MapsScout

What is MapsScout?

MapsScout is a suspicious application that, according to our research team, is compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer users. The program is installed as an extension on the first two browsers, but Internet Explorer users install it as an application. Whether you install it thinking it will offer you great services, or you let it is as you install undesirable programs, the first thing we suggest doing is scanning your operating system. If you download the PUP (potentially unwanted program) from mapsscout.com or the Chrome web store (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/mapsscout-advertising-off/fjclfmhapndgeabdcikbhemimpijpnah), additional programs should not be downloaded. On the other hand, the PUP could also be bundled along with third-party programs and spread using third-party installers. In this situation, scanning the PC and browsers is a must. If malicious threats – besides the PUP – are found, you need to delete them as quickly as you can. If you need to remove MapsScout, read this report, and decide which removal method you want to choose.

How does MapsScout work?

Just like Speedy SystemCare, LearnTheLyrics Toolbar, Daily File Converter, or goDownload Search Plus, the suspicious MapsScout is classified as a potentially unwanted program because its services are either untrustworthy or simply inadequate, if compared to the promises. So, why did you download this PUP? Did you install it by accident when you rushed a bundled installer that offered a more desirable program? Or did you install it because it offered services that appeared to be quite useful? Anti-Spyware-101.com research team has discovered that the extension is officially represented as an advertising tool, and, in fact, it has nothing to do with maps. The description available on the Chrome web store informs that the extension shows ads on the websites you visit. On top of that, it can monitor browsing activity to ensure that you are shown the most relevant ads. Although it might not look like it, you’ve got two problems here, and they must be considered when discussing the removal of MapsScout. First of all, the PUP can place advertisements wherever you go. Chrome users are warned about this during installation when a pop-up stating that the extension can “Read and change all your data on the websites you visit” shows up. If you do not delete the PUP, it might flood you with all kinds of ads regardless of whether you are shopping online, are using a search engine, or just visit any random site.

MapsScout’s ability to monitor your activity is very suspicious too. It is unknown how the creator of the PUP handles this information. In some cases, it is sold to advertisers to help them create more attractive deals. In other cases, undisclosed parties get this information for free. Unfortunately, malicious parties can use browsing-related data for malvertising purposes. Personally targeted ads actually conceal links to malicious websites that might promote malware installers and expose users to scams. So, even if an app you download promises to help you find better deals or discounts, you need to think twice before you download extensions and applications that – you know – show ads.

How to remove MapsScout

It is strongly recommended that you delete MapsScout from your operating system right away. Even if it was introduced to you as an amazing tool, you need to understand that its only tasks are to track your activity and showcase ads that, most likely, are based on your activity. Although this might seem innocent to you, our research team recommends removing apps and extensions that can spy on you and then showcase the ads promoting the services of undisclosed parties based on your activity. Hopefully, you have your operating system scanned by now, and you know whether or not you need to delete MapsScout along with other threats. If you do, why don’t you install an anti-malware program that will inspect your operating system and automatically remove everything that requires it? If the potentially unwanted program is the only threat you are dealing with, and you are not ready to invest in anti-malware software yet – which you really should do – follow the instructions below that show how to erase the extension/application manually.

Removal Instructions

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the browser and tap Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. Remove the unwanted extension from the Extensions list.

Google Chrome

1. Open the browser and tap Alt+F.
2. Click More tools to expand the menu and then click Extensions.
3. Remove the unwanted extension from the list.

Internet Explorer

1. Open Control Panel (Windows XP users go to Start->Control Panel, users of later versions launch RUN (tap Win+E keys)->enter control panel->OK).
2. Navigate to the Uninstall a program or Add or Remove Programs menu.
3. Select (or right-click) the undesirable application and click Uninstall/Remove. Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
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