How to remove SocialHub: A suspicious Browser extension
About:SocialHub is a malicious browser extension that deceives users by displaying tempting ads offering the purchase of goods and services at appealing prices. The ads are sponsored and a click on these may redirect users to suspicious websites and... Read More make their system susceptible to other system infections. Let us read more to know hoe to get rid of this pernicious browser hijacker Less
| Adware | How to remove SocialHub: A suspicious Browser extension
Guide to Remove SocialHub Adware
SocialHub is a suspicious browser extension classified as an Adware or PUP (Potentially unwanted Program). The malware promotes the advertisements as ‘Ads by SocialHub’ on your computer. The ads displayed by SocialHub Adware usually appear on e-commerce sites such as Amazon, ebay, Myntra, Jabong. The adware tricks the user by displaying tempting ads offering the purchase of goods and services at appealing prices. Click on these ads redirects users to malicious websites owned by scammers.
Adware like SocialHub are designed by cyber criminals to promote their website and drive some traffic. Ads displayed by this adware generate revenue for the developers, as they run on pay- per click advertising scheme.
Successful installation of this program on your computer affects mostly the homepage and default search tool of the popular web browsers like Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet explorer, Safari etc. Users encounter strange modification of their browsers & regular redirect to suspicious sites become a typical routine. It is therefore advised to get rid of this malware as soon as it gets installed on the computer.
How does SocialHub Adware invade the system?
The adware is known to spread over the internet via popular third party software. Official websites also market SocialHub Adware claiming to provide better web browsing experience via this feature.
Free Software Download: Users are often lured to download third party apps available on various websites and sometimes social media channels for free. SocialHub Adware is distributed by inserting its payload to the main software program. The infection code is not revealed to the users until they opt for Advanced or Custom configuration options. Going for recommended settings during the installation may lead to unintentional download of this PUP along with the desired app. It is therefore always advised to select Advanced or Custom setting option. This gives information about the presence of additional programs and their installation can be opted out by users.
Infected Storage Devices: Your system can also get infected by using removable media such as USB hard drives and jump drives without scanning them with an anti-virus.
Spam Emails – Spamming is the most economic and common method used for the distribution of such malware. The targeted users get genuine looking emails which contain .doc, .txt, and other similar attachments. As soon as the user opens this attachment, the malware infects the user’s computer system.
Malicious Websites or Malevolent Advertisements: The malicious websites are the ones which are created just for promoting the malware infections. Such websites include but are not limited to porn sites, torrent sites and other free downloading platforms. By visiting such websites, the adware infects the user’s computer without permission. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. Therefore it is advised to avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuffs.
Threats posed by SocialHub Adware
SocialHub acts as a Browser Add on that quickly adds its extension on the browser and modifies browser settings once infiltrated in the system. The nasty malware replaces the browser home page and search results with its own. The motive behind this adware design is to earn easy money by deceiving users.
The pernicious adware monitors user online activities, and analyzes system cache and cookies to display engaging ads that catch user attention. The ads are sponsored and a click on these may redirect users to suspicious websites and make your system susceptible to other system infections. This makes system vulnerable to other malware invasion.
The nasty system infection keeps an eye on user browsing activities to gather confidential information like user banking details.
SocialHub adware infestation may lead to unsolicited download of malicious free program on user system. This may compromise system storage and render it sluggish.
Changes in browser’s parameters, slew of pop-ups and constant redirection shows that SocialHub Adware infiltration requires urgent intervention. Follow the removal instructions given below to eliminate this pernicious system infection as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
Name: SocialHub
Browsers Affected: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera
Targeted Operating System: Windows and MAC
Category: Browser Hijacker
Symptoms: Customized browser settings, registry Modification, unnatural network activities, occasional sluggishness of the infected device. Appearance of annoying ads, download links, pop-ups that may redirect users to another malicious web page and interrupt their browsing activity
Steps to remove SocialHub Adware manually from windows and your Browser
Note: Before we begin, try to remember how the extension got downloaded on your computer system. Generally, these programs come bundled with free applications that we download off the internet. It is a good practice to locate and uninstall such programs while removing the Browser Hijacker/ Extensions.
Click on the “Start” button on the bottom left corner of your screen. A Start menu will be displayed as shown below. From this menu select the option that reads “Control Panel”.
In the window that will be displayed, click the option “Switch to classic view”.
This will display all the options/icons available to you. From the displayed icons, click on the icon that reads “Add or Remove Programs”.
Select the “Uninstall a program” option from the “Programs” category. A list will populate on the screen displaying all the programs.
Select the programs related to SocialHub Adwareand click on the Uninstall button.
Windows 7/Vista
Right click on the “Start” button located at the lower left corner of the screen. From the Start menu, click on “Control Panel”.
The “Control Panel” Window will be displayed on the screen. Click on “Uninstall a Program” option from the “Programs” category.
The “Programs and Features” window will be displayed on the screen. A list will populate on the screen displaying all the programs.
Scroll though the list of programs and select the programs related to SocialHub Adware and then click on the “Uninstall” button.
Windows 8/10
Right click on the “Windows logo” on the lower left side of the computer screen. From the drop down menu, select and click on “Control Panel”.
The “Control Panel” window will be displayed. From this window select “Uninstall a program” option form the “Programs” category.
A list will populate on the screen displaying all the programs.
Select the programs related to SocialHub Adware and click on the “Uninstall” button.
In the confirmation box, click on the box that reads “OK” to save changes.
Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots ( ) i.e.Menu option which are located at the upper right corner of the Chrome Window.
Find and click on More tools from the drop down menu that is displayed & select Extensions or you can open a Chrome window and type “chrome://extensions” in the address bar.
Check the developer mode option which is located opposite to extensions heading on the top of the Chrome window. By enabling the developer mode, additional details and option related to all the installed extensions will be displayed. One of the details that will be displayed is the ID. ID is the folder name created by the extension at the location “C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions”.
Locate the extension you want to uninstall or delete. Copy and paste the folder name opposite to the ID Tag of that extension into a notepad file. In this case the folder name is “ jmkgonpajhomdgmipkgolafikncfdmgo”
Now, uncheck the enabled option next to the extension in question. Make sure you also click the trash icon to delete the extension from the browser. It is important to note that even after uninstalling and deleting the extensions from the browser, the extension might not uninstall properly. Thus, it is a good practice to make sure that we have deleted the folder as mentioned in step 3.
Make sure that you have made the hidden files and folders visible.
Open My Computer and go to “C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions”. Now, look for folder with the name as specified in Step 4 i.e. “ jmkgonpajhomdgmipkgolafikncfdmgo”. Delete the folder if present.
Close and reopen the browser. It is also advisable to restart your computer once done.
Mozilla Firefox
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on three horizontal lines ( ) at the top right corner of the Firefox Windowand select the Add-ons option.
On the Add-onsmanger page, select and click on the Extensions tab as shown below.
Find the extensions related to SocialHub Adwareand click on the remove button.
In addition, try to remember how the extension got downloaded on your computer system. If this extension was bundled with some other software, then make sure to delete that as well.
Internet Explorer
Open Internet Explorer, Click on the Gear icon ( ) which is at the top right corner of the Internet Explorer Window.
From the newly appeared dropdown menu, click on the option that reads Manage Add-ons.
A new window will appear on the screen. On this window choose the option that reads Toolbar and Extensions. Under the Show option, select the option that reads “All add-ons”. This option will allow you to see all the browser extensions.
Select the Extension related to SocialHub Adware and click on the Disable button which is at the bottom right of the computer screen.
Apple's Safari
On your Mac Desktop, click on the option that reads “Safari”.
A drop down menu will appear as shown below. From this menu chose the option that reads “Preferences”.
The Preferences window will appear on the screen, where the list of all your safari extensions will be shown.
On the list displayed at the left side of the screen, select the Extension you want to uninstall.
Click on the Uninstall button to get rid of the extension.
Open Mozilla Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines () which are at the top right corner of the computer screen.
A Drop down menu will be displayed. On this menu click on the “Help” () button as shown in the image below. The Help menu will be displayed on the screen.
From this menu click the option that reads “Troubleshooting information“. A new tab will open up with the <strong”>Troubleshooting information.
On the Troubleshooting Information page, click on the button that reads “Refresh Firefox” as shown in the image below.
The “Refresh Firefox” message box will pop up on the screen. On this message box click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
After this Firefox will close itself and a new window will be displayed which will list the information that is imported. Click on the option that reads “Finish” to complete the task.
Google Chrome
Open Google chrome and click on the three vertical dots ( ) which is at the top right corner of the computer screen. A drop down menu will appear on the screen. From this menu choose the option that reads “Settings”.
The Chrome’s settings window will be displayed on the screen. On this screen scroll through the bottom of the page and click on the option that reads “Advanced option” as shown below.
The Advanced setting options will be displayed on the screen. Scroll through the list of options till you find the “ Reset browser settings” section. Click on the icon as shown below.
The reset dialogue box will pop up on the screen. From this dialogue box click on the button that reads “Reset”.
Internet Explorer
Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon ( ) which is at the top right corner of the browser screen. A drop down menu will be displayed on the screen. From this drop down menu, click on the option that reads “Internet options”.
The “Internet options” dialogue box will be displayed. Click on the “Advanced” tab. In the Advanced tab click on the button that reads “Reset” as shown in the image below. The “Reset Internet Explorer Settings” section will be displayed on the screen. Now click on the button that reads “Reset” .Precautions: In this dialogue box make sure to uncheck the “Delete Personal settings” option to save your passwords and other important data.
When it’s done, click on the button that reads “Close” to complete the task. Now close and reopen your browser.
Launch the Task Manager Window by pressing Ctrl+ Shift+ Escape simultaneously. (The task manager window may vary depending on the OS ) OR bring the mouse cursor on the Task Bar (which is present at the bottom of the computer screen), right click on the empty space and click on Task Manager.
Task Manager window for Windows 10
Task Manager window for Windows 7
2 Right Click on the Suspicious File and select Open file Location.
3 In the File Location Screen that appears, Right click on the File and click on Delete, to delete the File permanently from the location.
OR
Open Task Manager window again by following the steps mentioned above.
Click on the Startup tab.
Select the suspicious entry and click on the Disable button present at the bottom right corner of the window
OR
Open Task Manager window again by following the steps mentioned above.
Click on Services tab.
Right click on the suspicious entry and click on Stop.
Open Google chrome and click on the three vertical dots () located on the top right corner of the Chrome Window.
From the Drop down menu that appears, click on the “Settings”. A new browser tab will open up, displaying all the settings.
Now, we will make changes to the appearance section. Under the “Appearances” section, we will enable the “Show Home Button” option. You can select New Tab page or can add Google or any of your preferred browsers under the “Show Home Button” option.
After this, we will go to the “Search Engine “section.
Here, make Google or any of your preferred browsers as your default browser in the drop-down menu under the option “Search engine used in the address bar”.
After this click on Manage Search Engines. Now you can remove Other Search Engines that were added by the browser hijacker. Simply click the three vertical dots () and select the option “Remove from list”.
You can make Google or any other preferred browser as your Default Search Engine by clicking the three vertical dots () and clicking on the “Make default” option.
At the end, we will go to the section “On Startup”. You can select the “Open the New Tab page” or can “Continue where you left off”. If you want to open a specific page or set of pages, select the option “Open a specific page or set of pages” and remove any pages added by the browser hijacker by clicking on the three vertical dots () and selecting “Remove”.
Then, add Google or any of your desired URL in “Add a new page” option under the “Open a specific page or set of pages”.
This is a very important step and we would like you to pay very close attention here. This step has to be repeated with all the shortcuts to the browser that you can locate; like your desktop, start menu and the shortcut pinned to your taskbar. Right click on the shortcut and a context menu will appear. On this menu select the last option that reads Properties.
A Google ChromeProperties Dialogue box will appear as below. Replace whatever is there in the text box next to the label Target with the following: Make sure that inverted commas are included.“C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe”
Click OK at the end to save the changes.
Mozilla Firefox
Open Mozilla Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines () i.e. Open Menu located on the top right corner of the Firefox Window.
From the drop down menu that is displayed, we have to right click on the () Options to open the window.
Now, we will click Search, under the given options that are displayed in the left corner of the screen.
You can choose Google or any of your preferred browsers as your default search engine to use in the address bar and search bar.
Then, you have to go to the () General and under “startup” section to make sure that Firefox is your default browser.
At the end, we have to add Google or your preferred URL in the box given under Home Page.
After this, you have to right click on the browser shortcuts that you can locate like your desktop, start menu and taskbar to which the application is pinned. A context menu will appear. On this menu select the last option that reads Properties.
A Firefox Properties Dialogue box will appear as below. Replace whatever is there in the text box next to the label Target with the following: Make sure that inverted commas are included.“C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe”
Click OK at the end to save the changes.
Internet Explorer
Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon ()which is at the top right corner of the Internet Explorer Window.
From the Drop down menu that appears, click on the “Manage add-ons” A new browser tab will open up, displaying all the add-on types.
Now, we will click on the “Search Providers” option from the list of options displayed on the left hand side of the screen. Then we will click “Find more search providers” option given at the lower left corner of the Manage add-ons
This will open an Internet Explorer Gallery; from here you can add Google search or any of your preferred add-ons as your default browser.
Next, you are required to go to the “Manage add-ons” window and click on the “Search Providers” option under the Add-on Types.
Here, you can enable Google Search or any of your preferred browsers as your default browser in the list of search providers.
At the end, we will click on the gear icon ()which is at the top right corner of the screen and select “Internet Options” from the drop-down menu.
A new window will open displaying the Internet options. In the “Internet Options” window, add Google or any of your desired URL under the Create Home Page option and click OK.
After this, you have to right click on the browser shortcuts that you can locate like your desktop, start menu and taskbar to which the application is pinned. A context menu will appear. On this menu select the last option that reads Properties.
An Internet Explorer Properties Dialogue box will appear as below. Replace whatever is there in the text box next to the label Target with the following: Make sure that inverted commas are included.“C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe”
Click OK at the end to save the changes.
Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected –
Keeping the Operating System Updated- In order to remain protected and avoid such infections, it is recommended to keep your Operating System updated by enabling the automatic update on your system. The systems with outdated or older versions of Operating System become an easy target for the attackers.
Resist clicking on spam emails – One of the major techniques used for malware distribution is forwarding spam emails to the user. The system gets infected as soon as the user clicks on the attachment. These mails appear to be genuine, so be aware and resist falling for these tricks.
Keep an eye on third party installations- It is quite important that you take due care while installing any third party applications for they are major source of such infections. Such malware programs come bundled with the free applications thereby requiring the user to remain cautious.
Regular periodical backup- In order to keep your data and files safe, it is recommended to take regular back up of all your data and files either on an external drive or cloud.
Use Anti-Virus Protection- We strongly recommend the use of antivirus protection/internet security in your PC like Hitman pro and Sophos so that it remains safe.
Enable the Ad Blocker/Popup Blocker in your browser- Enabling the popup blocker/ ad blocker in your chosen browser will help you to stay protected from annoying adware.
The researchers at Virus Removal Guidelines are dedicated to track down the latest vulnerabilities which may infringe your system security. Our team of expert performs a detailed research about every malware infection before educating our users about the same.
Want to stay informed about the latest threats & malware? Sign up for our newsletter & learn how to get rid of all types of threats from your computer.
Virus Removal Guidelines
Plot No 319, Nandpuri- B Pratap Nagar Jaipur Rajasthan302033
Home
) i.e.Menu option which are located at the upper right corner of the Chrome Window.
) at the top right corner of the Firefox Window and select the Add-ons option.
) which is at the top right corner of the Internet Explorer Window.
) button as shown in the image below. The Help menu will be displayed on the screen.
Task Manager window for Windows 10
Task Manager window for Windows 7
) i.e. Open Menu located on the top right corner of the Firefox Window.
) Options to open the window.
