Experience secure VPN, safe searching, faster navigation and enhanced browser performance.
Ad-Aware Web Companion easily integrates into your browser, providing the extra security to confidently and safely browse the web with option to use a VPN.
Prevent malware infections and privacy breaches
Antivirus-level security features that boost your browser’s defenses, Adaware Web Companion is your #1 line of defense.
Create a Free Personal account with Web Companion Plus and enable optional paid features like VPN at low cost.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Available on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11
Enhance security with Web Companion Plus and a powerful VPN
Create a Free Personal account with Web Companion Plus and enable optional paid features like VPN at low cost.
- Mask your private geographic location information
- Increase web protection from malicious websites
- Secure your web searching and browsing experience
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Web Companion is your first line of defense
Reliable protection against dangerous sites
Never land on a dangerous site or phishing scam ever again
Robust privacy shields hide your tracks
Stop websites and ads from following your every move, and block invasive pop-ups
Compatible with the web’s best browsers
Web Companion is compatible with the latest versions of Firefox and Chrome browsers
A small program that’s BIG on protection
With Adaware Web Companion, staying protected doesn’t come at the expense of your system’s performance. We’ve engineered a program that uses so little of your PC’s power, you’ll never notice it’s there.
NEW!A small program that’s BIG on protection
With Adaware Web Companion, staying protected doesn’t come at the expense of your system’s performance. We’ve engineered a program that uses so little of your PC’s power, you’ll never notice it’s there.
A small program that’s BIG on protection
With Adaware Web Companion, staying protected doesn’t come at the expense of your system’s performance. We’ve engineered a program that uses so little of your PC’s power, you’ll never notice it’s there.
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Stay protected while searching & surfing the Web. Never worry about suspicious websites again.
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В Интернете много сайтов, использующих различные мошеннические методы для выманивания у пользователей денег либо личных данных. Порой мы сами вводим логин/ пароль от своих аккаунтов в социальных сетях в формы на подозрительных (сами того не зная) ресурсах, чем предоставляем третьим лицам доступ к важной информации. Но разработчики ПО не стоят на месте и постоянно создают различные средства защиты от вредоносных сайтов – это актуальные версии антивирусных программ и специальные утилиты. И сегодня речь пойдет об одной из этих утилит. Я расскажу о Web Companion – что это за программа и как она способна защитить нас от посещения мошеннических ресурсов.
Adaware Web Companion
Как на нашем компьютере появляется программа Web Companion
Данная утилита Adaware Web Companion, разработанная компанией Lavasoft, появляется в операционной системе в двух случаях:
- вместе с инсталляцией другого софта;
- в результате скачивания с официального сайта и установки на ПК с целью защиты от вредоносных ресурсов.
Рассмотрим первый вариант появления Web Companion. Многие утилиты мало того что непопулярны у пользователей, так многие еще ничего и не знают о их существовании. Поэтому разработчики придумали такой шаг широкого распространения своего ПО – внедрять его в какой-либо известный софт, который юзеры скачивают достаточно часто. И мы, устанавливая полезные приложения на компьютер, сталкиваемся с тем, что вместе с инсталлируемой программой нам предлагается скачать дополнительное бесплатное ПО. Далее, я расскажу о том, что это такое Web Companion.
Во втором варианте мы специально скачиваем Web Companion с официального сайта http://webcompanion.com/, чтобы защитить свой компьютер. К слову, при моей попытке установить данную утилиту на ПК появилась одна проблема. В правом верхнем углу браузера, где находятся загрузки, вместо значка скачанной программы появился красный треугольник с восклицательным знаком, при наведении на который появилась предупреждающая надпись.
Предупреждение Яндекса
То есть браузер Yandex даже не хочет ее устанавливать. Причем Google Chrome установку разрешил.
Файл скачался в Google Chrome
Что это такое Adaware Web Companion?
Если разбирать цели утилиты Web Companion и выяснять, что это за приложение, то выявляются некоторые интересные вещи. Многие пользователи, которые устанавливали себе на компьютер данный софт, сообщают, что программа на самом деле предлагает сменить поисковик и домашнюю страницу, хотя разработчики утверждают обратное.
Они позиционируют Web Companion как защиту от:
- фишинговых веб-сайтов;
- вирусных кодов;
- программ, предлагающих изменить домашнюю страницу браузера и поисковую систему (утилита должна выдавать сообщение о подобных попытках).
То есть изначально в целях программы заложена именно блокировка подозрительных сайтов или предупреждение пользователя об опасности их посещения.
Установка и функционал программы
Итак, при помощи Google Chrome получилось скачать файл WCInstaller себе на компьютер.
WCInstaller в папке «Загрузки»
После запуска установки вылезло сообщение об ошибке сценария на данной странице. Все же попробуем продолжить и нажмем “Да, продолжить выполнение сценариев на данной странице”.
Ошибка сценария на данной странице
Снова выскакивает ошибка сценария, и снова я нажимаю “Да, продолжить”. Затем меню мастера установки предлагает изменить домашнюю страницу и поисковую систему (о чем и говорилось выше) на Bing, Yahoo либо Yandex. Можно оставить текущие настройки, выбрав пункт Keep my current settings.
Оставить мои текущие настройки
Почему-то дальше этого меню установки у меня дело не пошло. Кнопка “Установить” не нажимается. Пользователи, которые инсталлировали Web Companion на свой ПК, сообщают, что утилита сворачивается в трее справа на панели задач и, чтобы войти в настройки, нужно нажать на маленький значок с ее изображением. В настройках можно произвести следующие действия:
- убрать или установить автозапуск вместе с Windows (галочка в квадратике “Запускать при старте системы”);
- выбрать светлую или темную тему для интерфейса;
- сообщить разработчикам о проблеме в работе утилиты либо оставить свои предложения/ отзывы.
Интерфейс программы очень прост: это включенный курсор веб-защиты и строчки с указаниями о том, какую домашнюю страницу и поисковую систему мы будем использовать в своем браузере.
Интерфейс Web Companion
Если эта программа Web Companion не нужна или в ее работе наблюдаются некоторые проблемы (как, например, в моем случае), то ее можно удалить. Делается это обычными методами: либо через панель управления, либо, для полной очистки от всех хвостов – при помощи особого софта (Revo Uninstaller и подобные).
В общем и целом мнения пользователей о программе Adaware Web Companion неоднозначны. С одной стороны, утилита обладает простым удобным интерфейсом и служит конкретным целям по обеспечению безопасности операционной системы. С другой стороны, ее функционал достаточно уязвим для хакерских атак. Имеются бреши, из-за которых утилита не способна вовремя обнаружить вредоносные сайты, с которыми установленный на ПК антивирус справляется гораздо быстрее. К тому же многие юзеры сообщают, что эта программа Web Companion сильно тормозит работу компьютера, потребляя много ресурсов. Будем надеяться, что разработчики устранят недоделки и представят нам софт, обладающий действительно мощной защитой от различных сетевых угроз.
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What is Web Companion?
Developed by Adaware (previously known as Lavasoft), the Web Companion application is antivirus-type software designed to protect computers from malware infections and privacy breaches. In fact, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) due to the way developers distribute it.
Apps of this type are often installed by users inadvertently, thus allowing the software to make changes to browser settings.
During installation of Web Companion, the installer demands permission to make changes to browser settings. Many users skip software installation steps and agree to everything, unaware of the risks. At time of research, Web Companion’s installer promoted the Bing, Yandex, and Yahoo search engines.
Therefore, giving permission to change browser settings will result in the default search engine, new tab URL, and homepage options being assigned to one of these websites. As mentioned above, this app is classified as a PUA, since developers promote it using deceptive methods such as «bundling».
Therefore, it is often installed unintentionally. Do not trust applications distributed using deceptive methods. Although Web Companion is not a malicious program, many PUAs are distributed in packs that might include adware and browser hijackers.
Threat Summary:
| Name | Web Companion potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Detection Names | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.3914), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/WebCompanion.C Potentially Unwanted), Fortinet (Riskware/WebCompanion), Sophos AV (Generic PUA BJ (PUA)), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you don’t recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about found issues. Asks for payment in order to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) |
To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com. |
Many apps are distributed using «bundling» and other similar methods. Examples include Lowe Registry Cleaner, Power PC Care 2018, and Advance PC Protector. Generally, these apps are promoted as providing ‘useful’ tools, features, and so on, however, few provide the functionality promised.
Most cause problems and diminish browsing quality, cause unwanted redirects, deliver ads, etc.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
The official website can be used to download Web Companion, however, if it was installed unintentionally, this probably happened when software developers employed the «bundling» method (mentioned above). Bundling is a deceptive marketing method used to trick people into installing potentially unwanted apps together with other software.
Developers hide these apps in «Custom», «Advanced», and other similar settings/options of the download or installation set-ups. Information about the inclusion of PUAs within set-ups is not properly disclosed. They can easily go unnoticed, especially if the installation/download steps are skipped and all settings left unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
When installing or downloading software, check all «Advanced», «Custom» and other similar settings/options, deselect (opt-out of) unwanted applications and only then finish the download/installation process. Avoid using third party software downloaders, torrents or other peer-to-peer networks, and unofficial or/and untrustworthy sources to download software.
Use only official channels (websites) and direct links. Bear in mind that cyber criminals invest time and money into ad design and, therefore, most intrusive advertisements will seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they often redirect to unwanted/untrustworthy websites such as pornography, gambling, adult dating, and so on.
If you experience these redirects, or ads that cause them, check for unwanted extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins installed on your browser.
Also check the list of installed programs on your computer. Remove any suspicious/unwanted entries. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with
Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Screenshot of Web Companion unwanted application:
Web Companion installation setup:
Web Companion installer offering to change browser settings:
Deceptive free software installer bundling Web Companion unwanted application:
Web Companion process in Windows Task Manager:
Example of an ad that is used to promote Web Companion extension:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.
Quick menu:
- What is Web Companion?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for «Web Companion» and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click «Uninstall» or «Remove«.
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Web Companion did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications are installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or unwanted redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the «gear» icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select «Manage Add-ons». Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click «Remove».
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the web companion potentially unwanted application, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select «More tools» and click «Extensions». Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the web companion potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select «Add-ons». Click on «Extensions», in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with web companion potentially unwanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences….
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data…
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select «Extensions«. Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click «Remove» below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the web companion potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers’ websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on web companion potentially unwanted application or it’s removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Web Companion refers to an unwanted program. It is installed as an extension to your existing web browser. The installation takes place without your knowledge and intrudes with the performance of other installed apps. It distributes advertising and shows coupons, banners and links pointing to sponsored sites.
In this article, we will talk about what is Ad-Aware Web Companion, what is Lavasoft Web Companion, how Ad-Aware Web Companion can harm your computer, the ways of uninstalling Web Companion, etc. Read on for a close look at the world of Web Companion.
What is Web Companion?
Attributed to Lavasoft, the Web Companion software program/tool comes free of cost. The most prevalent version of this product is 2.1.1265.2535. More than 54 per cent of all installations are using this version currently. Quite commonly used in Germany and the United Kingdom, the Web Companion, boasts of 53 per cent of its users belonging to the United States of America.
The Web Companion supposedly offers protection to internet surfers from data tracking, malicious websites, phishing scams and advertisements. It has managed to replace the popular Ad-Aware Security Toolbar since 2014. Overall, it has created a sound position for itself and has a successful rating as far as user-experience is concerned.
However, in return for the tool’s promise of ‘secure browsing’, users have to grapple with the issues of browser hijacking, cunning installation, malicious advertising and unprompted data tracking. Users and customers have to pay a hefty price for the unsolicited appearance of Web Companion on their web browser.
On the right side, Web Companion is capable of securing the settings of your web browser against unauthorised changes. It serves as a robust buffering agent between malicious sites and the browser. For instance, Ad-Aware Web Companion claims to provide safer and lighter browsing experiences.
It also claims to complement your antivirus and provide protection to the browser against malware and virus attacks. It does so by flagging malware right at the URL level, even before it gets a chance to download on your computer.
Why is Web Companion Dangerous?
Web Companion — the internet security tool, uses the older HTTP extension for its official website. It does not have HTTPS certificates to its credit. This old extension is marked as “not secure” by most browsers, primarily, Google Chrome. In all probability, being a free tool, the program may not have the funds to invest in safer encrypting protocols.
Browser hijacking is another problem faced by the users of Web Companion. Once it is installed, your default web browser will be changed to Bing. In case you manage to replace your old browser the first time, the web Companion will keep asking you to change the settings until it stops after the third try.
Earlier on, Lavasoft was known to use Komodia SSL Digester – the feature attributed to the Superfish scandal — in the operation of Web Companion. As per experts, Komodia SSL Digester overpowers your browser’s security. It is designed to read encrypted websites and push advertisements into them.
The most dangerous controversy attributed to web companion is that its policy states that Lavasoft reserves the right to pass on ‘non-personal’ data of users to third-parties. Therefore, anything posted by you on public platforms cannot be rated as being secure and confidential after Web Companion gets installed on your browser. Your personal information can be shared with the program’s parent and affiliate companies, along with third parties — as mentioned earlier.
Web Companion’s EULA further states that Lavasoft can collect data about your operating system (bit architecture, version, release, etc.). It can come in the way of your installed applications (install source, location, display name, version, etc.). Additionally, it has the potential of impacting the IP and services on your Windows adversely.
How does Ad-Aware Web Companion Install Itself on Your Device?
Lavasoft’s Web Companion may have been installed either accidentally or intentionally by you. You may have installed the product believing that it would ensure safe browsing experiences and protect your system from viral threats, malware and intrusions. Conversely, you may have installed it without any knowledge of doing so.
Either way, you will have to face the consequences of having Web Companion installed on your browser.
1. During setup, this tool creates a registration start-up point in Windows. This allows for an automatic start as and when you boot your PC.
2. Once installed, Web Companion includes a Windows Service that runs without fail in the background. Manual stopping of the service causes the program to malfunction. A background controller service is also added that runs automatically in the background.
3. It is possible to delay the start of the controller service via the service manager.
4. A scheduled task gets added to the Windows Task Scheduler by the Web Companion. It launches the program at scheduled times, depending on the release/version).
5. The primary executable is referred to as Lavasoft.AdAware.dll.
6. The program’s setup package is known to install about 58 files that are approximately 11.75 MB (12,316,583 bytes) in size.
7. Most users of Web Companion are using Windows 7 (SP1) and Windows 10 rather than other operating platforms.
How to Uninstall Web Companion?
It is possible to uninstall Web Companion virus through the Add/Remove Program feature available in the Control Panel of your Windows Operating System.
1. Click on the Start menu (Windows 10 users can right-click on the bottom-left corner of their screen to activate the Start Menu).
2. Click on the Control Panel option, then find Programs.
3. Perform either of the following tasks
- Windows Vista/7/8/10 users: Click on “Uninstall a Program.”
- Windows XP users: Click on “Add or Remove Programs.”
4. Once you find the installed Web Companion program, click to choose it.
5. Perform one of the following options:
- Windows Vista/7/8/10 users: Click on Uninstall.
- Windows XP users: Click on the “Remove or Change/Remove” option (found on the right-hand side of the program).
6. Go on following the prompts.
7. You will see a progress bar that will tell you the time left for uninstalling Web Companion.
You have to know how to terminate Web Companion Lavasoft to steer clear of its potential dangers. However, as per statistics, only 20 per cent of users go ahead and uninstall this program. Isn’t that surprising? Even though it provides for the additional detection of malware and malicious sites, it is recommended that you uninstall it for the safety of your data. Remember, most antivirus programs like this one are sophisticated enough; they have the right tools and designs to update their databases consistently with your records. Beware.
Conclusion
Fortunately, you can easily remove Ad-Aware Web Companion by logging into the Programs section of the Control Platform. Its Uninstall button will help you go about the activities smoothly. You can also take care of the overriding of your current web browser with Bing by going through a few steps. You may like to opt for automatic malware removal apps like Reimage, Malwarebytes, Spyhunter, or others in the list, to go about the activities smoothly.
Whatever you do, remember, Lavasoft Web Companion shouldn’t be allowed to remain on your PC longer than required – it will do you much more harm than good!