WHat is Shield+ Browser?

Recently our malware researchers issued a warning regarding the Shield+ a.k.a. Shield+ Browser – they performed a thorough investigation and concluded that even though Shield+ claims to provide 100% Ads Free Browsing Experience, it should be classified as a dangerous adware and/or a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP).  The majority of the reputable security experts are claiming that the Shield+ is nothing more then an adware web client. The Shield+ Browser is advertised to offer secure shopping experience and to incorporate advanced shopping extensions for customer convenience. However, several researchers warned that Shield+ was packed with additional adware, which was capable of intercepting Facebook likes and Twitter comments. Furthermore, our security research team warned us that the Shield+ Ads are caused by a malicious browser extension and our security experts are sure that Shield+ Browser is just another ad-supported browser software, based on the Chromium open source project, and it will try & use all kinds of malicious tricks, just to make a bit more cash for its developers by showing/streaming sponsor ads and/or links. This type of malicious application is usually distributed via questionable or even suspicious software bundles, configured to perform a silent or stealth installation to hide additional installs from the users. Once installed, the Shield+ will start showing lots of intrusive ads on almost every websites, that you have requested. The adware will start collecting various browsing data, including browsing history, web searches, account credentials, tracking cookies as well as other sensitive private information and then it will share/sale with/to other 3rd party companies, which will later use the collected data for marketing purposes. Our security experts concluded that Shield+ uses a malicious browser extension, capable of injecting web ads code directly into almost every webpage you visit, which would lead to modification of the site design and content – especially, regarding the search results by the major search engines on the Net! Once installed, Shield+ could modify windows registry database and browsers’ settings, making the recovery even harder. If you start getting various web ads, claiming that they are – “By Shield+”, “Ads by Shield+”, “Shield+ Ads”, “Powered by Shield+”, “Brought by Shield+” or “Brought to you by Shield+” – you should consider your computer infected. Our security researchers strongly advise to perform a full system malware scan with some up-to-date, reputable and reliable anti-malware software product, just like SpyHunter 4.

Generally, users that have it installed on their systems might experience various pop-up or pop-under ads, coupon boxes, banners, search suggestion windows, link advertisements or other commercials, displayed on popular web pages. The victim should consider, that the search results are compromised as well, most likely overloaded with spam and other third-party advertising.

Shield+ is usually bundled with some other free ad-supported software products and is being installed by default, when the user accepts the EULA, while performing an express/recommended installation of that software bundle. The possible distribution of Shield+ varies, but is not limited to – installing third-party toolbars, free software products, video editing software, codecs, downloading e-mail attachments, clicking on ads or banners etc..

The main purpose of Shield+ is to generate as much traffic as possible to certain domains, which could easily be monetized via one of the many online marketing platforms. Please note, that the creators of such or similar adware or malware would collect information that might be used to track your browsing habits, however often they collect much more then your web search history. Shield+ may use cookies and other relevant techniques, that might be used to collect private data like account information, username, passwords, financial information including credit card and bank account numbers etc. That’s why this malware infection should not be left unattended, and needs to be terminated immediately, as it is a serious threat to your private data and online security.