[imagesource: iStockphoto / solarseven]

When you think of web browsers, the first one that springs to most people’s minds is Google Chrome, and for good reason, it is the world’s most used web browser. Not just on computers either, as Google Chrome is a browser also used on iOS and Android mobile devices. 

However, while Google regularly updates Chrome to fix any vulnerabilities, it is still a target for many threats. One such threat is malware which, once it has infected your Chrome web browser, can cause one or more of the following to occur:

• Your browser homepage and default browser change without you doing it
• Your browser becomes inundated with pop-up ads
• Your computer starts running slowly
• Your browser redirects you to unfamiliar websites

If any of the above is happening, your browser is probably infected with browser hijacker malware. This malicious software is more than just annoying, as it can steal your personal information, track your internet activity, and even lead to identity theft. If you think your computer is infected, a virus scan with Guardio will confirm it. 

In this guide, we will take you through the steps required to remove malware from your Chrome web browser. Plus, we will give you advice on how to prevent future infections. With our advice, you should never have to worry about browser malware again. 

Removing Browser Malware from Windows

If the virus scanner has confirmed that your computer is infected with malware, there are several things you can do. The first thing to do is install a browser protection tool that can remove the malware. These tools also help to prevent future infections by blocking dangerous websites, browser extensions, and software that are trying to install malware on your computer. 

Another option is to reset your browser settings, while you should also manually remove any browser extensions that you think might have brought the malware. 

• Install a browser protection tool

If you already have antivirus software installed on your computer, it might have a browser protection tool you can use. If not, download one from the Chrome store. These browser hijacker removal tools come as extensions that you add to your web browser. Once added, they work in the background to keep your browser free of malware. They block you from visiting unsecured websites and notify you if malware is trying to install itself on your system.

• Rest your browser settings

A browser that is infected with malware will act differently from normal. It might send you to random websites, change your homepage, or load up advertisements. To fix this, you can try to reset your Chrome settings. Within the settings, you can click into ‘Advanced’ to find the ‘Restore settings to their original defaults’ option. This should put your settings back to factory settings. You can then make any adjustments such as a preferred homepage, etc. 

• Remove browser extensions

Your last option is to remove unwanted programs and browser extensions. It is likely the malware came from something you recently downloaded and installed, so start by removing anything new. In that same ‘Advanced’ section in your browser settings, you can click ‘Clean up computer’, which enables you to remove unwanted programs. 

By doing one or even all the above, you should no longer have to worry about a malware infection. However, you should still make sure you have a good antivirus and browser protection tool to help avoid future malware infections. 

Tips on Preventing Malware Infections

While you can use software to prevent malware from infecting Google Chrome, the best prevention is to understand how these infections occur. For instance, avoid visiting unsecured websites and downloading random browser extensions. It’s all about being careful where you go and what you download. Do a bit of digging about a program or browser extension before downloading. If you can establish that they are trustworthy, you should have no problems when installing and using them.