for PUP Removal: SpyHunter Official Download

Conclusion

StealthBrowse is an intrusive and potentially harmful application that poses a serious threat to user privacy and system security. Although it presents itself as a privacy-focused browser, its actual behavior contradicts its claims. By engaging in data tracking, ad injection, and browser hijacking, it exposes users to security vulnerabilities, identity theft, and financial risks. Given its deceptive distribution tactics, users should be cautious when downloading free software and avoid clicking on unknown advertisements.

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