If you suspect that your Chrome browser is infected with malware, you should take immediate action to remove it to protect your computer and data. Here are the steps you can follow to remove malware from a Chrome browser:
- Update Chrome: Make sure that your Chrome browser is up to date. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. To update Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, go to “Help,” and then select “About Google Chrome.” Chrome will check for updates and install them if available.
- Disable Suspicious Extensions: Malware often comes in the form of browser extensions. To check and disable extensions:
a. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and go to “More tools” > “Extensions.”
b. Review the list of installed extensions. If you see any unfamiliar or suspicious ones, click “Remove” to uninstall them.
c. Be cautious about any extensions that promise free games, software, or other too-good-to-be-true offers.
- Reset Chrome Settings:
a. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, go to “Settings.”
b. Scroll down to the bottom and click “Advanced.”
c. Scroll down again to find the “Reset and clean up” section and click “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
d. Click “Reset settings” to confirm. This will reset your Chrome settings to their default state.
- Scan for Malware with Security Software:
a. Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your computer for malware. Install one if you don’t have it already.
b. Run a full system scan to detect and remove any malware that may have infected your computer.
- Clear Browsing Data:
a. In Chrome’s settings, go to “Privacy and security” > “Clear browsing data.”
b. Select the time range (you can choose “All time” to clear all data).
c. Check the boxes for “Browsing history,” “Cookies and other site data,” and “Cached images and files.”
d. Click “Clear data” to remove this information from your browser.
- Change Passwords: If you suspect your login credentials have been compromised, change your passwords for important online accounts, especially those related to banking, email, and social media.
- Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system, browser, and all software up to date to prevent future infections.
- Be Cautious: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from untrusted sources, or opening email attachments from unknown senders.
If you have followed these steps and still believe that malware persists on your system, consider seeking help from a professional computer technician or IT expert, as the infection may be more deeply rooted and require advanced removal techniques. Additionally, always make sure to back up important data regularly to prevent data loss in case of a malware infection or other issues.