Total Safety Chrome Unwanted Extension

Total Safety for Chrome is a malicious browser extension that disguises itself as a helpful tool for managing and scanning other extensions for harmful behavior. Despite its seemingly useful appearance, this extension is highly intrusive, capable of altering browser settings, tracking user activity, and leading to serious privacy violations and potential financial loss.

---

Threat Overview

Threat Type	Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension
Browser Extension	Total Safety for Chrome
Supposed Functionality	Extension manager and scanner
Detection Names	Not specified
Symptoms of Infection	Changed browser behavior, unauthorized changes to settings, unwanted pop-ups
Damage	Privacy invasion, identity theft, system slowdowns
Distribution Methods	Software bundling, pop-ups, fake updates, torrents
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

---

In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Users often unknowingly install Total Safety for Chrome through:

• Bundled Installers: It may come included with freeware or pirated software.
• Malicious Advertisements: Clicking misleading ads can trigger automatic installation.
• Fake Software Updates: Fake update prompts may lead to the extension’s installation.

What Does It Do?

Once active, the extension performs several harmful actions:

• Modifies Browser Settings: Alters homepage, new tab behavior, and more.
• Tracks User Data: Monitors browsing activity, harvests personal and financial info.
• Injects Notifications and Ads: Sends constant push notifications with potential phishing content.
• Runs Hidden Code: Executes obfuscated scripts, making its behavior harder to detect.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. This is not just a nuisance extension—it poses real risks:

• Your data is not private: It may collect browsing history, keystrokes, and passwords.
• Your system is vulnerable: It may serve as a backdoor for more severe malware.
• Your money is at risk: If financial data is accessed, you could be exposed to theft.

---

Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

---

Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

---

Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

---

Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

---

How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

Conclusion

Total Safety for Chrome is a deceptive and harmful browser extension that should be removed immediately. Its actions compromise browser integrity, user privacy, and may lead to broader system infection. For safe and effective removal, use a trusted malware removal tool such as SpyHunter.