What Is QuantumAsteroidus?

QuantumAsteroidus is a malicious browser extension that disguises itself as a legitimate tool, fooling users into installing it on their browsers. This extension, often associated with redirects, unwanted pop-ups, and other intrusive behaviors, is categorized as a browser hijacker or potentially unwanted application (PUA). The extension uses the “Managed by your organization” setting in Chrome and other browsers to gain elevated privileges, allowing it to make unauthorized changes to the browser’s settings without the user’s consent. While it may appear as an innocuous utility or search engine, its primary purpose is to hijack the browser and exploit its settings to control user activity and potentially collect sensitive browsing data.

What Does QuantumAsteroidus Do?

Once installed, QuantumAsteroidus exploits the “Managed by your organization” feature in browsers like Chrome and Edge, which is typically used for enterprise management. This feature allows administrators to impose specific policies on users’ browsers, but the malicious extension manipulates it to impose unauthorized settings. These settings can include altering the default search engine, redirecting web traffic to malicious sites, injecting advertisements, and collecting personal data without the user’s knowledge.

Key Functions and Effects

• Search Engine Hijacking: QuantumAsteroidus changes the default search engine to a rogue one, often redirecting users to low-quality search results.
• Redirects and Pop-ups: The extension frequently redirects users to suspicious or malicious websites and may trigger unwanted pop-ups, interfering with normal browsing.
• Advertising: It may inject advertisements into websites, making the browsing experience unpleasant and potentially unsafe.
• Data Collection: Though not always clearly stated, browser hijackers like QuantumAsteroidus can collect browsing data, including search history, website visits, and even sensitive personal information.

Due to its use of the "Managed by your organization" feature, QuantumAsteroidus makes itself difficult to detect and remove using traditional methods. Users may not realize that their browser settings are being controlled until it’s too late, which is why understanding the nature of this extension is critical for protecting your privacy.

Short Overview of QuantumAsteroidus

• Also Known As: Finditfasts.com
• Type: Browser Hijacker, Redirect Virus, Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA)
• Symptoms: Unwanted pop-ups, redirects, browser performance issues, and changes to search engine settings.
• Removal Time: Approx. 15 minutes for a full system scan.
• Removal Tool: Anti-malware tools like SpyHunter can detect and remove QuantumAsteroidus.

How to Check Chrome Policies

To understand the level of control QuantumAsteroidus has over your browser, it’s essential to check for any suspicious policies applied to Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://policy/ in the address bar.
2. Press Enter. This will bring up a list of policies that have been applied to Chrome.
3. If you see any unusual or unknown policies, especially ones related to extensions or the "Managed by your organization" feature, it’s likely that they were set by a malicious extension like QuantumAsteroidus.

If you notice suspicious entries, you can follow the steps below to remove the unwanted extension.

How to Remove QuantumAsteroidus

For Windows Users

1. Remove Group Policies Using Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
   • Look for any entries related to QuantumAsteroidus or suspicious policies like ExtensionInstallForcelist.
   • Right-click and delete any harmful entries. Be cautious: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause system instability.
2. Delete the Extension Data:
   • Go to: C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
   • Find the folder corresponding to the malicious extension and delete it.

For macOS Users

1. Remove Chrome Policies: Open Terminal and run the following commands:
   • bash sudo rm -rf /Library/Managed\ Preferences/com.google.Chrome.plist sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.google.Chrome.plist
2. Delete Extension Files:
   • Navigate to: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/Extensions
   • Delete any suspicious folders associated with the extension.

Using SpyHunter for Removal

For users who prefer a more straightforward method of removing QuantumAsteroidus and ensuring their system is clean, SpyHunter offers a comprehensive solution:

1. Download and Install SpyHunter: Obtain SpyHunter from a trusted source and install it on your system.
2. Run a Full System Scan: Launch SpyHunter and perform a full system scan to detect and remove any threats, including QuantumAsteroidus.
3. Follow the Removal Prompts: SpyHunter will guide you through the removal process, identifying any threats and providing automatic solutions for removal.
4. Reset Browser Settings: After removal, SpyHunter will also assist in resetting your browser settings to ensure no residual changes from QuantumAsteroidus remain.

Preventive Methods to Avoid Future Infections

To prevent future infections by QuantumAsteroidus or similar threats, consider the following tips:

1. Install Only Trusted Extensions: Be cautious about installing browser extensions. Only download from official sources like the Chrome Web Store or trusted developers.
2. Check Browser Settings Regularly: Periodically review your browser settings and extensions. Check for any unexpected changes or new additions, especially those that appear to control your browser’s configuration.
3. Enable Anti-Malware Software: Use reputable anti-malware software to provide real-time protection against threats like QuantumAsteroidus. SpyHunter, for instance, is designed to detect and block harmful extensions and malicious software.
4. Avoid Suspicious Websites: Be mindful of websites that prompt you to install unknown software or extensions. Stick to trusted websites to reduce the risk of downloading malware.
5. Regular System Scans: Perform routine system scans using anti-malware tools to detect any infections early before they can cause significant harm.
6. Clear Browser Data Periodically: Clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history regularly to remove any residual traces of potentially unwanted extensions or malware.

Conclusion

QuantumAsteroidus may appear to be a helpful browser extension, but in reality, it is a deceptive threat that takes advantage of the “Managed by your organization” feature to gain unauthorized control over your browser. By understanding the nature of the threat and taking swift action to remove it, users can restore their browsing experience and maintain privacy and security. Using reliable tools like SpyHunter ensures that you can thoroughly eliminate the extension and prevent further infections.

By staying vigilant, using trusted security software, and practicing good browsing habits, you can avoid falling victim to threats like QuantumAsteroidus in the future.