Web Companion | Web Companion Lavasoft

20 Jul 2020

A web companion is not an antivirus but protects internet users from malicious websites, data tracking, phishing scams and advertisements. It is based on the fast, adaptive, selective online pre-fetching strategy developed on round-trip times for web resources. Therefore, it is potentially an undesirable program designed to deliver advertisements.

Such PUPS modify the Windows Registry and introduce unwanted system changes that impede system functions. However, you can scan the machine using a repair tool to reverse the modifications made by such apps.

What Is Web Companion Lavasoft?

Adaware(or Lavasoft) developed Web Companion, a software program. The most common release was 4.2.1846.3481, which accounted for over 33% of all installations.

During setup, the program automatically creates a Windows registry entry that starts when the user boots the PC. After installation, it installs a Windows Service that runs continuously in the background.

It is a strategy that hides access latencies for slow resources while limiting network and server overhead and restricting local resource consumption to moderate levels.

It was designed to provide an additional security layer against Adware, but it is a PUP that is installed with shareware and freeware programs. The executable file is called Lavasoft. AdAware. dll.

The setup comprises 58 files, estimated to be 12 MB in total, and runs on Windows 7 or Windows 10 (SP1). 53% of the Web Companion's users are from the US, and it is also very popular in the UK and Germany.

However, it cannot be trusted and exhibits suspicious protection, misleading the victim into believing that bogus viruses have infected their systems.

Furthermore, it disrupts browsing by displaying unwanted pages or ads and actively prompts users to purchase paid versions to eliminate the inconvenience caused by such ads. At the same time, security experts do not consider it worth investing in.

It restricts browsing in the following manner -

It posts fake virus detection alerts.
It misleads users into purchasing a premium version to obtain enhanced security.
It pushes victims to use paid features and get additional add-ons.
Manually stopping the service can stop the function, although it also adds a background controller service that runs automatically.
Users can delay service startup by modifying the Service Manager settings.
A Scheduled Task is added to the Windows Task Scheduler to launch the program at various scheduled times. The App developers accept that it has been distributed through bundling. The FAQ section of the App states that it appears on the user's computer without explicit permission and begins operating on the system.

What is an AdAware Web Companion?

The AD Adware Web Companion is an internet plugin that claims to provide a secure browsing experience. Users of Internet Explorer & Mozilla Firefox may download it for anti-phishing protection. In addition, it can block sites that try to steal information by impersonating trusted websites.

It is designed to protect passwords, credit card information, and other personal information from unauthorised access. Such an application can also block the latest viruses before other antivirus companies can detect, analyse, or provide a fix for them.

It can be integrated into Google Chrome, but Google has independently preferred to prevent programs from altering the homepage and search settings. It also prevents security products from performing certain functions on the browser.

AdAware Web Companion has been added to the Potentially Unwanted Programs list because it employs stealth techniques to install itself and promote the licensed version. The program's behaviour is suspicious and may cause issues for the user, who may find it difficult to uninstall it.

What Is A Web Companion App?

It is an internet security tool that uses the older HTTP protocol on its official website and does not have an HTTPS certificate. Browsers such as Google Chrome mark older extensions as "not secure." It is a free tool that lacks a secure encryption protocol.

Browser hijacking is another issue. The web companion can be installed in the default web browser to manage and replace the old browser. The web companion may prompt you to change the settings several times.

It states that the software can protect against rogue websites, intrusive ads, data tracking and phishing scams, but users get notifications about detected threats from the App immediately after the first scan.

The alerts do not expire, and the user is inundated with virus and threat alerts that impede their browsing experience.

Unfortunately, it creates additional advertisements, and the associated software is not considered trustworthy.

It is suspected that such apps are developed to generate revenue by tricking people into believing that their computers have been infected. Hence, it is advised to uninstall them from Windows 7, 10, or another OS.

Is Web Companion Software?

Adware developed the web companion software, which functions like antivirus software (formerly called Lavasoft). However, it is classified as a PUA (potentially unwanted application) because it is inadvertently installed and can automatically modify browser settings.

During installation, the installer may request permission to modify settings, and users can skip the installation. Still, most agree to the terms without understanding the associated risks of such installations.

Allowing such an App to change settings can result in a default search engine, a new tab URL, and homepage options being assigned to one of the websites.

What Is FIFA Web Companion?

FIFA web companion is available on the Apple App Store, Google Play, and the web. However, it is accessible only on a laptop or desktop web browser. The file size is approximately 78MB for iOS and 32 MB for Android.

For using the FIFA web companion -

The registered account holder must log in to the App using the email address associated with the account (registered to the FUT 23 (Year Number) club or to the FUT 18 returning user account).
The user must enable verification, which helps secure the account, and then enter all registration and participation details.
The user may be asked to enter the "answer to the security question."
The user cannot access the account when logged in through the console or PC version. Instead, they may need to log out and restart the machine to access the main FIFA menu or use the web option.
The App lets the user manage the FUT Club and prepare "your squad for the next big match", where you sign in to your next on the Transfer Market or redeem the rewards to the next level.

The App and the console are fully integrated. For example, to access the FUT Transfer Market in the Web App and Companion App, one may need to play FUT on the console for a few days.

After playing, the system will check the account and unlock Transfer Market access if the account status is good. It will also send an email.

How To Uninstall (Remove) Web Companion?

Since such apps are unintentionally installed on the PC, marketers use the "bundling" method to trick users into downloading and installing the potentially harmful software application.

Of course, many users wish to uninstall such apps, but they are designed to remain hidden and will not appear in the Custom or Advanced settings of the download or installation process.

The setting files will not appear as PUAs, as the features must be properly disclosed. Users may need help recognising the risks associated with such downloads/ installations; many skip steps, yet the installation still proceeds.

To avoid the installation of Web Companion -

Review all Custom and Advanced settings and deselect any unwanted applications.
Avoid downloading apps from malicious third-party providers or untrustworthy or unofficial sites.
Check the list of Installed programs on the computer. Uninstall software or apps that appear suspicious and automatically run a malware scan to eliminate it.

Cybercriminals may invest time and money in ad design and post intrusive advertisements that appear legitimate; once clicked, they can redirect users to sites that automatically download unwanted content.

If you experience such redirects, check for unwanted extensions, add-ons, or plugins installed on your browsers.

How To Uninstall Web Companion Unwanted Application?

To remove the Web Companion, press the Control + Shift + Escape button (CTRL + SHIFT + ESC) and run the Task Manager to determine whether the DLL file is running. Then select the End Task option to terminate the file.

Then go to the Start button and type Apppp & features to locate the Apppp and uninstall it from the settings.

For Mac OS X, you can find it in the Applications folder. Click the Finder, select the App, drag it to the Trash, and then empty the Trash.

Remove rogue extensions from browser settings, especially if you get unwanted app or site ads. Windows XP users can run the initial. In the cpl command, click the Advanced tab and reset it.

Windows 8 users can click the Gear icon in Internet Explorer to scan for malware and remove it. In IE, check the Advanced tab and Reset default settings, then click the checkbox to delete Personal settings like home pages, temporary internet files, cookies, etc.

In Google Chrome, go to the settings << click Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults). Click the Reset option to remove the malicious files.

In Mozilla Firefox, select Add-ons, then click Extensions to remove all recently installed suspicious browser extensions.

Select Preferences << Click Extensions on Safari to locate and uninstall the suspicious installed files.

On Edge, select Extension and use the Remove button to remove recently installed suspicious browser add-ons.

What Is Web Companion Windows 10?

Web companion software is typically run on Windows 7 or Windows 10. It is an EULA. Lavasoft can collect data about the operating system, such as bit architecture, release, and version, and also obtain information about the applications installed on your device, such as the installation source, display name, version, or location. Such apps have the potential to impact Windows' IP and services.

The machine running such software may face issues like

During setup, a tool creates a Windows registry startup point that enables automatic startup at system boot.
Once installed, it includes the services that run without fail in the background.
Manual stopping can cause the programs to malfunction, although a Background control system continues to run automatically.
Such installations can delay the Controller Service start via the Service Manager.
A Scheduled Task gets added to the Windows Task Scheduler, which launches the program at the scheduled time, depending on the release date/time and version. The primary file associated with the program is Lavasoft. AdAware. dll.]

Is Web Companion A Virus?

ThApppp is classified as a PUA, a program that is not intentionally installed but appears on computer screens. Unfortunately, the developers employ deceptive methods, such as bundling, which often leads to unintentional installation; consequently, users find it difficult to remove.

Users should exercise caution and avoid trusting applications from misleading providers' sites.
It is not intended to harm the user, but the package may contain other PUAs, including apps with attributes such as browser hijackers and Adware.
Many such systems are named X Registry Cleaner, Power PC Care, Advanced Care, etc., and may appear useful. Still, these can reduce browsing speed and quality and deliver unwanted ads, resulting in unwanted redirects.

How To Remove Adaware Web Companion (Uninstall Guide)?

Steps for Web Companionuninstall

Click the Start Menu (Windows 10 users can right-click the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Start Menu).
In the Control Panel, << find Programs.
Either Click "Uninstall a Program" (on Windows Vista/ 7 /8 / 10) or Click "Add to Remove Programs" (on Windows XP).
Choose the Web Companion and remove it.

Only 20 per cent of users can uninstall the App from the device. Moreover, Appe is dangerous software that captures critical data from the machine; therefore, additional malware detection may be required to detect its presence.

For example, one may require sophisticated malware or antivirus software to remove it from the system registry.

How To Uninstall Lavasoft Web Companion?

The software can be installed as part of the free installation package, and its distribution system can be legitimate. However, the user must identify and reject it to prevent its installation via Quick or Recommended installer settings.

You can follow these steps to avoid it -

Use Custom or Advanced installation methods to install any such program, understand the installation steps, and avoid installing a PUA by deselecting preselected checkboxes.
Run a system scan with a professional antivirus after the installation.
Always be careful when installing a program and monitor the installation process to avoid automatically deploying unwanted executables.

Users can choose between automatic and manual methods to remove the Lavasoft web companion. First, open Task Manager to verify whether the application is running on the system. If the software appears in the Program list on the Control Panel, you can search for it to uninstall it.

Experts believe the best way to protect a computer against such executables is to install a reliable antivirus that removes unnecessary applications or software bundles from the system.