Pop Broker

Pop Broker is a browser hijacker—a type of adware/PUA that silently alters browser settings, displays unwanted pop‑ups, and redirects searches. It often arrives via deceptive browser extensions or bundled software, hijacks your search engine and homepage, and injects persistent ads that disrupt browsing and pose privacy risks.

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Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Browser hijacker / Adware / PUA
Associated domain	pop‑broker.com
Detection names	Pop Broker PUA, browser hijacker, redirect adware
Symptoms of infection	Sudden redirects, pop‑ups and banners, changed homepage or search engine, unwanted browser extensions
Damage & distribution	Collects browsing data, injects ads, redirects to malicious or sponsored sites; spreads via deceptive download bundles or fake extensions
Danger level	Medium to high: privacy exposure, potential malware delivery via redirects
Removal tool	SpyHunter (download link provided below)

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Evaluation: How It Works & What It Does

How I got infected

Pop Broker typically infiltrates systems when users install hidden or deceptive browser extensions from third‑party websites, fake download buttons, or freeware bundles. Once installed, it modifies browser settings such as your default search provider, homepage, and new tab page. It also causes persistent redirects to pop‑broker.com and other unfamiliar domains.

What it does

• Injects ads into your browsing (pop‑ups, banners, sponsored links)
• Redirects searches and URLs through questionable ad networks
• Tracks your online activity to profile your behavior
• May create scheduled tasks or background processes to reappear even after being closed

Should you be worried?

Yes. Pop Broker behaves like a persistent adware threat that compromises user privacy, clutters your browsing experience, and exposes your system to potentially harmful third‑party sites. Although not a direct system-level virus, it weakens your device’s security and may lead to more severe infections if left unresolved.

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🌐 SpyHunter Removal Tool

Need to eliminate Pop Broker? Use SpyHunter, a trusted anti‑malware tool that identifies and removes PUAs, hijackers, and related components.
Download link: SpyHunter Removal Tool

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Expert Analysis & Advice

Users have reported that Pop Broker causes browsers like Chrome and Firefox to randomly open tabs leading to pop-broker.com without user interaction. Some users observed these tabs appearing after system reboots, browser restarts, or even while the PC is idle. Others noted that antivirus programs fail to detect the infection, making it difficult to identify using standard tools.

This is consistent with browser hijackers that leverage hidden extensions or background scripts. In some cases, it may use scheduled tasks or Windows services to persist across restarts, making removal difficult without a dedicated malware removal tool.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Conclusion

Pop Broker is a stealthy browser hijacker that manipulates search settings, forces unwanted redirects, tracks your activity, and exposes your system to risks. While it may not be as aggressive as ransomware, its persistence and potential to compromise your browsing and data make it a serious threat. Use a professional removal tool like SpyHunter to clean your system and restore normal functionality.