What is Maps Assist?
Maps Assist may look like a useful browser extension that can find you the best driving directions. However, our research team says that this app is a potentially unwanted program. So, it means that if the extension was added to your browser when you weren’t looking, you probably would like to remove Maps Assist right now. If that’s the case, simply scroll down to the bottom of this page, where you will find the manual removal guidelines. For more information on the application and this type of program, continue reading the entry.
Where does Maps Assist come from?
Maps Assist seems to be part of the Chrome extensions onslaught that we’ve been grappling with for a while now. The thing with these programs is that they are not immediate system security threats, but they often enter target systems accidentally, and then users don’t know what to do with them. They sort of look okay and reliable, but you didn’t really want them, so what’s the deal?
What’s more, these programs have official distribution sources, and as such, they cannot be classified as security threats. For instance, the official website for Maps Assist can be accessed via mapsassist.com, and there’s also a page for the extension at the Chrome Web Store.
So, what seems to be the problem? How can anyone add this extension to their browser accidentally? Well, it’s also very likely that Maps Assist comes bundled with freeware or through various pop-ups and redirects. Thus, users have to be attentive when they visit websites that display lots of pop-up ads and other third-party content. Sometimes, clicking anywhere on the pop-up results in browser settings modification, and you don’t have anyone to blame because you’ve technically agreed to do that.
What does Maps Assist do?
Now, even if you don’t remember how you added Maps Assist to your browser, you still agreed to let this app change your new tab settings. Also, since this application is all about driving directions, it might also track your location and your browsing history. Although it says that it can provide you with the most relevant and optimal routes, it still doesn’t do everything for free.
Since Maps Assist doesn’t collect payment for what it does, it indulges in third-party advertising. It means that the extension may display various ads that eventually will be catered to your likes and preferences. That’s because the app can collect your browsing data. It cannot steal personally identifiable information because it’s not that sophisticated, and it’s not a malicious infection in the first place. However, it could still get the general idea of what you like if it collects your search queries.
In a sense, there is nothing malicious about it, because it allows the extension to provide relevant content, something that you would like. The problem is that Maps Assist cannot screen the content it promotes, and there might be unsolicited links that redirect you to dangerous websites, too.
That’s actually the main security issue that is associated with potentially unwanted programs. Such apps by themselves are not malicious, but anyone could exploit them for their gains. While malware infection through potentially unwanted software is highly unlikely, the risk is always there, and you should not take it.
We are lucky that extensions do not try to hide their presence, and you can notice them at once. At the same time, you can skip to removing Maps Assist without even bothering to find out more about it.
How do I remove Maps Assist?
Maps Assist can be removed via your browser’s menu. You can either delete the extension itself, or you can reset the settings to default. Considering the chances that you might have more unwanted extensions added, resetting the settings might be the best option out there.
It is also strongly recommended to run a full system scan with a legitimate security application that can easily help you detect other unwanted apps. Since such programs tend to travel in groups, there is a very good chance that you have multiple unwanted applications installed, so it’s your chance to remove them all. You should also be careful about the websites you visit from time to time so that you would avoid the likes of Maps Assist in the future.
Manual Maps Assist Removal
- Open Chrome.
- Press Alt+F and click Settings.
- Click Advanced at the bottom.
- Press Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click Reset settings to complete.
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