The internet is an absolute necessity these days. However, users are spoilt for choice when it comes to web browsers. While Google Chrome remains at the top in terms of market share, newer browsers are launching by the day promising more features and better performance or optimisation.
In this article, we’re taking a look at the Wave Browser, what it is and whether or not it’s safe to use.
Wave Browser explained
Wave Browser was released in 2015 by Wavesor Software, which is reportedly a subsidiary of Polarity Software which in turn is a part of Genimous Technology Co Ltd. While the browser appears to be just another run-of-the-mill web browser on the surface, Wave has garnered special attention because of the suspicious activities it carries out on installed machines.
Is it safe?
Wave Browser isn’t safe to use as it can leak your personal browsing information, password credentials, install additional malware and spams your computer with ads. While the browser itself isn’t malware, it does classify as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and can be actually quite hard to remove from your PC.
Additionally, it’s also considered to be a browser hijacker which is filled with random ads, can make system-level changes on your computer and your browsing leak data to third parties.
According to its own privacy policy, Wave browser might collect the following information from your PC:
- Locally stored browser cookies
- Server logs
- Browser history
- Device information
- IP address
- Demographic information including but not limited to your age, gender, household income, political affiliation, race and religion.
All this data can be sent back to a remote server or leaked to an unknown third party by the browser itself. Since it’s also a browser hijacker, it can install other malicious extensions or adware on the infected machine, opening the door for more dangerous malicious payloads.
While installing Wave, the browser also asks for permission to launch at Windows startup. This is especially concerning as that allows it to launch automatically and run in the background without the user’s active knowledge.
Uninstalling Wave Browser
Uninstalling Wave isn’t as simple as removing the program from Windows settings as it can actually reinstall itself by adding scheduled tasks in the Windows Task Scheduler.
In order to uninstall the browser on Windows, you’ll have to go through a four-step process:
Uninstall Wave Browser from the Windows settings menu
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Apps & Features.
Step 2: Find Wave Browser in this list and click on Uninstall.
Once the program has been removed, move on to the next step.
Close any open Wave Browser processes in the Task Manager
Step 1: Right-click the taskbar and click on Task Manager.
Step 2: Now head over to the Processes tab, look for any active Wave Browser processes and kill them using the End Task button in the bottom right. Alternatively, you can also right-click the process and select End Task.
Disable automatic launch at startup from the Task Manager
Step 1: Right-click the taskbar and click on Task Manager.
Step 2: Head over to the Startup tab, select Wave Browser and click Disable.
Remove Wave Browser records from the registry
Finally, you also need to remove Wave Browser from your Windows registry. Since it doesn’t create the same folder on every installation, you’re going to have to look around to find any references to the browser in your registry and remove them manually. Once you’re done with the process, the browser should be permanently removed from your PC.
On macOS systems, uninstalling the browser as you would any other program will do. However, keep in mind that you should check your Mac for any malicious extensions that Wave might’ve installed.
Also read: Is VPNlike safe? Top 3 alternatives
Someone who writes/edits/shoots/hosts all things tech and when he’s not, streams himself racing virtual cars.
You can contact him here: [email protected]
