BitGuard is a potentially unwanted program that gets installed on the computer without user’s approval. This malware from Performersoft also loads BitGuard Toolbar into the browser through add-ons or plug-ins. Comes with its scope is to replace the home page with its own page and configure unknown search engine to be the default one. However, not all BitGuard installation is successful because some security programs can block its actions before it can harm the computer.
If it was complete installed, BitGuard intends to deliver ads once user starts to surf the web. It was made to work with popular browsers like Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Overall, this unwanted program was made to provide advertising revenue for the creator.
Most of the time, BitGuard infiltrate the computer via another program. It is bundled to shareware that are made online without any cost for download and usage. Without any idea, users will just see the presence of BitGuard without knowing where it came from. This is why most computer users deemed BitGuard as virus.
BitGuard was intentionally made to protect the browser against malicious entities. It claims to block unknown browser extension and add-on, malware, adware, and browser hijacker. But in the end, it seems that BitGuard is a threat that can endanger not only your Internet browser, but online privacy as well.
You must be warned that possible malware is identified with BitGuard. Antivirus scanners flagged it as Win32:BProtect-A [PUP] (avast!), APPL/BProtector.Gen (Avira AntiVir), PUP.Optional.PerformerSoft.A (Malwarebytes), BProtector (Sophos), and ADW_BITBROWSE (Trend Micro).
How to Remove BitGuard Malware
Stage 1: Scan the Computer with ESET Rogue Application Remover (ERAR)
1. Download the free scanner called ESET Rogue Application Remover.
Download Link for ERAR (this will open a new window)
2. Choose appropriate version for your Windows System. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start the program. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file ERARemover_.exe.
4. On ESET Rogue Application Remover SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS, click Accept to continue.
5. The tool will start scanning the computer. It will prompt when it finds BitGuard and other malicious entities. Follow the prompt to proceed with the removal.
Stage 2: Double-check for BitGuard’ leftover with Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool
1. Download the free scanner called Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Malicious Software Removal Tool Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. The tool automatically checks the operating system and suggest appropriate download version. Click on Download button to begin. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start scanning for BitGuard. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.
4. The tool will display Welcome screen, click Next. Please note the message “This tool is not a replacement for an antivirus product.” You must understand that this program is made specifically to find and remove malware, viruses, Trojans, and other harmful elements on the computer. It was not designed to protect the computer.
5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all BitGuard entities and other harmful files left on the computer will be found and removed. For advanced computer user, you can opt for Customized Scan, if there are other drives or folders you wanted to include in this scan.
6. Full scan may take a while, please wait for Malicious Software Removal Tool to complete the tasks. However, you may cancel the scan anytime by clicking on the Cancel button.
7. After scanning, the tool will reveal all identified threats. There may be other threats that our first scan fails to detect. Please remove/delete all detected items.
8. When removal procedure is complete, you may now close Malicious Software Removal Tool. We hope that BitGuard have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.
