Aartemis

Aartemis is a browser hijacker that gets delivered to your machine via software bundling or other deceptive methods

Aartemis is a browser hijacker that spreads via software bundling

Aartemis is a browser hijacker^[1] that might take over your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer web browsers as soon as a potentially unwanted program gets installed on your computer. In most cases, such applications travel within software bundles or are delivered via scam ads or fake updates. Nevertheless, some may install an app without realizing that it has browser hijacking capabilities in the first place.

Soon upon infiltration, Aartemis virus sets the new tab URL and homepage to Aartemis.com and applies a customized search engine to the web browser, which directs all searchers to a popular search tool like Google or Yahoo. Nonetheless, the results are littered with sponsored links, which mainly bring users to affiliated websites. Additionally, just like other PUPs, Aartemis may also collect various information about your web browsing data, as well as technical details of the device.

At first sight, Aartemis.com does not look like anything out of the ordinary: it’s a blank front page with a search bar. However, it does not take long to notice that no additional information is provided and that the Privacy Policy, ToS, and other relevant information is simply missing.

However, it is worth noting that Aartemis virus was also changed over the years of its operation – the domain name was first taken in 2003, although it was not used properly until 2013 when the page was populated with dozens of sponsored links to various legitimate, as well as less trustworthy websites (examples include Twitter, Booking.com, Wikipedia, 337 Games, etc.).

Allegedly, these sponsored links should serve as useful shortcuts to various sites. However, modern web browsers can be customized in such was with very little effort, so this functionality falls flat – maybe because of that, the links to other websites were removed later on. Nevertheless, the plain homepage was still designed for the same purpose – to hijack users’ browsers and show them sponsored content.

It is true that browsers hijackers like Aartemis.com are essentially not serious infections, although you can never know what the potentially unwanted program which changed your web browser settings is capable of. The truth is, there are thousands of applications hosted on third-party sites that might engage in dubious or even malicious activity in order to collect ad revenue from thousands of users.

Aartemis.com is potentially unwanted program that takes over the web browsers and displays sponsored links at the top search results

Therefore, even though the Aartemis virus is not a correct term per se, it can make sense when talking about the overall security of the device. For example, the presence of multiple browser extensions might reduce the safety of your browser, especially if you are not sure where they are coming from.

Another reason to remove Aartemis from your computer is information tracking practices. Most of the potentially unwanted programs collect the following data with the help of tracking technologies like Flash cookies,^[2] JavaScript, web beacons, etc.:

• IP address
• ISP
• Links clicked
• Sites visited
• Ads clicked
• Installed apps
• Device information, etc.

However, it is also worth mentioning that some PUPs may also collect search queries that sometimes include personally identifiable information. Such data can later on be sold to third-parties for marketing purposes.

Besides, Aartemis removal would stop you from having to browse via an insecure web page, as multiple web browsers warn that a secure connection is not used by this provider:

Your Connection to this site is not secure

You should not enter any sensitive information on this site (for example, passwords or credit cards), because it could be stolen by attackers.

All in all, while Aartemis virus is not something that would compromise your computer severely, there is no need to keep a browser hijacker installed. Instead, rely on reputable search providers like Google, Yahoo, or Bing – these companies will keep your information safe.

As for Artemis.com uninstallation, you can do it either manually or automatically. If you choose the former, proceed with our provided instructions below, and if you choose the automatic option, you should employ a security program capable of detecting and eliminating PUPs. Additionally, you should reset your web browsers and scan your machine with Reimage Reimage Cleaner for best results.

Potentially unwanted programs are distributed via software bundles

While malware distribution methods are more or less clear for most users (such as not downloading suspicious files, not clicking on malicious links and not opening spam email attachments),^[3] most are still amazed when they find out that adware or a browser hijacker has infiltrated their computers. This is because people are still not aware of a deceptive software distribution technique called software bundling, which is practiced relatively often by third-party sites that offer freeware or shareware. Typically several tricks are used in order to deceive users and make them install software they initially did not ask for:^[4]

• Fine print text, which is often missed by users, includes important information about the installation;
• Buttons are misplaced, e.g., “Skip offer” is presented on the left, instead of the right (users are known to simply click “Next” several times, typically located on the right side of the window);
• Advanced or Custom settings are hiding optional components which are not visible if Recommended/Quick installation option is selected;
• Pre-ticked boxes that users do not untcik guarantee agreement of Terms of Service.

Therefore, while it would be best practice sticking to official sources, sometimes the application you want is simply not available from them. In such a case, watch out for the tricks mentioned above and pay close attention to the installation instructions of the app to avoid optional programs.

Aartemis.com does not use a secure – HTTPS – connection, which means that cyberattackers could intercept the traffic and steal sensitive data

Get rid of Aartemis.com browser hijacker from your computer

The presence of the Aartemis.com virus on your system can be related to many different types of applications, such as browser extensions/add-ons or standalone programs that were installed via a software bundle (or even intentionally). The problem is, it is not always apparent which application changed your web browser settings, so it might be difficult to determine what is the source of Aartemis hijack.

You can try to remove Aartemis from your computer by checking our manual guide below – look through all the apps and get rid of those that you don’t recognize. On the other hand, if you are not sure which programs are legitimate and are suppose to be there, we recommend proceeding with automatic Aartemis.com removal.

For that, install security software that has the “Detect potentially unwanted programs” feature, and perform a full system scan. Note, however, that not all PUPs can be detected by a single anti-malware, so you might have to install a few programs until you are successful.

Nevertheless, if the culprit of the web browser settings change is a browser extension, you can get rid of easily via the settings. If that is not possible, you should reset the browser, as explained 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.