What is WebDiscover Browser?

WebDiscover is a browser extension based on Google's Chromium browser.

15:49 12 August 2020

After installation, you will see a URL bar displayed on the desktop. Keying in a web address activates your WebDiscover browser. Because it looks like the Chrome browser, users have accepted WebDiscover as a useful, harmless tool that will improve their search tasks. However, appearances can be deceiving. Virus and malware detection companies have identified WebDiscover as deceptive adware and harmful malware. Many users have reported malware issues after installing this extension.

 

How Does WebDiscover Affect You 

 

The WebDiscover browser significantly affects your online experience. Not only does it put your personal information at risk, but it also reduces your computer's performance. As if this was not enough, it also opens the door for other malicious programs to attack your system. Once installed, the WebDiscover bar cannot be closed. WebDiscover automatically changes your default browser setting and home page. Typing a URL or search term into the WebDiscover search bar initiates a redirection to "safestsearches.com," "trovi.com," and finally to "bing.com." Invasive and unwanted display ads, text link ads, and sponsored links will also appear, and you will, unfortunately, be unable to deactivate or control them.

 

While in use, WebDiscover collects information such as your search queries, location, websites visited, sites viewed, and any online payments made. It will also attempt to redirect you to other sites with more malicious malware, which will further expose your confidential information. Unlike other regular applications, the WebDiscover browser cannot be easily uninstalled. Soon enough, your computer will begin showing signs of degraded performance. Applications will start to stutter when launched. You will even be unable to run multiple programs at once efficiently. Your hard drive's free space will start dwindling for no apparent reason. Your PC may end up freezing or crashing since the adware programs will have used up large amounts of system resources.

 

What Are Adware and Malware? 

 

Adware is a software intended to deliver ads to your browser. Mosat users are often unaware that an adware program has been installed in the first place because it hides within other seemingly legitimate programs. When these programs are activated, the adware installs itself, too. Adware is the precursor to the potentially unwanted program (PUP). The ads displayed in the WebDiscover browser generate revenue for the developing company.

 

Malware, also known as malicious software, refers to any software designed to harm computers, spy on users, and steal users' confidential data. Much like adware, malware can be acquired by visiting fraudulent websites, installing dubious applications, or opening an email attachment. WebDiscover is classified as malware because of its hostile intentions.

 

If you did not deliberately download and install WebDiscover, it might have piggybacked on to a third party application. Some applications have a "Custom" installation option where you can omit installing any other programs besides the primary. Most users will be in a hurry and will choose the default installation. At this point, WebDiscover will install without your knowledge or permission. You will only notice it when the URL bar appears.

 

Your PC can become infected after visiting a website that uses Javascript to download files to your computer. Javascript is a programming language used to enhance users' online experience. Javascript is entirely within your control. You can easily learn how to enable Javascript or disable it by following a few simple steps.

 

How to Get Rid of WebDiscover 

 

Fortunately, it is not impossible to remove WebDiscover or any other similar malware. You will need to remove it as you would an application and a browser extension. It's best to use free and commercial anti-malware and anti-virus software like SpyHunter, Windows Defender, and Malwarebytes AntiMalware to altogether remove all traces of WebDiscover. Each time the security application on these software scans your computer, it will look for files that match hostile data in its database. Once a match is made, the affected file is flagged, quarantined, and consequently removed. 

 

Prevention is the Best Solution 

 

Programs like WebDiscover will ultimately cost you time, energy, and possibly resources. Multiple ads popping up on your screen are a distraction as well as downright annoying. A slow computer will generally affect your work and personal tasks. Worrying about privacy and the security of your information is unnecessarily stressful. It is paramount that you take the right steps to prevent malware or adware infection. You should always ensure to uninstall unfamiliar or suspicious programs on all your smart devices. Remember also to install security software to scan for viruses and other corrupt files regularly. By being careful and vigilant, you can reduce your exposure to most, if not all, harmful programs.