App Discovery Tools is a browser hijacker that might lead to to sites you wouldn’t initially visit
App Discovery Tools is a browser hijacker that is usually installed via software bundle packages
App Discovery Tools is a browser hijacker that is usually installed via software bundle packages
App Discovery Tools is a browser extension compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and MS Edge web browsers. While the application can be downloaded and installed from various official sources, it is also often bundled with third-party applications, also known as freeware. Software bundles often operate deceptively, as they do not adequately disclose all the apps that will be installed, making users miss the point of entry of browser hijackers, adware, and other potentially unwanted programs[1] – including App Discovery Tools.
As soon as the browser hijacker is installed, the web browsers will warn about the changes it is trying to make to the homepage, new tab URL, and the search engine. If approved, App Discovery Tools hijack will be successful, and users will notice changes performed to browser components instantly. The browser hijacker will redirect their searches to Yahoo (although they will be populated with sponsored links coming from the App Discovery Tools), track users’ web browsing information, record browsing history, share personal data with third-parties and lead to potentially unsafe sites.
| Name | App Discovery Tools |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| Associated website | Tappdiscovery.tools |
| Distribution | Official web stores (Google, Mozilla, Opera, Edge), software bundle packages downloaded from third-party sites |
| Bundled with | users might be deceptively offered to install Encrypted Search along the application |
| Symptoms |
|
| Removal | Follow our manual guide provided at the bottom of the article; some anti-virus programs might detect the extension and get rid of it for you |
| Optimization | For best results, we recommend scanning the machine with repair software Reimage Reimage Cleaner and resetting all browsers the extension was installed on |
Browser hijackers like App Discovery Tools are deceptively dangerous. While they are allowed into the system by users themselves, there are many aspects to these PUPs that make them potentially unsafe, although most don’t bother reading lengthy policies, so, essentially, they don’t know what they sign up for.
Nevertheless, there are many useful browser extensions that do provide useful functionality, such as anonymous browsing, ad-blocking feature, etc. Unfortunately, App Discovery Tools is not one such app, and you should not use it. In general, there are very few browser hijackers that will not track your online activities, so their usage is highly discouraged by security advocates. Thus, if you found the app on your system unexpectedly, remove App Discovery Tools as soon as possible.
When it comes to App Discovery Tools, it states in the privacy policy that, if you install the app, you agree that your personal (if provided) and anonymous information will be collected:[2]
We may collect information from you based on information collected resulting from your use of our Services and information that you provide to us. The information collected may include both Non-Personal Information and Personal Information.
App Discovery Tools collects and shares the following information with third-parties:
- IP address;
- Geo-location;
- Browser type and browser’s user agent;
- Various technical data: hardware settings, browser language, system activity, crashes, timestamp of request and referral URL;
- Diagnostic information about installed extensions;
- Internet Service provide information, including its domain name;
- Time and date of certain browser events.
Exerts highly discourage personal information (email, name, home address, etc.) sharing with third-parties, as these details can be sold for marketing purposes. As a result, you might be targeted by ad campaigns that promote various services, products, and other goods to you.
App Discovery Tools is a potentially unwanted program that tracks and shares your information with third parties
App Discovery Tools is a potentially unwanted program that tracks and shares your information with third parties
Because App Discovery Tools PUP will change your homepage, it is highly likely that you will remain on it when looking for the information on the internet. However, the search results that will be returned to you will not be organic, which means that they have been paid to stay at the top.
As a result, you might start visiting sites that you never intended to in the first place, changing the way you browse the internet altogether. Note that even though App Discovery Tools redirects to Yahoo (legitimate search tool), the sponsored links do not come from it, but rather profit the browser hijacker authors for each click made.
To sum up, you should proceed with App Discovery Tools removal and rather pick well-established companies to guide you through the web, such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. If you want more privacy, there are plenty of alternatives that can be trusted – for example, DuckDuckGo.
Note that you might want to reset the web browser that the App Discovery Tools plugin was installed on – it is not necessary but highly recommended. Finally, if you think that your system might be infected with other PUPs or malware,[3] we recommend scanning the system with anti-malware software and Reimage Reimage Cleaner repair tool.
Choose extensions that don’t share your information with third parties
With the rise of the internet, users’ privacy has been put at risk, as people do many things online: purchase products online, share their daily stories on social networks, enter their very sensitive data online to be able to use various services. Data is extremely valuable, as it can be used for various purposes that can earn third parties money.
Unfortunately, we have seen more and more data breaches that access this information, and many outrages were also caused by inadequate information-sharing practices.[4] Thus, keeping in mind that your browsing history an tell a lot about you, you should think twice before tantalizing extensions that actively track you and read the information you type on particular websites.
To avoid being deceived by companies who seek to your data for profit, you should always take a peek at the Privacy Policy before you agree to install browser extensions, media players, PDF converters, download managers, and other useless applications.
You should also be aware of unfair software distribution practices that PUP developers like so much – software bundle packages. These are typically acquired from third-party and torrent sites; the installers are often deceptive, as they incorporate such tricks as fine print text, pre-ticked boxes, misleading offers, etc. Also, make sure you always opt for Advanced/Custom settings when prompted, as it could be the only chance of stopping unwanted apps from being installed with software you initially wanted.
App Discovery Tools displays sponsored links at the top of search results in order to make users visit sponsored sites
App Discovery Tools displays sponsored links at the top of search results in order to make users visit sponsored sites
Get rid of App Discovery Tools hijack
It is important to note that the App Discovery Tools browser extension might not be the only culprit related to the hijacking of your browser. Quite often, users have multiple PUPs installed on their system, and they are usually clueless to knowing where they came from. Thus, if you are a less proficient computer user, we highly recommend scanning the machine with reputable anti-malware software for automatic App Discovery Tools removal, as well as the termination of other apps that are considered to be PUPs.
If you do not have any other unwanted programs or malware installed on your system, you should be able to remove App Discovery Tools easily via the web browser. If you are not successful for some reason, you might want to reset the installed browser – it will get rid of all the extensions installed. If you are not sure how to do that, please follow the instructions provided below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner . SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
