What is Watch TV Now?
Watch TV Now is a browser hijacker which can lead to malicious changes on your web browser. It is publicized as a free tool that expands your access to TV via the Internet.
Watch TV Now claims to be a useful tool that lets you watch TV online for free, but it is not true. The malicious extension is developed by Polarity Technologies Ltd.
Watch TV Now extension targets major web browsers including Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Rather than performing the functions promised, it causes unwanted redirects and gathers your sensitive data. Its only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.
When installed, this browser hijacker changes the search provider, new tab page, default search engine and homepage to watchtvnow.co.
Users are not able to revert these changes and returning the browsers to their previous states becomes impossible. Hence, get rid of Watch TV Now immediately.
Watch TV Now is a creepy adware which when gets activated, makes changes to the existing settings of your web browsers without your permission. Security researchers have noticed that Watch TV Now is a deceptive extension and contains malicious scripts.
Use an automatic Anti-malware tool to ensure that your system is free from malware and other infections. Find out how to remove Watch TV Now from your PC. Read the full article to find out.
ALSO READ: Remove Ember Relax Background Google Chrome Browser Extension Hijacker
How Watch TV Now Enters your System?
Watch TV Now can creep into your system through any of the following methods:
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It can get into your browser through browser stores or official web pages.
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It is widely distributed through intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called bundling.
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It gets into your system through compromised or malicious websites.
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It enters the targeted system through freeware and shareware programs available online.
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It can infect your system through social networking websites which incite the users to click on malicious ads. This method is known as Social Clickjacking.
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It can get into your computer through malevolent email attachments and URLs.
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It can enter your browser through P2P File Sharing methods and Torrents.
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It can enter your system through infected storage devices like hard drives, USB sticks, flash drives, etc.
What are the Harmful Effects of Watch TV Now?
Watch TV Now can lead to the following malicious effects on your system and web browsers:
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It significantly diminishes your browsing experience.
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It can lead to data tracking as it records information such as IP addresses, URLs visited, viewed pages, search queries, etc. This data is later sold to third parties.
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It creates several unwanted shortcuts, duplicate files or folders on your system.
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It adds corrupt entries to registry editor and damages your system files that are crucial for smooth and proper PC functioning of your PC.
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It consumes high CPU resource and lowers down your overall PC performance.
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It causes the occurrence of fake alert messages and notifications.
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It disables firewall settings and deactivates installed Antivirus programs.
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It can lead to irrelevant web search redirections.
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It collects your browsing information and data such as IP addresses, banking details, passwords, etc.
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It causes BSOD errors that affect the smooth working of your PC.
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It displays browser popups which recommend fake updates of software.
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It gathers your personal data and passes it to cybercriminals.
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It displays advertising banners on the web pages you are visiting.
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It gathers important information about you through your browsing preferences. This way it displays eye-catching advertisements to you.
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It installs other adware programs without the user’s knowledge.
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It highly affects your web browsing experience.
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It hampers the working of your installed applications and programs.
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It makes your PC unable to detect external devices such as pen drives, CDs/DVDs, etc.
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It shows irrelevant search results.
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It can lead to sluggish PC performance and unresponsive PC behavior.
How To Remove Watch TV Now Browser Hijacker?
Follow the given Watch TV Now Removal Process to get rid of the malicious extension.
You can easily remove Watch TV Now with Watch TV Now cleaner tool. Use a reputed and automated free malware removal tool to delete Watch TV Now permanently from your system.
How to Prevent Installation of Adware and Browser Hijacker in Future?
Follow the given steps while installing freeware programs to avoid the installation of unnecessary browser extensions, browser hijackers and adware:
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Be more vigilant while downloading & installing free programs.
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Make sure that the desired application program is coming from an official website or some reliable source.
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Opt out of any extra add-ons, plug-ins or extensions included in the program.
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While installing a freeware software or any free online game, please read the license agreement section and all the terms and conditions carefully.
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If you are not able to read the complete terms and conditions, then while installing the freeware application, if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”, it is always recommended that you select the custom installation as this would disclose all the other programs that might get installed along with the freeware program.
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If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked with the freeware program, then remember to uncheck them as this would avoid the installation of browser extensions, browser hijackers and adware.
After successfully eliminating the malicious browser hijacker, make sure to create a robust firewall to avoid any such issue that makes our system and privacy vulnerable to various online threats.
ALSO READ: Remove Your Pdfs Converter Now Browser Hijacker From Your Computer
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on 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. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- 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.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- 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.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool
