Browser Hijacker

Remove Protectio7 Browser Hijacker (Virus Removal Guide)

If you have seen Protectio7 on your system then you might have some idea about how persistent they are. You keep closing those ads only to find new pop-ups emerging on your browser. This nasty threat will even ask you to allow push notifications to worsen the situation. Don’t get lured by those fake alerts and follow this guide to learn how to remove Protectio7 virus completely from your PC.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware

Threats like Protectio7 keep getting back on the PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

What is Protectio7?

Protectio7 is a deceptive website created with the only motive of promoting dubious sites and advertisements.  Some might argue that it only serve ads on the infected PC but it also causes serious security and privacy breach. Firstly it will try to trick you into allowing its pop-up notifications and then bombard your computer with various fake ads, banners, pop-ups, offers, messages, etc.

The website “Protectio7” does not offer any value to the users. You might not even be able to access this site when you try to open it on purpose. This domain is only used to serve third-party advertisements that redirect web traffic on suspicious and deceptive sites. Those sites can host malicious scripts to spread Ransomware and other viruses or promote shady deals to cheat your money.

No matter the case, in both situations, your computer and privacy are at risk. Cybercriminals also utilize such malware to collect the personal information of users to show targeted ads to earn more clicks and redirections. However, forced redirections are also very common with threats like this. Whenever you search for anything, your browser will start getting redirected to multiple phishing sites with deceptive ads.

Protectio7 is simply a domain and not malware itself but it is used for malicious purposes by cyber crooks. So it is being put as a rogue site that risks your system security and privacy. It shows lots of ads and pop-ups and keeps redirecting your browser to other dangerous websites. This nasty redirect virus can bring other harmful malware to your system and also steal your personal data by spying on your online activities.

How does it infect your PC?

Threats like Protectio7 can intrude into your system in various ways. Most of the time you won’t even be able to detect them until they start doing their malicious activities. Bundled freeware programs are still one of the major sources of malware distribution. Most of the free programs that you download from unreliable websites contain malicious attachments that silently get installed on your system.

Clicking on fake and misleading advertisement redirect your browser to harmful sites that trigger malware download automatically. You won’t even notice and your PC will get infected by threats like Protectio7 virus. So do not click on any suspicious links or pop-up ads that look shady or offer deals that are too good. Hackers often create such fake promotions to lure innocent users.

Spam emails offering deals or promotions are also used to spread malware. They often contain links or attachments to explain the offer. Do not click on such links or attachments because they might carry threats like Ransomware or Trojans.

Downloading pirated software, games, hacks or illegal patches can also bring malware to your system. They simply contain Trojan or hack tools to spoof the licensing. Peer-to-peer file sharing and browsing torrent or porn sites can also cause redirection to malicious sites that can trigger malware download on your computer automatically.

Protectio7: Threat Analysis

Name Protectio7
Type Redirect Virus
Threat Level High (source to distribute other harmful threats).
Symptoms Users can experience changes in their browsers and excessive amounts of annoying pop-up ads.
Distribution It could be distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Damage It can modify browsers, show unwanted Ads, steal personal info, and bring other threats.
Removal Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware

Why it is dangerous?

Protectio7 is a rogue site that promotes other dubious and harmful websites. It would start a chain reaction in your system where one threat will bring several other viruses. Most regular anti-virus programs fail to detect such threats and hence your system will be completely defenseless. All your browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, IE, Opera, etc. will be compromised. Your searches will often get redirected to malicious sites and your personal information will be stolen.

Your details will be used to show more ads on your system suited to your interest. It will lead to more clicks on ads and probably more threats to your system. Your data can also be used by hackers in illegal online activities and you may face problems like identity theft or bank fraud. Very soon your computer will become completely useless and you might lose all your data in a ransomware attack. So it is advised to remove Protectio7 virus from your computer before any major issues.

How To Remove Protectio7

Follow this guide carefully to remove this virus completely from your system. Below you can find step-by-step instructions on how to effectively get rid of this nasty threat easily. Removal of threats like Protectio7 Virus is never easy, so we have simplified the process for you in several small steps.

Quick Summary of Removal Instructions:

  1. Automatic Protectio7 Removal Guide
  2. Manual Protectio7 Removal Guide
  3. Start PC in Safe Mode With Networking
  4. Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
  5. Uninstall Virus From Windows Control Panel
  6. Remove Virus From Windows Registry Editor
  7. Remove Protectio7 From Browser
  8. Prevent Protectio7 Virus in Future

Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the removal process because you may need to restart your PC or browser.

Automatic Protectio7 Removal Guide

It can be hectic to remove threats from an infected PC but the use of powerful Anti-Malware can make it quite easy. SpyHunter anti-malware can help you to remove Trojan, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, PUPs, etc. easily. You can scan your system for Protectio7 virus, and all other hidden threats at once. All you need to do is to download this software and run a new scan on your PC.

It will find all the threats and viruses in no time and save you lots of time and effort. This amazing software also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware definition updates make it most effective against the latest attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • You will begin by downloading the software on your system for which you have to click on the below download button.

Geek’s Recommendation

Threats like Protectio7 keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

  • Once the software has been downloaded, double-click on SpyHunter-Installer.exe to install the Anti-Malware program on your PC and proceed with the setup.

double clickAllow access

  • After installation, you will need to launch the Anti-Malware application. From the welcome screen click on the Start Scan Now button to initiate a new scan of your PC.

Scan for Protectio7

  • Once the scanning process begins, it will take some time to run a thorough diagnostic of your PC and find all hidden threats and malware.

Scan for Protectio7

  • Soon you will find a complete list of all the threats on your system screen. Then you will need to click on the Next button to delete all the viruses.

Remove Protectio7

Manual Protectio7 Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal

Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin manual removal:

  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
  2. That you know your way around PC and  all necessary processes and applications;
  3. You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during virus removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware which is totally secure and efficient method.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Start PC in safe mode with networking

  • Click on the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to open the Windows Run Box.
  • Now you will need to type in MSConfig and then click the OK button.
  • The System configuration settings box will appear on your computer screen.
  • Click on the Boot tab, check the Safe Boot option, and select the network box,
  • Finally, you will have to click on Apply and then press the OK button.

Safe boot

Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager

  • Open the Windows Rub box again on your PC by pressing the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard.
  • This time you will have to type in taskmgr and then click the OK button to open Windows Task Manager. Look for any unknown or malicious running on your system.
  • Select the process which is taking lots of systems resources and then click on the End Task button.

Stop Protectio7 related task

Uninstall Protectio7 from Control Panel

  • Again you will need to open the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • This time you need to open the Windows Control Panel, so type in appwiz.cpl and then click the OK button.
  • Programs and Features windows will appear on your computer screen with a list of all the installed applications.
  • Now you need to look for any unknown or Protectio7 virus related program and then Uninstall it from your PC.

Remove Protectio7

Remove Protectio7 From Registry Editor

  • Again open the Windows Run Box on your PC by using the Windows and R keys.
  • To open the Windows Registry Editor, type in Regedit and click the OK button.
  • Now you will have to find the virus related registry files and remove them.
  • Press CTRL and F keys together on the keyboard to start a Find query.
  • Type Protectio7 and click on Find Next button to find malicious entries and delete them.

Remove Protectio7 related registry

Warning: Meddling with Windows Registry files might not be a good idea if you don’t have advanced knowledge about registry files. Deleting the wrong file can break down your entire system. Proceed at your own risk, or just skip this step. You can choose the Automatic Removal method and avoid all the problems.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Remove Protectio7 From Browser

Most of the time, threats like this make several changes to the browser which helps it to track victims’ online activities. They use browser hijacking capabilities to show ads, offers, alerts, and notifications or steal the personal information of the victim. It is important to completely remove the virus from the browser or it may come back. Follow the below steps to remove this infection from your browser.

Remove Protectio7 From Google Chrome

Note: Type or copy-paste – chrome://extensions in the URL bar of Google Chrome then press the ENTER button to open the extensions page directly or follow the below steps.

  • First, launch the Google Chrome browser then go to the upper right corner and click on the Menu (â‹®) option.
  • You will see a drop-down menu, select the More tools option and then choose the Extensions option.
  • Find the malicious extensions related to the Protectio7 virus from the Chrome extensions page and then click the trash can icon to remove them completely.

Remove Protectio7 From Google Chrome

Eliminate Protectio7 From Mozilla Firefox

Note: Type or copy-paste – about:addons in the URL bar, Firefox then hit ENTER button to open the extensions page directly or follow the below steps.

  • This time launch the Mozilla Firefox browser and take your mouse to the upper right corner and click on Menu (☰) option.
  • Firefox drop-down menu will appear on your screen then click on the Add-ons option.
  • Choose the Extensions option from the left side menu to see the list of installed extensions on your browser.
  • Look for any suspicious or unknown extensions related to the Protectio7 virus and then uninstall them by clicking on the Remove button.

Remove Protectio7 From Mozilla Firefox

Remove Protectio7 From Microsoft Edge

  • Edge users will launch their MS Edge browser, go to the upper right corner and click on More Tools (â‹®) option.
  • Again to see the list of all installed extensions, click on the Extensions option from the Edge drop-down menu.
  • Find the Protectio7 or any potentially harmful extension and then click on the Uninstall button to remove it.

Remove Protectio7 From Microsoft Edge

Remove Protectio7 From Apple Safari

  • If you use the Safari browser then launch it and click on the Safari menu then tap on the Preferences option.
  • Now just click on the Extensions tab to see the list of all installed extensions on your browser.
  • Find Protectio7 or any virus related or malicious extensions then click on Uninstall button.
  • Finally, again click the Uninstall button to remove the extension completely.

Remove Protectio7 From Apple Safari

Delete Protectio7 From Internet Explorer

  • Internet Explorer users also need to click on the Menu option from the upper right corner.
  • When the browser’s drop-down list appears, select the manage Add-ons option to see all installed extensions.
  • If you find Protectio7 or any unknown and malicious extensions then remove them by clicking on Disable button.

Remove Protectio7 From Internet Explorer

Reset Browser Setting to Default

Once you remove Protectio7 from your browser, you might want to reset the browser to default settings to reset any changes made by the virus. Follow the below steps for that :

Google Chrome Web Browser Reset

  • First, you need to open Chrome’s settings option by clicking on the Menu (â‹®) from the upper right corner.
  • You will find a Reset and Clean up option from the left side menu, click on it.
  • Now you need to click on the Restore settings to their original defaults option from your screen.
  • Finally, give your confirmation by clicking on the Reset Settings button to reset your chrome browser.

Reset chrome

Mozilla Firefox Browser Reset

  • Launch your Mozilla Firefox browser then go to the upper right corner and click on Menu (☰) option.
  • A drop-down menu will appear then click on the Help option to open the Firefox help menu.
  • Now click on the More troubleshooting information option.
  • Press the Refresh Firefox button and when the system prompts then again give confirmation by clicking on the Refresh Firefox.

Refresh Firefox

MS Edge Browser Reset

  • Launch your Microsoft Edge browser then take your mouse to the upper right corner and click on More Tools (…) option.
  • When the Edge drop-down menu appears, scroll down until you see the Settings option and click on it.
  • Click on the Reset Settings option from the left side menu and then click on the Restore settings to their default values option.
  • Finally, when the system prompts you to verify click on the Reset button.

Reset Edge

Reset Safari To Default

  • Safari users need to open their browser and tap on the Safari menu then select the Reset Safari option.
  • Select what you want to clear or you can simply check all the boxes and then finally click on the Reset button.

Reset Safari To Default

Reset Internet Explorer Browser

  • To reset the Internet Explorer browser first click on the Menu icon and hit Internet options.
  • Now you will need to click on the Advanced tab and then click the Reset button.
  • Check the Delete personal settings option, and again hit the Reset button.

Reset Internet Explorer Browser

Prevent Protectio7 in Future

  • Get a powerful Anti-Malware or Anti-virus to fight cyber threats. Free versions do not offer the best protection and cracked security programs can do more damage than good.
  • Always keep your Windows firewall active, and your OS updated along with other important programs. Only download updates from official sites or reliable sources.
  • Check HTTPS before entering your email, password, credit card details, etc. to any site. Do not visit sites that do not have SSL security. Also, don’t forget to Enable Phishing and Malware protection in Browser.
  • Do not download or install any type of pirated software, games, or illegal patches. Avoid using shady sites to acquire freeware programs because they often use software bundling. Never install a program that asks you to inactivate your anti-virus software.
  • Avoid opening spam emails from unknown senders.  Always scan all the email attachments before opening them. Never click on any suspicious links with some too good to be true offers.
  • Connecting your PC or mobile devices to unsafe public Wi-Fi is not a good idea. You can also avoid unwanted threats coming from malicious sites by using a VPN to spoof your connection.
  • Keep regular backups of all your important data on external hard drives or cloud drives to avoid data loss in case of a ransomware attack. Also, create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

Leave a Comment