What is CouponXplorer?
CouponXplorer Toolbar is a browser extension which is created by Mindspark Interactive Network. Cybersecurity specialists also classified it as a potentially dangerous program (PUP).
When it infects your computer. its main objective is to gather your surfing habits and inject unwanted advertising which harms your Internet experience and probably stealing your private information.
CouponXplorer advertising tracks most of your online activities which include the websites you visit, your searches and its results and later it will display ads related to the search you click on. In addition to just showing banner, text ads and popups, CouponXplorer then shares your private information with its cybercriminals in order for them to show you ads.
Also read-How to remove N213adserv.com Redirect Virus?
CouponXplorer is also defined as an adware that can infilters into your windows system without permission. It blocks your security websites, disable Windows firewall, open backdoor for cyber criminals to access sensitive PC information. When CouponXplorer ads appears on your computer, it will create many troubles to disturb you. CouponXplorer ads infection is designed specifically to make money and it generates web traffic, collects sales leads for other dubious sites.
The official website claims that this toolbar gives free printable coupons for popular sites, but this is a fake claim as the advertisers and advertising networks will result in browser crash due to the extensive amount of discount coupons, special offers, and other commercial content.
Targeted Browser-
- Internet Explorer,
- Mozilla Firefox.
- Google Chrome.
Harmful Effects of CouponXplorer
- It changes the default home page of all the installed web browsers.
- If affects the speed of your system and slows it down considerably.
- It will inject ads into the web browser while browsing.
- Pop-up ads like banners and full-page endorsements get displays. Thumbnails get displayed on the infected home page.
- The hijacker tracks your cookies and collects information about your online habits
How did you get infected with CouponXplorer browser hijacker?
Most of the unwanted program infiltrate the PC through unfair ways like
- Bundling: A lot of freeware that we download off the internet come bundled with such infections. It is a good idea to read the installation screens while clicking that “Next” Button.
- Spam Mails: Email is the easiest and the most economical mode of spreading this infection. Be careful before opening emails in your spam box or opening emails otherwise from unknown senders. Be extra cautious while opening mail with attachments in the spam box or otherwise that are from people or sources you do not know.
- Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such infections.
- External Drives: CDs and DVDs are no more used. We now use more of Jump drives or flash drives. Such external media may carry such infections. Using any of these without scanning them with an Antivirus is not a good Idea.
Tips to prevent CouponXplorer from entering your computer :
1. Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads in the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs. So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc.
2. Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
3. Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
4. Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
5. Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Free Virus RemovalTool
6. Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla,and IE.
