What is Lavasoft Web Companion and should it be removed?

The files installed by Lavasoft Web Companion created a software application called Web Companion. The program sets a startup registration point in Windows during installation so that it starts automatically whenever the user turns on their computer.

Background controller service added and set to start automatically. The start time of this service can be delayed using the Service Manager. The scheduled task is loaded into the Windows Task Scheduler to run the program at specified intervals. Please do not confuse it with the Windows Task Manager.

Lavasoft.AdAware.dll is the name of the main executable. The installation package typically installs 58 files and is 11.75 MB in size. The majority of users who have this installed on their PC are using Windows 10 and 7 compared to the total number of users (SP1).

How can I uninstall a web companion?

Manual approach
1. For Windows
2. For Apple Mac
3. Chromium
4. Mozilla Firefox
Automatic method

What is a web companion?

Web Companion is a barrier between your browser and malicious websites and protects your browser settings from unauthorized changes. Ad-Aware Web Companion complements your antivirus and browser protection against the latest and greatest malware.

Software development company Adaware, formerly known as Lavasoft, makes anti-spyware and anti-virus tools, including Adaware Web Companion. In addition, they created Lavasoft Digital Lock, Adaware Ad Block, Adaware File Shredder, Lavasoft Registry Tuner and Lavasoft Privacy Toolbox. The Solaria Foundation acquired Lavasoft in January 2011.

They allegedly sold the starter version of Lavasoft’s security program before eventually acquiring the business. Examples of programs that modify web browsers without user consent include Lavasoft Web and K-Lite Codec PackCompanion.

Is it installed without our knowledge?

There is a significant chance that the app has been downloaded and installed without your knowledge if you are looking for it online. This is because the Web Companion installs on your system without your consent and comes bundled with additional software that you may not have intentionally downloaded.

While the companion claims to protect against viruses and malware, it does little to protect it from malware, the program changes some Internet settings without the user’s knowledge. This does not affect the performance of the computer.

It is classified as a potentially unwanted program due to the way its creators distribute it (PUP). Users usually install these applications without their knowledge, allowing the software to change browser settings.

The official site offers to download Web Companion. However, consumers often install it by mistake. This is due to the “bundling”strategy used by software developers.

Bundling misleads users into installing potentially unwanted programs/applications and other software. Developers often hide these apps in “Custom”, “Advanced”and other relevant settings/download or installation options. The integration of these PUPs into installations is not fully disclosed.

They are easy to miss, especially if you skip the download and installation processes and leave all other settings alone.

How do I know if the web companion is installed?

Once installed, Adaware Web Companion can be very annoying and a serious threat. The program will display pop-ups that claim to protect against the following dangers:

Intrusive adware
Dubious sites
Ponzi schemes
data tracking

You may see many warnings whenever you turn on your computer because these warnings do not have an expiration date for a Windows service. Due to its constant appearance, it significantly degrades the user experience on the Internet.

Unfortunately, the results of the infection check and additional advertising provided by the application are fake.

Files installed by Web Companion (including unwanted extensions)

Lavasoft.AdAware.dll – AdAware
log4net.dll (from Apache Software Foundation) – log4net (Apache log4net for. NET Framework 2.0)
Lavasoft.Utils.dll – Utilities
Ad-Aware Web Companion.exe
Lavasoft.IEController.dll
LogicNP.EZShellExtensions.dll
SmartAssembly.ReportException.dll
SmartExceptionsCore.dll
Lavasoft.SearchProtect.Repositories.dll – SearchProtect.Repositories
Lavasoft.CSharp.Utilities.dll – Lavasoft.CSharp.Utilities
Lavasoft.PUP.Management.dll – Lavasoft.PUP.Management
Lavasoft.SearchProtect.Business.dll – SearchProtect.Business
Lavasoft.adblocker.dll – Lavasoft.adblocker
Lavasoft.SearchProtect.WinService.exe-SPWindowsService
Lavasoft.SysInfo.dll – Lavasoft.SysInfo
Lavasoft.SmartAssemblyUI.dll – customizing the user interface
Lavasoft.SearchProtect.Service.Logger.dll – ServiceLogger
Lavasoft.Utils.SqlLite.dll – Utils.SqlLite
ICSharpCode.SharpZipLib.dll (from ICSharpCode.net) – #ZipLibrary (unmarked version of SharpZipLibrary)
Lavasoft.Automation.dll – Automation (Lavasoft.Automation)
Lavasoft.SearchProtect.WcfService.dll – SPWcfLib
Installer.exe – web companion installer
AASearchCompanion.exe – Search Companion
WebCompanion.exe – Web Companion
WebCompanionExtensionIE.dll
WebCompanionInstaller.exe
WebCompanionWebUI.exe – Web Companion
Interop.LavasoftTcpServiceLib.dll is an assembly imported from a type library.”LavasoftTcpServiceLib‘.
Interop.IWshRuntimeLibrary.dll is an assembly imported from a type library. “IWshRuntimeLibrary”.
Interop.SHDocVw.dll is an assembly imported from a type library.”SHDocVw.’
Interop.Shell32.dll is an assembly imported from a type library.”Shell32‘.

Mapped Behavior

(Download/Login) Scheduled Task
Lavasoft Search Protection.
Tasks are scheduled.
Startup file (starts all users)
Launch files (performed by the user)

1. (Download/Login) Scheduled task

Scheduled task named 1. The service automatically starts WebCompanion.exe when the computer is turned on.

2. Lavasoft search protection.

WinService.exe functions as an IE Search Kit (SearchProtectionService) service.

3. Tasks are planned.

Ad-Aware task 0195D08A-282E-4316-AC5C-0C9D5C2FC7E8 is scheduled for Web Companion.exe (runs upon registration).
Job “B9B2559A-1F16-4795-A5CF-40B0060553DF”is scheduled for WebCompanion.exe (runs on registration).
The task “189A2292-4923-48D4-AC13-9E62F04C0CE1″is scheduled for WebCompanionInstaller.exe (runs upon registration).

4. Launch file (all users are launched)

The “Web Companion”startup file is loaded as C:Program FilesLavasoftWeb CompanionApplication into the All Users Registry (HKLM) as WebCompanion.exe.
Minimize WebCompanion.exe.

5. Launch files (user launch)

WebCompanion.exe is downloaded as an auto-executable binary named “Web Companion”in the Current User Registry (HKCU) and runs as “C:Program FilesLavasoftWeb CompanionApplication”. Minimize WebCompanion.exe.
Ad-Aware Search Companion is loaded as an autostart application named AASearchCompanion.exe in the Current User Registry (HKCU) and runs as C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Web Companion\Application\ AASearchCompanion.exe.

Is Adaware/Lavasoft safe?

Adaware, there are several reasons why Web Companion is dangerous.

Web Companion, an online security application, uses a deprecated HTTP extension on its official website. It does not have HTTPS certificates.
This legacy extension is marked as “not secure”in most browsers, including Google Chrome. The software likely lacks the funding needed to develop more secure encryption methods because it is a free utility.
Browser hijacking is an additional issue that Web Companion users face. Bing will become your primary web browser once you install it.
If you successfully replace the old browser the first time, the web companion will keep asking you to change the settings until it refuses after the third attempt.
Prior to the Superfish incident, it was reported that Lavasoft used Komodia SSL Digester in the Web Companion application.
Experts claim that Komodia SSL Digestor compromises the security of your browser. Its purpose is to decode secure web pages and insert advertisements into them.
The most troubling aspect of Web Companion is that, in accordance with its policy, Lavasoft may share “non-personal”user data with other parties.
Once Web Companion is installed in your browser, anything you post on open platforms cannot be verified as secure or private. As mentioned earlier, the parent company of the program, subsidiaries and other parties may access your personal information.
Lavasoft may collect information about your operating system in accordance with the Web Companion End User License Agreement (release, architecture bitness, version, etc.). May conflict with installed applications. In addition, it may negatively affect the IP address and Windows services.
The most important caveat is that if you are already using a trusted security tool like Malwarebytes, it will quickly identify the application. It is recognized by a wide variety of security devices as follows: PUFF.WebCompanion!, 8.9E98, Riskware/WebCompanion, another version of MSIL/WebCompanion.C Potentially PUA CJ generic (PUA).

Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase reliable security software for your PC. Thus, you can successfully catch fake programs like these.

How can I prevent the installation of the web companion?

Before downloading or installing software, check all “Advanced”, “Custom”and similar settings/options, deselect (opt-out) any unwanted applications, and then complete the process.
Avoid third party downloaders, torrents, and illegal or dubious sources when downloading software.
Use only direct links and authorized websites. Since cybercriminals spend a lot of money on ad design, even the most offensive ads will look legitimate.
However, clicking on them can often take you to suspicious or questionable websites, such as adult dating sites, gambling, or pornography.
If you encounter these referrals or the ads that generate them, check your browser for malicious extensions, add-ons or plugins.
Also check the list of installed programs on your system. Unwanted or questionable entries should be removed.
Methods for removing PUPs are presented in the next section if your machine is already infected.

How can I remove web companions?

1. Manual approach

Follow these steps to start the uninstall process:

(A). For Windows

Search for Control Panel by typing its name in the search box next to the Start Menu button, then click the first result.
In the Programs section of the Control Center window, select Uninstall Software.
Once the Programs and Features window opens, scroll through the list of installed programs until you find the Web Companion program.
Right-click the entry and select the Uninstall option to remove the Web Companion software from your Windows computer.
Click on the Internet Browser Repair option and click the Uninstall button on the next screen.
Wait and wait for the uninstall procedure to complete.

To verify that it was successfully erased, restart your computer.

(b). Apple Mac

Launch “Finder”to remove Web Companion adware on Mac. Go to the desktop and click on the Finder icon in the dock to do so. In the window that appears, select “Applications”.
PS: By default, “Apps”will be listed in your “Favorites”menu.
This will list all applications that are installed directly on your Mac. You can find Web Companion by scrolling down. When you see the trash can icon in the Dock, drag the Web Companion and release it. Then click “Empty Trash”by pressing and holding the trash symbol until the phrase “Empty Trash”appears.
Your computer has been cleared of Web Companion. Even if you don’t have Web Companion on your computer, you can do it, especially if you’ve downloaded unusual stuff from dubious sites.

(With). Using Chrome

It’s important to restart your Chrome web browser to make sure nothing has changed. Chrome’s default settings will be restored.

First, launch Google Chrome and select “Menu”. It will show the Google Chrome home page.
Select “Extensions”under “More Tools”. A list of installed extensions will be displayed. Skip to number three if the plugin is listed as “Installed according to corporate policy”or “Installed by your administrator”.
Uninstall any Chrome extensions that were installed in accordance with corporate policy.
Select the “Settings”option after returning to the Google Chrome menu.
The Chrome settings page will open. The “Advanced”option can be found by scrolling down.
Scroll down and Chrome will show you a screen where you can reset your profile settings.
Next, choose “Reset”from the menu.

After completing this process, your default browser settings for the default search engine, start page, and new tab page will be restored.

D. Firefox

Open Mozilla Firefox and select the Firefox menu item to get started. This will open a menu on the right side of the browser.
Select the help icon (Firefox help button).
From the Help menu, select Troubleshooting Information. You can also type “about support”into your browser’s address bar and press Enter to go to the “Troubleshooting Information”screen.
The Troubleshooting Information page will also appear.
On this screen, click the Refresh Firefox icon in the top right corner. A confirmation dialog box will appear. After that, select “Update Firefox”.
Firefox will begin the process of fixing any problems caused by the PUP. Once you’re done, click the “Finish”button. Problem solved!
It is recommended to take a comprehensive approach to scanning as soon as applications unknown to you appear on your computer.

You can do this using a more practical automatic procedure.

2. Automatic method

In this situation, you can uninstall programs in bulk, as well as their associated files and leftovers, using a specialized Windows uninstaller. This ensures that the Web Companion application is completely removed from your PC.

Install and run an antivirus to detect and eliminate any infections, malware, spyware, Trojan horses and other dangers that monster products often fail to detect on our computers from browser hijackers and adware.

Systweak Antivirus has long been the recommended option for dealing with current and emerging dangers when cleaning an infected device.

Download, configure and run the antivirus program of your choice on our PCSeSelectr Custom Sca from the main control panel n as your preferred scan mode from the main control panel g.
Antivirus software has a powerful scanning engine that thoroughly scans your hard drive to identify all potential threats to your computer.

To eliminate all risks, click Protect Now, Clean Now, or whatever option your preferred antivirus has.

Conclusion

The answer is “definitely”if you are still unsure whether to remove Web Companion from your computer.

You can uninstall the application from your computer using the methods we will provide shortly. The manual ejection process is fast. In any case, use the tools we have suggested to make sure that there are no unnecessary files in the system.

Don’t forget to get started with the launch of each framework; such applications often change the PC library and make other adjustments.

FAQ

Is the web companion malware?

Because developers encourage misleading practices such as bundling, the program is classified as a PUA because users often install it unintentionally and have difficulty uninstalling it. If an unscrupulous vendor supplies an application, users should be careful not to rely on it.

Is it necessary to disable the web companion?

Given Lavasoft’s Web Companion’s troubled past and the damage it does as malicious files, it needs to be permanently disabled. Also, remove it as soon as possible to prevent any suspicious behavior or changes in your browser. Users should be careful not to rely on it if it is provided by a dishonest seller.

What is Lavasoft Web Companion?

Windows malware detection software is created by adware. One of the browser extensions that comes pre-installed in your browser along with this type of virus protection software is Adware Virus Protection called Web Companion.