We all love the idea of a new Wave Browser app – that promises faster speeds and cooler features, until it starts behaving oddly. “It just appeared on my desktop one day,” says one Reddit user. Some even say Wave Browser virus collects data or changes browser settings without asking.
In this article, we’ll dive into the real risks and benefits of using Wave Browser. We’ll answer the big question: Is Wave Browser safe?. Show you how to keep your data secure if you decide to keep using it.
What Is Wave Browser and How Did It Get Installed?
Wave Browser is a Chromium-based web browser developed by Wavesor Software, a trade name for Polarity Technologies Ltd.
Polarity Technologies Ltd. is a company that has been linked to various software, categorized by cybersecurity experts as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), adware, or software bundling.
Wave Browser claims to offer high-speed browsing with optimized performance, similar to other Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome. The browser advertises a sleek and simple design meant to attract users looking for an easy-to-navigate alternative to mainstream browsers.
While it claims to offer a fast and secure browsing experience, it often gets installed on users’ systems without explicit consent, typically bundled with other software downloads. When users download a free program, they may not pay close attention to the installation process, leading to the inadvertent installation of Wave Browser.
Is Wave Browser Safe?
No, Wave Browser is generally not considered safe for your computer or your privacy. Many users often ask about Wave Browser’s safety because it frequently appears on computers without clear permission and leads to unexpected issues.
The safety of Wave Browser is questionable. While it’s not classified as traditional malware, many Wave Browser reviews label it as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) due to its intrusive behavior, according to Malwarebytes. Users have reported unauthorized changes to browser settings, excessive ads, and data collection practices that compromise privacy.
One of the main ways Wave Browser gets onto systems is through “software bundling.” Users might accidentally install it without realizing it was part of the package. This distribution method uses automatic installers that often skip asking for clear user permission. A big warning sign is the lack of clear and trustworthy information about its official developers or publishers.
Can Wave Browser Harm Your Computer or Privacy?
Yes, Wave Browser malware can pose risks to both your computer and privacy. It may:
- Privacy Invasion: It collects browsing data, including search queries and visited websites, which can be sold to third parties.
- Security Threats: By redirecting users to potentially malicious sites, it increases the risk of malware infections.
- System Performance: The browser consumes system resources, leading to slower performance.
- Persistence: It often reinstalls itself after removal, making it challenging to eliminate completely.
When dealing with tools that claim to protect your privacy, it’s crucial to question their legitimacy. If you’re also exploring alternative search engines and their safety, see this guide on whether Ahmia is safe.
Is Wave Browser Considered Adware, Spyware, or Malware?
To understand how harmful Wave Browser can be, it’s important to look at its actions. This browser shows numerous signs, each with its own risks to your computer and privacy. Signs that Wave Browser is installed on your system include:
Adware
| What It Is: Software designed to automatically display or download advertisements onto your device. |
Wave Browser continuously displays intrusive advertisements, redirects user searches, and can flood browsers with pop-ups and sponsored content.
Spyware
| What It Is: Software that secretly monitors and collects personal information from users without their knowledge or consent. |
Wave Browser tracks user browsing habits, search queries, and websites visited, often collecting this data silently to sell or share with third parties.
Malware
| What It Is: Bad software that changes your browser settings without your permission. It often sends your searches or homepage to unwanted websites. |
Wave Browser strongly changes your default browser settings, homepage, and search engines. This sends you to paid or harmful websites.
How To Know If I Have Wave Browser?
Once it’s on your system, Wave Browser doesn’t play nice. Here are some clear signs that Wave Browser might be on your system:
- New Browser Icon: You see a new icon for “Wave Browser” on your desktop, in your Start menu (Windows), or in your Applications folder (macOS) that you don’t remember putting there.
- Homepage Changed: Your usual web browser or its start page has changed to Wave Browser, or it sends you to a strange search page when you open it.
- Search Engine Altered: Your normal search engine (like Google or Bing) is swapped with one you don’t know when you try to search for something.
- Lots of Ads: You suddenly see many unexpected ads, pop-ups, or banners while online, even on sites that usually don’t have them. Some ads might even send you to bad websites.
- Computer is Slow: Your computer or internet feels slower than usual because Wave Browser is running in the background and using up power.
- Odd Programs Running: In your computer’s Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS), you might spot programs running that you don’t know (like “Wavesor” or other unclear names).
How to Remove Wave Browser Completely and Safely?
Removing Wave Browser completely requires more than just a standard uninstall. You’ll need to follow a few key steps to ensure it’s gone for good and your system is clean.
- Uninstall the Program:
On Windows, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate Wave Browser, and click Uninstall. - Terminate Related Processes:
Open Task Manager, identify processes related to Wave Browser (e.g., Wavesor, iExplore.exe), and end them.
- Delete Residual Files and Registry Entries:
Use Regedit to search for and delete entries related to Wave Browser. Also, remove associated files from system folders. - Reset Browser Settings:
In your browser, remove any extensions or settings modified by Wave Browser. - Run a Full System Scan:
Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan and remove any remaining threats.
Manual Removal Guide for Wave Browser (Windows & macOS)
To effectively remove Wave Browser, you’ll need to follow specific manual steps for your operating system.
For Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Locate “Wave Browser” in the list.
- Click “Uninstall” and follow the prompts.
For macOS:
- Open the Applications folder.
- Find “Wave Browser” and drag it to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash to complete the removal.
Best Antivirus Tools to Detect and Remove Wave Browser
1. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a robust antivirus solution renowned for comprehensive security against various threats. It uses advanced threat detection and machine learning to proactively identify malware, spyware, and browser hijackers. Bitdefender also offers real-time protection, securing your device continuously.
Main Use:
Bitdefender excels at comprehensive system security, actively preventing infections, and removing malware threats including stubborn browser hijackers.
Strengths:
- Excellent malware detection, including Wave Browser malware.
- Minimal performance impact on your system.
- Excellent real-time threat detection and removal capabilities.
Downside:
- Premium features can be costly after initial promotional pricing.
2. Avast One Essential
Avast One Essential is a free security suite providing robust antivirus protection, real-time threat detection, and additional privacy features. It quickly identifies and neutralizes various threats, including adware and browser hijackers. Its intuitive interface is user-friendly even for non-tech-savvy users.
Main Use:
Ideal for users seeking reliable free antivirus and malware removal, especially effective against browser-based threats like Wave Browser.
Strengths:
- Effective at removing adware, browser hijackers, and spyware.
- Free and user-friendly interface makes it accessible to all users.
- Comprehensive privacy and online security tools bundled.
Downside:
- The free version includes frequent upsell notifications promoting the paid version.
3. Norton 360 Deluxe
Norton 360 Deluxe offers extensive multi-layered security, designed to protect devices from viruses, spyware, adware, and other online threats. It includes robust real-time protection, VPN access, and identity theft protection. Norton uses advanced heuristics and behavioral analysis to detect threats like Wave Browser proactively.
Main Use:
Suitable for comprehensive internet security, especially for protecting multiple devices simultaneously and removing persistent threats like Wave Browser.
Strengths:
- Excellent malware detection and proactive protection against spyware and adware.
- Includes VPN, firewall, and identity theft monitoring for comprehensive security.
- Highly reliable and consistent in blocking browser-based hijackers.
Downside:
- Slightly heavier on system resources compared to other antivirus tools.
4. AVG AntiVirus Free
AVG AntiVirus Free is a strong, no-cost security tool. It gives you basic, real-time protection against many online threats. This includes harmful viruses, hidden spyware, locked-up ransomware, and tricky phishing attempts. It constantly checks your computer, files, and what you do online. It uses smart tech to find and stop bad software. People know AVG for being easy to use and for its core ability to fight malware.
Main Use: This is perfect for anyone who wants good, basic antivirus help without paying. It’s great if you need solid defense against malware, secure web browsing, safe emails, and simple protection against ransomware for your Windows, Mac, or Android devices.
Strengths:
- Top Malware Detection: It’s really good at finding and stopping different kinds of malware, even new threats. Experts often give it high marks.
- Always-on Protection: It works all the time, blocking dangers as they appear. This gives you steady defense against new online problems.
- Safe Web and Email: It helps block bad links, risky downloads, and suspicious email files.
- Simple to Use: It has a clear, easy-to-understand layout, making it simple for most people to navigate and change settings.
Downside:
- Pushes Upgrades and Ads: The free version often shows messages asking you to buy the full version or other AVG products. This can be annoying.
5. Malwarebytes Free
Malwarebytes Free is a specialized malware removal tool highly effective at detecting and removing browser hijackers, adware, and spyware. It uses advanced algorithms to pinpoint and eliminate threats quickly. The free version is commonly used alongside other antivirus tools for additional security.
Main Use:
Ideal for targeted scanning and removing persistent threats, particularly effective in eliminating browser hijackers like Wave Browser.
Strengths:
- Excellent at detecting and removing stubborn browser hijackers, spyware, and adware.
- Lightweight, simple, and easy-to-use interface.
- Effective supplemental tool for use alongside traditional antivirus software.
Downside:
- Does not offer real-time protection in its free version—it’s best used as a secondary malware removal tool.
How To Protect Your Devices From Wave Browser & PUPs With TurisVPN?
While VPNs primarily protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection, they can also help prevent unwanted programs by blocking access to malicious websites.
Free TurisVPN provides advanced encryption to secure your connection and protect you from malicious sites. Unlike Wave Browser, which can expose users to PUPs, TurisVPN ensures a safer browsing experience.
Why Does Wave Browser Keep Reinstalling Itself Repeatedly?
Wave Browser may reinstall itself due to residual files or registry entries left behind after uninstallation. Additionally, if it’s bundled with other software, reinstalling that software can bring back Wave Browser. To prevent this:
- Ensure all associated files and registry entries are removed.
- Be cautious when installing new software, opting for custom installations to deselect unwanted programs.
Bottom Line
Wave Browser presents several risks that outweigh its purported benefits. Its classification as a PUP, coupled with intrusive behaviors like unauthorized setting changes and data collection, make it a threat to user privacy and system performance. It’s advisable to remove Wave Browser promptly and take preventive measures to avoid similar programs in the future.
FAQs
Q1. Is Wave Browser Safe Compared to Chrome or Firefox?
No, Wave Browser lacks the robust security features and transparency offered by browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Its intrusive behaviors and data collection practices make it less safe in comparison.
Q2. Is Wave Browser a Legitimate App or a Scam?
No, Wave Browser is not a legitimate app and is widely considered a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). It often installs without your clear consent, changes your browser settings, and shows many intrusive ads. It also lacks transparency about its developer and carries significant security risks like data collection and malware, much like how users can fall victim to various online deceptions, including trading bot scams.
