How To Remove Halloween Masterpiece google Chrome Extension Virus?

What is Halloween Masterpiece?

Halloween Masterpiece is a malicious Google Chrome extension, and it comes from emeu.me. It installs through malicious java scripts which forces the user to install the extension and once your browser is infected with this extension, it will change the default homepage and search engine of your web browser and then infect it with adware.

Once it has successfully infected your computer with browser extension and aware then starts the real trouble. Now, your browser will start acting crazy. 

Every time you go online, you would end up being redirected to a third-party website, or you would see advertisement banners on your screen either it would be of some discount coupons or some bogus security alerts.

Should you be scared of adware?

Although an adware might not damage any files or Windows system, it will certainly annoy you with the regular notification and ad banner. As it is a malicious program and the longer it stays on a computer, the more it weakens the firewall of the computer making way for another malware.

ALSO READ: HOW TO REMOVE SKYPE VIRUS FROM COMPUTER COMPLETELY?

How does Halloween Masterpiece extension install on a system?

1. Social Clickjacking: Creators of such infections use online media such as Social Network and tempting advertisements to provoke or let us say in fooling the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your flash player or win an iPhone.
2. Spam emails: These hijackers can get into your computer through malicious email attachments and download links present the body of the mail. This emails usually appear to be from a reputed organization, i.e., Banks and insurance companies.
3. It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.
4. It can also trick you with fake security alert or system updates.
5. Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such infections.
6. It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.
7. Bundling: The quickest and the most relaxed way of infecting a user’s PC with any malware is through freeware software’s, and in this case, the user is equally responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious program without reading the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, some freeware programs do not uncover that a malicious program will also be installed with it.

Common symptoms of Halloween Masterpiece extension include

1. Unstable behavior of the browser, i.e., frequent crashes.
2. Default home page and the search engine of the browser is changed.
3. Poor system performance, slow response time as the advertisement would pop out of nowhere on the screen even when the browser is disabled.
4. Slow internet browsing speed or internet would stop unexpectedly.
5. New icons are added or suspicious programs appear on the desktop screen out of nowhere.
6. Certain system setting and browser settings are disabled or changed.
7. New tabs open in browser to display ads or search results would always end up with displaying advertisement banners.

Steps to be followed while installing a freeware program to avoid the installation of browser extension, browser hijacker, and adware

While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions.

And If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”, it is always recommended that you go with the custom process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it.

If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of a browser extension, browser hijacker or adware.

Step-by-step instructions to remove Halloween Masterpiece:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. This will get you the Windows Task Manager. Here, make sure that you are looking into the application tab and now search for Halloween Masterpiece. If present, then select it and click on End Task.
2. Now you can close the Task Manager.
3. Now, we need to open Control Panel from the start menu or by holding Windows key + R key at the same time. This would bring up the “RUN” box now in this box you need to type control and hit ok.
4. Here, in the Control Panel click on Add/Remove program.
5. This will show the list of all the installed programs.
6. Look for the programs you find suspicious or don’t recognize and uninstall them.