What is HideMeFast?
HideMeFast is a potentially unwanted program that works like a Chrome extension. It also means that the application may not function on your computer if you do not have the Chrome browser. On the other hand, there is also a good chance that you have more unwanted applications on your computer, so it’s always a good idea to simply run a regular system scan with a licensed antispyware tool.
As for HideMeFast, it is rather easy to remove this application, so there is no need to worry. On the other hand, you might want to review your web browsing habits to avoid similar intruders in the future.
Where does HideMeFast come from?
This browser extension seems to join ranks together with multiple other Chrome extensions that we have discussed previously, including Mazy Search, GalaxySpin, Mongo Search, and so on. All these extensions look like they can provide you with some useful function, but the reality is that they may cause more annoyance than be of any use to you.
Also, some users may think that HideMeFast and other similar extensions are browser hijackers because they perform various modifications on your browser, and it often seems that the modifications are performed without your permission. However, even though it looks like HideMeFast does something without your permission, it GETS your permission to perform those settings modifications because of the way it gets distributed.
It has a page at the Chrome Web Store, so it looks like the app is absolutely legitimate, and there’s nothing suspicious about it. On the other hand, the app might also come bundled with freeware, so if you tend to download new apps from file-sharing websites, please be careful and read all the steps on the installation wizard before you install new programs. Usually, there is a chance you can use to deselect unwanted applications, but users fail to do that because they breeze through the installation.
What does HideMeFast do?
HideMeFast performs a number of browser settings modifications, but again, we would like to emphasize that those modifications are authorized by you. You might not be aware of that if you didn’t notice how the extension was added to your browser, but all your search string redirections to the Bing page are authorized.
Upon the installation, this extension also requires a number of permissions. Here’s what you’ve probably missed when the extension was added to your system:
- Read your browsing history
- Change your search settings to: siteadvisor.com
- Manage your downloads
- Communicate with cooperating native applications
All these permissions are technically necessary to provide you with a seamless web browsing experience, but we have to remember that HideMeFast cannot work on its own. It’s just a freeware application that provides third-party content. And how can we be sure that the content we see through this extension is safe? The reality is that there are no guarantees about that.
That’s actually the main security issue associated with the likes of HideMeFast. While browser extensions are not direct system security threats, they could be easily exploited by malevolent third parties. Also, by monitoring your web browsing history, these applications can generate custom content for your search results. While it might seem like a good idea, as it should help you find the content you need faster, the extension could be easily used by someone malicious to promote harmful content, too.
Hence, whenever you click something that comes from HideMeFast, you have to understand that there is always a threat of getting exposed to something dangerous. Thus, if you didn’t intend to have this extension on your computer, you might want to remove it right now.
How do I remove HideMeFast?
As mentioned, it is not complicated to get rid of this extension, but we would strongly recommend restoring your browser’s settings to default. It would help you delete all the tracking cookies and erase other traces of various browser settings modifications you might have experienced over the course of time. When you are done with that, please invest in a licensed security tool so you could scan your computer in search of other unwanted apps. If more potential threats are found, remove them at once.
Reset Your Browser
- Open Chrome.
- Press Alt+F and click Settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down again and press Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click Reset settings on the confirmation box.
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