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What Is Wave Browser And How to Get Rid of It?

Curious to know what is Wavebrowser? Wondering whether it’s a safe and reliable browsing tool? Well, brace yourself for a reality check, because Wave Browser isn’t quite what it seems.

Not only does it collect your personal data, like your browsing and search history, but it also bombards you with invasive ads and ad-supported browser extensions. Sound pretty frustrating, huh?

In this blog post, we’re about to do some research on Wave Browser – from what it is, to how to remove it, and even explore some way better alternatives.

What is the Wave browser?

Well, everything we know points to the Wave browser being nothing but an impostor. It may look and operate like your everyday Chromium-based browser, but beneath the surface, it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. To be precise, a PUP — potentially unwanted program.

Let’s break down what we mean by “potentially unwanted program”. This term encompasses software that sneaks onto your device either by accident or through your intentional installation but then proceeds to throw a curveball with its unexpected and unwanted behaviors. PUPs reside in the gray area between legitimate software and full-blown malware — they might not be inherently malicious, but they can certainly wreak havoc on your device.

Now, when it comes to the Wave browser, it doesn’t play by the rules of fairness. Instead, it opens the door to a host of problems. This includes leaving your device vulnerable to malware, bombarding you with intrusive ads, tampering with your browsing settings, and slyly gathering your data.

But wait, here’s the twist – on paper, the Wave browser paints a very different picture. Its privacy policy boldly claims to “exceed most existing privacy standards,” while its homepage boasts of providing “guaranteed anonymity of your data.”

The Wave browser isn’t content with just misleading you with its promises; it also employs a clever strategy by mimicking the appearance of other well-known browsers. Its user interface mirrors the Chromium source code, giving it an uncanny resemblance to Google Chrome. The color scheme of its logo bears a striking resemblance to Microsoft Edge, and even its name seems to borrow a leaf from the playbook of privacy-focused browsers like Brave.

Don’t be fooled, though — the Wave browser has no genuine affiliation with any of the browsers it mimics.

How does Wave browser operate?

Now let’s sort out the inner workings of the Wave browser: from the moment it sneaks onto your device to the struggle of removing it.

Download

The Wave browser can infiltrate your device through a couple of cunning avenues:

You might intentionally download it, believing it to be a secure and anonymous browsing tool.
Alternatively, it could hitch a ride with some other software you downloaded, sneakily bundled in without your awareness.

Detection Evasion

In its early days, the Wave browser managed to slip under the radar of most antivirus tools, slyly avoiding the “malicious” label. But times have changed, and now, many reputable malware protection tools will flag the Wave browser as a potentially unwanted program, giving you a heads-up.

Installation

During installation, the Wave browser plays its cards deviously. It may try to deceive you into importing your settings and data, such as browsing history and cookie preferences, from your default browser. Additionally, it may attempt to snatch the title of your default browser, tweak your browsing settings, or even slip in some malicious extensions onto your other browsers.

Operation

Once it’s comfortably settled in, the Wave browser masquerades as your run-of-the-mill browser, mimicking the appearance of other Chromium-based counterparts.

You can use it for your online searches and website visits just like any other browser. But here’s the catch — the search engine and its results primarily serve the Wave browser’s interests, not yours. It thrusts paid advertising-laden websites in your face, earning itself a tidy commission with every click you make.

And that’s not all: it keeps a watchful eye on your online activities, gathering data about your search queries and visited websites, hijacking your search results, and meticulously curating the ads you encounter.

Removal

The real challenge emerges when you decide to bid adieu to the Wave browser. Unless you meticulously remove every trace it has left on your device, be prepared for a relentless battle — this browser has a knack for resurrecting itself if you miss even a single file.

How to tell if you have a PUP on your device?

How can you spot the Wave browser lurking on your device? Keep an eye out for these telltale signs.

Unwanted popups and intrusive ads

If your browsing experience is plagued by a barrage of popup ads and intrusive advertising, especially while using the Wave browser or other browsers it has infiltrated, it’s a red flag. Potentially unwanted programs often operate like adware, bombarding you with unwanted ads.

Homepage and search engine shenanigans

Have you noticed a sudden change in your web browser’s homepage or default search engine? This could be the Wave browser’s handiwork. It stealthily takes over as your default browsing tool or installs a browser hijacker to hijack your browser settings.

Mysterious browser extensions or add-ons

Keep an eye on your browser’s extensions or add-ons. The Wave browser has a knack for sneaking in third-party plugins onto your legitimate browsers. These extensions typically act like browser hijackers, redirecting you to websites that line the Wave browser’s pockets.

Frequent redirects

Do you find yourself inexplicably redirected to specific websites when opening new tabs or clicking on search engine results? That’s another sign of the Wave browser and its accompanying malicious extensions at work.

Sluggish performance

If your device’s performance takes a nosedive, blame it on the Wave browser. It can run surreptitiously in the background, gobbling up system resources, leading to sluggish response times and decreased overall performance.

Removal roadblocks

Last but not least, the most telling sign of all — the Wave browser’s tenacity in resisting removal. The usual process of uninstalling software might not always do the trick, leaving you in a frustrating battle to bid this unwanted guest farewell.

How to uninstall Wave browser from your device?

Here’s where it gets tricky. Removing Wave browser from your device is no walk in the park. It’s going to require a bit of technical maneuvering, but it’s the only way to bid farewell to this pesky impostor program. Let’s start with how to uninstall the Wave browser on a Windows computer.

How to uninstall Wave browser from Windows

1. Access installed apps

Right-click on the Windows icon located in the taskbar and select “Installed apps.”

2. Locate the Wave browser

In the list of installed software, find the Wave browser. Once you’ve spotted it, click on the three-dot icon next to it. This will initiate the removal process to uninstall the malicious browser from your Windows device.

3. Access Task Manager

Right-click on the Windows taskbar and open “Task Manager.”

You’ll be presented with a list of apps and background processes running on your device. Go through this list and select all processes associated with the Wave browser.

Right-click your selection and opt for “Open file location.” This action will lead you to the Wave browser’s folder. Make sure to permanently delete everything contained within it.

4. End task

Right-click on the Wave browser process once more and select “End task.”

Repeat these last two steps for all processes linked to the Wave browser.

5. Manage startup apps

Head over to the “Startup apps” tab within the “Task Manager.” If you still see any reference to the Wave browser, right-click on it and choose “Disable.”

6. Registry editor

Hold down the Windows key and press “R” to open the “Run” window. In the empty field, type “regedit” and press “Ok.”

While in the system registry editor, hold the CTRL key and press “F” to initiate a search. Type in “wave” and click “Find next.” Remove any files related to the Wave browser in the registry.

7. Malware scan

Finally, to ensure no lingering traces of the Wave browser remain on your device, run a comprehensive malware scan.

These steps should help you effectively uninstall the Wave browser from your Windows computer. Now, let’s explore how to do the same on a Mac.

How to uninstall Wave browser from Mac

Wave browser can also find their way onto macOS devices. Luckily, removing them is usually a bit easier compared to the Windows counterpart. You can follow the same steps you would take when uninstalling any other application.

Access applications

Click on the Finder icon in the taskbar.
Select “Applications” from the left-side menu. This will display a list of software installed on your Mac.

Delete Wave browser

Locate the Wave browser in the list of applications.
Right-click on the Wave browser and choose “Move to bin” to initiate the uninstallation process.

Empty the bin

After moving the Wave browser to the bin, right-click on the bin icon in the taskbar.
Select “Empty bin” to permanently delete the Wave browser from your Mac.

Run a malware scan

For added security, it’s a good idea to run a malware scan on your Mac to ensure that no remnants of the Wave browser are left behind.

These straightforward steps should help you rid your Mac of the Wave browser and ensure your device remains free from its intrusive presence.

How to reset your browser’s settings after a PUP removal

After successfully removing the Wave browser from your system, it’s essential to take some additional steps to ensure your browser is back to its secure and default state, especially if the Wave browser tampered with your settings or installed suspicious extensions on other browsers.

Resetting browser settings

Chrome. Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://settings/reset. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults” and confirm by clicking “Reset settings.”
Firefox. Launch Firefox and go to about:support. Click “Refresh Firefox” and confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox.”
Edge. In Edge, access edge://settings/reset, then click “Reset settings to their default values” and confirm by clicking “Reset.”
Opera. Open Opera, click on “Settings,” then select “Advanced,” and scroll down to “Reset settings to their original defaults.” Confirm by clicking “Reset.”
Safari. Resetting Safari can be a bit more involved. To return it to factory settings, you’ll need to clear the Safari cache and history, remove extensions, and manually delete bookmarks and plugins. You can expedite the process using Terminal commands or opt for a complete Safari deletion and reinstallation.

Removing suspicious extensions

To remove any lingering suspicious extensions that may have been left behind.

Chrome. Visit chrome://extensions/ and click “Remove” next to every add-on you don’t recognize or remember installing.
Firefox. Access about:addons, click the three-dot icon, and select “Remove” next to each extension you can’t identify.
Edge. Head to edge://extensions/ and click “Remove” next to any add-on you don’t remember installing.
Opera. Open Opera’s menu by clicking on the Opera logo icon, go to “Extensions,” and click “Remove” next to any add-on that looks unfamiliar.
Safari. In Safari, open the “Safari” menu, click “Safari Extensions,” select the “Extensions” tab, and click “Uninstall” next to every add-on you can’t place.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your browser’s settings are back to their default and secure state, and any suspicious extensions are removed, leaving your online experience free from unwanted intrusions.

Securing your device from PUPs

Okay, we’ve learned how to recognize a threat and how to deal with it. Now let’s work out a strategy that will prevent any PUPs, including the elusive Wave browser, from sneaking their way back onto your device.

Be wary of download sources

Avoid downloading software from suspicious or unfamiliar websites. Stick to official sources, reputable app stores, or trusted software repositories to reduce the risk of encountering infected or malicious files or bundled PUPs.

Steer clear of suspicious links

Exercise caution when clicking on links in emails, messages, advertisements, or on unfamiliar websites. These links can lead you to malicious sites designed to trick you into downloading harmful software.

Use ad blockers

Malicious programs are often spread through deceptive ads. Utilize an ad blocker to shield yourself from harmful ads and accidental clicks.

Here are the best 8 adblockers of 2023. Choose your fighter and it will shield you from annoying pop-up ads and activity trackers.

Pay attention during installation

The Wave browser and similar PUPs often sneak in through bundled installations. Avoid blindly clicking through the installation wizard without reviewing what you’re agreeing to. Opt for the custom or advanced installation mode if available, allowing you to scrutinize and opt out of additional software.

Enable automatic updates

Keep your operating system, web browsers, and other software up to date. Regular updates often include critical security patches that safeguard your device against vulnerabilities exploited by malware.

Employ anti-malware software

Install reliable malware protection software to detect and block potentially malicious software. Regularly update your antivirus software and run full system scans to ensure maximum protection.

Review installed software

Regularly audit the software installed on your devices. Unnecessary programs increase your vulnerability, so uninstall any applications you no longer use or recognize.

Bottomline

No one is immune to spam emails, phishing links, or annoying pop-up ads. We all encounter them now and then. Sometimes, in our rush to install new browsers or apps, we might overlook potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that sneak in during the installation process.

Wave is one such threat, known for hijacking browsers, capturing private information, and increasing the risk of malware infection. To protect your privacy and security, uninstall Wave browser and remove its extensions from Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Stick to these trusted browsers to avoid PUPs.

Keep your cybersecurity knowledge up-to-date and explore more tips on online safety at HQ VPN’s blog.