What is ByteFence Anti Malware
ByteFence Anti Malware is the latest menacing feather in the world of Browser Redirectors that is stealthily invading systems & targeting settings of popular browsers globally. It manipulates default home-page & browser settings without users’ consent and blocks the possibility of finding required information as the search results are continuously redirected to https://search.yahoo.com.

Developed by Byte Technologies LLC & powered by Reason Cyber-Security LTD, ByteFence disguises as legitimate anti-malware software. It claims to provide –
- Protection against malware, spyware & crapware for free.
- Detect & remove Trojans, Viruses, Worms & other high-risk malware.
- 24×7 real-time protection against dangerous infections & unwanted software for free
By professing these Cyber Security services, it is easily taking the users into confidence that it delivers superior adware & malware protection. The irony is that users are unaware of its intentions & installing it at a great place, which leads to unexpected browser modifications, unwanted redirects & appearance of infuriating ads.
Impacted users are looking for convenient & effective ByteFence redirect removal instruction. In case you are experiencing exasperating browser redirects, you may refer to our detailed Removal instruction for byteFence malware given below.
Threat Behavior- ByteFence Anti Malware
Usually distributed as a bundle with other software, ByteFence Anti Malware is classified as Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). The major difference between direct installations & bundled installations is that ByteFence arrives on a system bundled with utilities like media players, archives, downloader or fake flash player updates.

ByteFence Redirect introduces itself on your PC with no notice as its installation process keeps running in the background & you will suddenly receive BytefEnce Anti Malware introduced to the programs.
Upon establishment on a system, the executable file of this program named as bytefence.exe is formed in “C:\Program Files” subfolder, which ensures that the program keeps running.
Following its successful installation as third-party software, it begins to modify default browser search engine, home page & new tab settings & replaces them with search.yahoo.com. Sadly, the users might not be able to find that ByteFence is responsible for these unapproved alternations in their systems.
Other Threats Posed By ByteFence Anti Malware
- Unexpected & unapproved modifications in browser settings significantly deteriorate the internet browsing experience.
- Any attempt to surf through the internet or simply opening a new tab continuously redirects the searches to search.yahoo.com
- ByteFence installs another malicious browser toolbar that triggers continuous redirects.
- The Redirects generate illicit revenue for the developers by redirecting searches to certain websites, hence crucially increasing traffic.
- In spite of providing promised features, ByteFence causes infuriating redirects, tracks online browsing activity & bombards screen with ads to generate illegitimate profit.
Privacy Policy of ByteFence Anti Malware
As per the privacy policy of this devious application, it collects:
1.Personal Information: This includes identifiers such as-
- IP address
- User ID
- Name, Contact Number, E-mail address

2.Non-personal Information: This includes technical information of the system like:
- Operating System
- Browser Type & Version
- Files & URLs uploaded for scanning
- Date of Installation of the Software
- Date & Time of Launching, Scanning, Updating & Uninstalling the software
- Country (based on IP address)
The motive behind collecting the information is to:
- Process the information for marketing purposes
- Improve services & internal purposes such as debugging & security.
- Share information with third parties for maintenance, analysis, payment & development services.
You should be exceptionally careful while you agree to install/download free software or apps. Always remember nothing comes free; everything has a price.
How did ByteFence Browser Redirect invade your system?
The cybercriminals use various strategies for malware distribution which include –
- Software Bundling: Software bundling is the process in which a malicious program is distributed with other free software, to get an unnoticed entry into your computer system. When a user installs a free application, the malicious programs gain a front door entry with the free application, the user has downloaded. Thus, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the installation screens while installing these free applications.
- 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 economical 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. These attachments can be named as anything which can grab the user’s attention and triggers him/her to open the attachment. 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. Fake advertisements and updates like Flash player and windows updates which ask the user to update to the latest version are a few examples. When the users click on such links, their computer system gets infected. That is why it is highly recommended to resist clicking on such links. Also avoid clicking on advertisements offering free stuff such as Win an iPhones, cars or free overseas trips etc.
Threat Summary
Name: ByteFence
Browsers Affected: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari
Targeted Operating System: Windows & MAC
Category: Browser Redirector/Hijacker
Symptoms:
- Default homepage, new tab and search engine are replaced by https://search.yahoo.com.
- The appearance of exasperating sponsored ads and pop-ups
How to remove ByteFence Anti Malware Redirect?
STEP A: Remove malicious extensions from your browser
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Internet Explorer
Apple's Safari
STEP B: Show Hidden Files and Folders
Windows 7
- Left click on the Organize button on the Windows Explorer. A drop-down menu will appear.

- On this menu left click on the option that reads “Folder and search options” as shown above. A folder options dialogue box will appear.
- On the View tab under the Advanced settings, Check the option that reads “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” and uncheck the option that reads “Hide protected operating system files“.

- Click on the “OK” button to save your changes. This will make all the hidden files and folders visible to you.
Windows 8 and 10
STEP C: How To Reset Your Browser
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer
Tips to prevent your computer system from getting infected from ByteFence Anti Malware Browser Redirect-
- 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 emails 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 the 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 Vipre 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.
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