How does PDFConverterHQ get into my computer?
While we browse through the internet, we may happen to click on random ads or links which show pop-ups on the screen that then installs unknown extensions on the browser. The PDFConverter browser hijacker gets on our PC through these ads and links that we once clicked. The highlighted box in red shown below is an indication that your system is infected with this hijacker.
How malicious is it?
This extension assigns a new tab URL, homepage, and default search engine browser settings. When users attempt to change the settings – PDFConverterHQ immediately reassigns them to yahoo.com. Therefore, users are unable to return browsers to their previous condition and continually encounter unwanted browser redirects to yahoo.com, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Another downside of PDFConverterHQ is information tracking. All that you’re doing on the internet is likely to be tracked with this hijacker.
Detected Behavior
If you’ve become a victim to this browser hijacker, you’ll notice the following behaviors:
- The homepage has been changed and thumbnails have been added to the homepage.
- The search engine has been changed and it redirects to a different website.
- When you type anything in the search box, it starts its search using its own search engine.
- These thumbnails gather various data related to web browsing activity including the IP addresses, search history, and other similar information.
Targeted Browsers
This browser hijacker has the ability to infect all three browsers namely:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Internet Explorer
How to Remove PDFConverterHQ?
This is a step-by-step exhaustive guide to help you in removing the browser hijacker installed on your machine. Follow these steps in correct order so that you don’t end up harming your computer further.
Removing PDFConverterHQ browser hijacker using PDFConverterHQRemovalTool.
Scan your PC with:
1. Download PDFConverterHQRemovalTool. by clicking on the given link:
PDFConverterHQRemovalTool.
2. As soon as you open the downloaded file a security warning will pop-up as shown below, click on ‘Run’ button.
NOTE: You will not see this pop-up in Windows 10.
3. A pop-up window will appear again. Click on ‘Yes’.
4. Automatically it will detect and show the active threats present in your system.
5 A setup window will appear. Click on ‘Next’ button to start the process of installation.
6. To remove all the threats which are detected, click on ‘Clean Now’.
NOTE: If any browser are still running, close all the open browsers before proceeding.
7. A pop-up will show you all the infected files, folders and registry entries has been removed successfully.
Tips to Prevent IP Ninja From Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads in the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cyber criminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs. So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc.
- Keep your Windows Updated:To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to survey, outdated/older versions of windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third party installation:Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Back up: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Free Malware RemovalTool. Apart from this we would suggest a regular updating of these software to detect and avoid latest infections.
- Install a powerful ad-blocker for Chrome, Mozilla and IE.
