Adware.Protected Browsing
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Popularity Rank: | 15,047 |
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 6,255 |
| First Seen: | July 7, 2014 |
| Last Seen: | August 23, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of Adware.Protected Browsing on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program that may be displaying unwanted advertisements or collecting user data without consent. Adware programs like this one can compromise the security and performance of your computer, making it essential to take immediate action to remove the threat.
Table of Contents
What Is Adware.Protected Browsing?
Adware.Protected Browsing is a type of adware program designed to display unwanted advertisements on infected computers. The name "Protected Browsing" may suggest that the program provides a secure browsing experience, but in reality, it can put your personal data and computer security at risk. Adware programs often infiltrate systems through bundled software downloads, infected websites, or phishing emails.
How Adware.Protected Browsing Operates
Once installed, Adware.Protected Browsing can operate in various ways, including displaying pop-up ads, banners, and sponsored content on web pages. It may also collect user data, such as browsing history, search queries, and personal information, to deliver targeted advertisements. In some cases, adware programs can redirect users to malicious websites, leading to further infections or scams. The program may also modify system settings, such as registry entries or browser configurations, to maintain its presence on the infected computer.
Symptoms of Infection
Common symptoms of Adware.Protected Browsing infection include an increase in unwanted advertisements, slow system performance, and unexpected browser behavior. You may notice that your browser is redirecting to unfamiliar websites, or that your search results are being hijacked by sponsored content. Additionally, you may experience system crashes, freezes, or error messages, indicating that the adware program is interfering with system operations.
- Unwanted advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, or sponsored content
- Slow system performance or browser response times
- Unexpected browser behavior, such as redirects or hijacked search results
- System crashes, freezes, or error messages
How to Remove Adware.Protected Browsing
- Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware program from loading
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove the adware program
- Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the adware infection
- Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any modified configurations
- Reboot your computer and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that the adware program has been completely removed
Conclusion
Removing Adware.Protected Browsing from your system requires a combination of technical expertise and caution. By following the steps outlined above, you can help ensure that your computer is free from the adware program and its associated risks. It is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent future infections, such as keeping your operating system and software up-to-date, using reputable anti-malware tools, and avoiding suspicious downloads or websites.
SpyHunter Detects & Remove Adware.Protected Browsing
File System Details
| # | File Name | MD5 |
Detections
Detections: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on
infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | uninstall.exe | f8528f74a315fb60a7750bb8bf803c81 | 14 |
| 2. | FrameworkBHO64.dll | 40f42b8efd7667b0e4495de1ea083af9 | 3 |
| 3. | of_protectedbrowsing-us_chk_0_46.exe | 42f0167d6a58091e2279c5a7a2f70bf4 | 1 |
| 4. | FrameworkBHO.dll | cc1d7da26615103ffaa9c4a263fbb1d0 | 1 |
| 5. | FrameworkEngine.exe | b66edae85e84ecbd09f82f24e48d3933 | 1 |
| 6. | protected.exe | af44f74738eaa3fe9ec151d452543e99 | 1 |
Registry Details
Directories
Adware.Protected Browsing may create the following directory or directories:
| %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\ProtectedBrowsing |
| %LOCALAPPDATA%\ProtectedBrowsing |
| %PROGRAMFILES%\ProtectedBrowsing |
| %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\ProtectedBrowsing |
| %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Protect\Blocker |
| %USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Protect\Blocker |
