Fastguard.pro

A recent incident highlighted unsuspecting users repeatedly redirected to suspicious domains and bombarded with “Click Allow to continue” prompts, all originating from Fastguard.pro. Such tactics exploit push-notification APIs to push unwanted content even after the browser is closed. Early intervention is critical to prevent data harvesting and further malware installs.

Threat Overview

Fastguard.pro is a browser hijacker categorized as adware/PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). Rather than corrupting files like a traditional virus, it commandeers browser settings and leverages push notifications to generate ad revenue and harvest browsing data.

In-Depth Analysis

Infection Vector
Fastguard.pro typically infiltrates systems when users visit compromised or ad‐heavy websites that trigger deceptive pop‐ups urging them to “Allow notifications.” Once granted, the site gains permission to push ads at will, even after the original page is closed. Bundled installers for free software may also install a hidden PUP component that redirects traffic to Fastguard.pro’s domain.

Behavioral Profile

1. Push Notification Abuse
   • Triggers a browser prompt: “Click Allow to continue.”
   • On consent, floods the desktop/browser with ads linking to affiliate scams or phishing sites.
2. Browser Settings Hijack
   • Alters default search engine and homepage to Fastguard.pro or related affiliate URLs.
   • Injects scripts into every new tab for redirect loops.
3. Data Collection & Tracking
   • Monitors browsing patterns and search queries.
   • Shares data with third-party ad networks for targeted advertising.

Risk Assessment
Although not a file‐corrupting virus, Fastguard.pro’s persistence and constant ad assaults pose significant privacy and security risks. Redirects can lead to more dangerous malware, and acceptance of push notifications may debilitate browser performance. Real‐world examples show users inadvertently installing credential‐stealing Trojans after following malicious push links.

Example Push Prompt

Fastguard.pro wants to show notifications  
[Allow]    [Block]

Manual Adware Removal (Windows & Mac)

Scan Your [viewer_os] for [post_title]

✅ Detects & Removes Malware

🛡️ Protects against infections

Download SpyHunter 5

Download SpyHunter for Mac

✅ Free Scan 

✅13M Scans/Month

Don’t leave your system unprotected. Download SpyHunter today for free, and scan your device for malware, scams, or any other potential threats. Stay Protected!

Step 1: Identify Suspicious Applications

For Windows Users

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Check the “Processes” tab for unfamiliar or suspicious programs consuming excessive CPU or memory.
3. If you find any, note their names and close them.
4. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
5. Locate the suspicious application, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Look for any suspicious or unknown applications.
3. Drag them to the Trash, then right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash.
4. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove any unrecognized startup programs.

Step 2: Remove Adware-Related Browser Extensions

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Locate suspicious extensions and click “Remove.”
3. Reset Chrome: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and go to Menu (three lines in the top-right corner) > Add-ons and themes.
2. Locate and remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Firefox: Go to Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.
2. Locate and remove any unknown extensions.
3. Reset Safari: Go to History > “Clear History.”

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Edge: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their default values.”

Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders

For Windows Users

1. Press Win + R, type %AppData%, and press Enter.
2. Look for suspicious folders and delete them.
3. Repeat for %LocalAppData%, %ProgramData%, and %Temp%.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder, press Shift + Command + G, and enter ~/Library/Application Support/.
2. Locate and delete suspicious folders.
3. Repeat for ~/Library/LaunchAgents/, ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/, and ~/Library/Preferences/.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache (Recommended)

For Windows Users

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your device to complete the manual removal process.

---

Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

Scan Your [viewer_os] for [post_title]

✅ Detects & Removes Malware

🛡️ Protects against infections

Download SpyHunter 5

Download SpyHunter for Mac

✅ Free Scan 

✅13M Scans/Month

Don’t leave your system unprotected. Download SpyHunter today for free, and scan your device for malware, scams, or any other potential threats. Stay Protected!

For a hassle-free and effective removal, use SpyHunter, a robust anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware efficiently.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official website: Click here to download SpyHunter.

Download SpyHunter 5

Download SpyHunter for Mac

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

Follow the installation instructions based on your operating system:

For Windows Users:

1. Open the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

For Mac Users:

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag and drop SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Perform a System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click on Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Review the detected threats and click Fix Threats to remove adware.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

After SpyHunter removes the threats, restart your computer to finalize the process.

---

For the most secure and effective removal, we recommend downloading and using SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter Here.

Stay safe and keep your system clean!

Conclusion

Rapid detection and removal of Fastguard.pro are essential to safeguard privacy and maintain browser integrity. Denying notification prompts, running a full system scan with reputable anti‐malware software, and manually cleaning browser settings will restore normal operation and block future hijacks.