StealthBrowse App Removal

StealthBrowse is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that claims to offer a privacy-centric browsing experience. However, upon closer inspection, this software exhibits behaviors commonly associated with adware and browser hijackers. Researchers discovered StealthBrowse while investigating dubious websites, and its presence on a system can lead to privacy risks, intrusive ads, and security vulnerabilities.

PUAs like StealthBrowse are often bundled with freeware or advertised via deceptive pop-ups, tricking users into installing them. Once inside a system, they collect sensitive data, modify browser settings, and generate unwanted advertisements or redirects to questionable sites. Users who unknowingly install StealthBrowse may experience system slowdowns, exposure to scams, and even financial or identity theft risks.

Threat Summary

How Does StealthBrowse Harm Your System?

Although StealthBrowse markets itself as a browser that prioritizes user privacy, its behavior contradicts this claim. The application is known for:

• Tracking User Data – It may log browsing history, search queries, Internet cookies, and even sensitive details such as usernames, passwords, and payment information. This data could be sold to third parties or cybercriminals.
• Displaying Intrusive Ads – The software injects unwanted advertisements into web pages, leading to annoying pop-ups and potentially dangerous content. Some ads execute scripts to install more unwanted programs.
• Hijacking Browser Settings – Users may notice that their default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings have been altered to promote unreliable search engines. These sites often redirect to legitimate search providers like Google or Bing, but they may also include misleading or malicious sponsored results.
• Causing Performance Issues – With the added background activity of tracking, injecting ads, and redirecting traffic, users often experience reduced browsing speeds and overall system slowdowns.

Complete Guide to Removing Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) infiltrate devices through software bundling and can cause slow performance, intrusive ads, and security risks. This guide provides manual removal instructions for Windows and Mac users, along with an automated method using SpyHunter.

Manual Removal Guide for Windows & Mac

If you suspect a PUP is installed on your system, follow these steps to remove it manually.

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

Windows Users

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Locate and Remove Unwanted Programs:
   • Look for unfamiliar or suspicious applications.
   • Right-click the program and select Uninstall.
3. Follow the Uninstallation Process:
   • If prompted, confirm by clicking Yes.

Mac Users

1. Open Finder → Click Applications.
2. Find and Remove Suspicious Apps:
   • Look for programs that you don’t remember installing.
3. Move to Trash:
   • Drag the unwanted application to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash:
   • Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Step 2: Remove PUP-Related Browser Extensions

PUPs often install browser extensions that display ads or redirect search results.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome → Click the three-dot menu.
2. Go to More Tools → Extensions.
3. Find any suspicious extensions and click Remove.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox → Click the Menu button (≡).
2. Select Add-ons and themes → Extensions.
3. Remove any unwanted extensions.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge → Click the three-dot menu.
2. Select Extensions → Manage Extensions.
3. Locate and Remove any unknown extensions.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Preferences.
2. Navigate to the Extensions tab.
3. Find and Uninstall any unfamiliar extensions.

Step 3: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)

If PUPs have altered your browser settings, reset them.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome → Click three-dot menu → Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Reset settings.
3. Click Restore settings to their original defaults → Confirm.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox → Click Menu (≡) → Help.
2. Select More Troubleshooting Information.
3. Click Refresh Firefox and confirm.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge → Click Settings.
2. Select Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values.
3. Confirm the reset.

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar.
2. Select Clear History → Choose All History → Click Clear History.

Step 4: Check for Leftover PUP Files

Even after uninstallation, some PUPs leave traces behind.

Windows

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Repeat the process for:
   • %appdata%
   • %localappdata%
   • C:\ProgramData

Mac

1. Open Finder → Click Go → Go to Folder.
2. Enter:javascriptCopyEdit~/Library/Application Support/
3. Look for and delete suspicious folders.

Automatic PUP Removal Using SpyHunter

For a faster, more thorough, and easier solution, use SpyHunter, an advanced anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download and Install SpyHunter

1. Go to the official SpyHunter download page:
   • Download SpyHunter
2. Click the Download button and follow the installation instructions.

Step 2: Scan Your System

1. Launch SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan Now to initiate a full system scan.
3. Wait for SpyHunter to detect any PUPs and malware.

Step 3: Remove Detected Threats

1. Click Fix Threats to remove all detected PUPs.
2. Restart your computer to complete the cleanup.

For detailed SpyHunter download and installation steps, refer to: SpyHunter Installation Guide

Final Recommendations

• Avoid Software Bundles: Always choose custom installation when installing free software.
• Use an Anti-Malware Tool: SpyHunter ensures your system stays protected from PUPs.
• Regularly Check Installed Programs & Browser Extensions: Be proactive in removing suspicious apps.

By following this guide, you can effectively remove and prevent Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). If you want a quick and effortless solution, use SpyHunter to scan and remove threats.

Download SpyHunter for PUP Removal: SpyHunter Official Download

Conclusion

StealthBrowse is a deceptive application that poses a risk to users' privacy and security. Despite its claim of being a privacy-focused browser, its real function appears to be collecting data, displaying unwanted advertisements, and hijacking browser settings. If left unchecked, this PUA could expose users to identity theft, financial losses, and malware infections. Users who encounter StealthBrowse should be cautious and take necessary actions to remove it.

If you are still having trouble, consider contacting remote technical support options.