EpiStart (EpiBrowser) – A Rogue Browser That Threatens Your Online Security

EpiStart, also known as EpiBrowser, is a rogue web browser built on the Chromium open-source project. While it may seem like a legitimate alternative browser, its primary function is to redirect users to a fraudulent search engine, epibrowser.com, which does not generate search results on its own. Instead, it redirects users to legitimate search engines like Yahoo, but potentially also to other, more dangerous sites.

This behavior, along with its deceptive promotion methods, categorizes EpiStart (EpiBrowser) as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) and Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). Moreover, it may include additional harmful functionalities such as data tracking, ad injection, and even facilitating malware infections. In this guide, we’ll analyze this threat, provide a detailed removal guide using SpyHunter, and outline essential preventative measures to avoid similar threats in the future.

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EpiStart (EpiBrowser) Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	EpiStart (EpiBrowser)
Threat Type	PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
Detection Names (Installer)	Sophos (Epi Browser (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (Application)	Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.EpiBrowser), Sophos (Epi Browser (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Related Domains	epibrowser.com
Detection Names (epibrowser.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (epibrowser.com)	65.8.243.80
Symptoms of Infection	Unwanted program appearing on your system, rogue redirects to epibrowser.com, unexpected ads, browser slowdowns, intrusive pop-ups
Damage Potential	Privacy issues, excessive redirects, data tracking, intrusive advertisements, potential financial loss, slow browsing speeds
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software bundling

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How Does EpiStart (EpiBrowser) Affect Your System?

EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is not an ordinary browser—it is designed to manipulate search behavior and track user data. Here’s what makes it particularly dangerous:

1. Rogue Redirects – It forces users to visit epibrowser.com, which does not provide genuine search results and instead redirects to external search engines, potentially exposing users to malicious websites.
2. Intrusive Advertisements – Many rogue applications function as adware, meaning they bombard users with pop-ups, banners, and in-text ads, often leading to scam sites or malware-laden downloads.
3. Data Tracking & Privacy Risks – This rogue browser could collect user data, including browsing habits, IP addresses, and potentially even sensitive information like login credentials and financial details.
4. System Performance Issues – Due to its excessive ad injections and forced redirects, it can significantly slow down browser performance, consuming unnecessary system resources.
5. Potential Malware Installations – Since it often comes bundled with other software, it may introduce additional malicious programs, increasing the risk of further infections.

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How Did EpiStart (EpiBrowser) Get Installed on Your System?

EpiStart (EpiBrowser) often infiltrates systems through deceptive methods, such as:

• Bundled Software Installations – Many PUAs come hidden within the installers of free software. Users who rush through the installation process often unknowingly accept these additional programs.
• Fake Software Updates – Malicious websites may display pop-ups claiming that your browser or Flash Player is outdated, prompting you to download the rogue browser.
• Deceptive Advertisements – Clicking on suspicious ads can lead to automatic downloads or misleading landing pages that trick users into installing EpiStart.

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Comprehensive Removal Guide for EpiStart (EpiBrowser)

To fully remove EpiStart (EpiBrowser) from your system, follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Uninstall EpiStart (EpiBrowser) from Windows

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Locate EpiStart (EpiBrowser) in the list of installed programs.
3. Right-click on it and select Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove it completely.

Step 2: Remove Suspicious Extensions from Browsers

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu (⋮) > Extensions.
2. Find EpiStart-related extensions and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click on the menu button (≡) > Add-ons and themes.
2. Select Extensions, find the rogue extension, and click Remove.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge and go to edge://extensions/.
2. Locate any suspicious extension and remove it.

Step 3: Scan Your System with SpyHunter

For thorough removal, use SpyHunter anti-malware software:

1. Download SpyHunter
2. Install and launch the program.
3. Click Start Scan Now to detect EpiStart-related threats.
4. Once the scan is complete, click Fix Threats to remove malicious files.
5. Restart your computer to complete the removal process.

Step 4: Reset Your Browser to Default Settings

If redirects persist, reset your browser settings.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome, go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and type about:support in the address bar.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.

Reset Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge and navigate to edge://settings/resetProfileSettings.
2. Click Restore settings to their default values.

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How to Prevent Future Infections

To avoid PUAs like EpiStart (EpiBrowser), follow these best practices:

1. Download Software Only from Official Sources – Avoid downloading programs from third-party websites.
2. Be Cautious with Freeware Installations – Always use Custom/Advanced installation mode to deselect unwanted programs.
3. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Ads – Many deceptive pop-ups contain malware-laden downloads.
4. Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Tool – Keep SpyHunter or another trusted anti-malware program running to detect threats early.
5. Enable Browser Security Features – Activate Google Safe Browsing or Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for an extra layer of protection.
6. Regularly Update Software – Keep your OS, browsers, and security software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

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Conclusion

EpiStart (EpiBrowser) is a deceptive rogue browser that modifies search behavior, collects user data, and injects unwanted ads. While it may appear harmless, it can pose serious privacy risks and degrade browsing quality. Removing it immediately using SpyHunter and practicing safer browsing habits will help protect your system from similar threats in the future.