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How To Remove the Flvto.biz Virus

Have you ever used the website Flvto.biz to download and convert YouTube videos? If so, you may have unknowingly exposed your computer or mobile device to malicious software infections.

Flvto.biz was a popular online video converter, averaging over 300 million users per month at its peak. However, the site was taken down in 2021 after a legal battle over copyright infringement.

Although Flvto.biz itself was not malicious, the website contained intrusive ads and popups that could install dangerous malware, adware, and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) onto users‘ devices.

In this comprehensive guide from the cybersecurity experts at , you‘ll learn:

  • How the Flvto.biz virus infects computers and mobile devices
  • Step-by-step instructions to fully remove Flvto.biz malware on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
  • Safe and legal alternative sites to Flvto.biz
  • Pro tips to improve your online security and prevent future malware infections

Be warned – removing this threat is not always easy. Flvto-related adware can embed itself deep into your system. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can eliminate this virus for good.

How Flvto.biz Malware Spreads to Devices

Before learning how to remove Flvto.biz infections, it helps to understand how they spread in the first place.

The Flvto.biz website itself does not contain any viruses. However, when you visited the site, malicious ads and popups could sneak malware onto your device through these common infection tactics:

  • Tricking you into downloading fake software updates or media players – Some Flvto.biz ads pretend to scan your system and detect "missing components" required for video conversion. If you click them, you‘ll download malware disguised as legitimate software.

  • Bundling PUPs with free software – Other ads prompt you to download free video editing or conversion tools. But hidden programs and browser extensions also install without your permission.

  • Redirecting your browser to phishing and malicious sites – The flood of pop-up ads makes it easy to accidentally click a redirect to a dangerous domain.

  • Fooling you with fake virus alerts – Scammy ads generate warnings about non-existent viruses and trick you into downloading bogus "antivirus" apps.

According to research from Symantec, over 60% of software bundled with Flvto.biz contains malware or other potentially unwanted programs.

Once installed, Flvto-related infections can wreak havoc in many forms:

  • Slowing down your computer with constant annoying pop-up ads
  • Tracking your browsing history and online activities
  • Recording passwords, emails, and other sensitive information
  • Hijacking your browser and changing your homepage or search engine
  • Downloading additional viruses, worms, and trojans

To avoid compromised security, identity theft, and further malware, it‘s vital to fully remove any remnants of Flvto.biz from your device.

Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Flvto.biz from Windows

If you used Flvto.biz on a Windows PC, numerous threats may be lurking on your system. Here is a foolproof 10-step process to scrub your computer clean.

1. Update and run a full scan with antivirus software

Malwarebytes and Bitdefender Antivirus consistently earn top reviews for removing adware and PUPs. Install one and run a full scan to detect and quarantine any Flvto-related infections.

A computer screen displaying the Malwarebytes scanning interface

2. Check browser extensions

Open your installed browser extensions and uninstall any you don‘t remember installing, particularly anything containing "Flvto":

  • Chrome: Settings > Extensions
  • Edge: Settings & more > Extensions
  • Firefox: Menu > Add-ons
  • Internet Explorer: Gear icon > Manage add-ons

3. Reset your browser to factory default settings

Even after removing shady extensions, Flvto malware may have altered your browser settings. Stripping them down to factory defaults eliminates any remnants.

  • Chrome: Settings > Reset settings
  • Firefox: Menu > Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox
  • Edge: Settings > Reset browser
  • Internet Explorer: Internet Options > Advanced > Reset

4. Uninstall unwanted programs

Check your installed programs list and remove anything potentially related to Flvto.biz:

Windows 10/11: Settings > Apps > Installed apps

Windows 7/8: Control Panel > Uninstall a Program

Watch for sneaky names like "MediaDownloader" or "VideoConverterPlus".

5. Run an adware cleaner tool

Specialized tools like AdwCleaner excel at removing stubborn adware that embeds itself in your system outside the reach of normal antivirus scans. Let it scan and quarantine any PUPs detected.

6. Reset your browser homepages and new tab page

Double check your browser settings and change your homepage and new tab page back to the default if needed. Flvto malware often modifies these settings to redirect you to unwanted pages.

7. Update Windows and your software

On Windows Update, install the latest Windows patches and security updates. Also update any out-of-date programs, which are vulnerable to exploits.

8. Change your account passwords

As a precaution, change any passwords to sensitive accounts saved on your web browser. Flvto malware may have captured your login credentials.

9. Clean up with CCleaner

Run the CCleaner utility to delete junk files, clear cached data, and erase your web browsing history. This wipes out residual traces of Flvto redirect infections.

10. Re-check your system with an antivirus scan

Run a final antivirus scan to verify no infections persist. If any leftover threats appear, quarantine them.

After these steps, your Windows PC should now be rid of Flvto.biz malware, adware, browser hijackers and PUPs. Enjoy faster, safer browsing!

Removing Flvto.biz from Mac OS

Though less common than Windows infections, Flvto-related adware and malware can affect Mac users too. Here are the key steps for cleaning it up:

1. Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes is the best antivirus program for scrubbing adware from Mac systems. Download, install, and run a full scan, allowing it to clean any threats detected.

2. Check browser extensions

Open Safari, Chrome, and Firefox then remove any browser extensions you don‘t remember installing. Watch for titles containing "Flvto".

3. Reset Safari and Chrome

Safari > Reset Safari
Chrome > Settings > Advanced > Reset settings

This reverts any homepage changes made by malware.

4. Delete any suspicious apps

Look through your Applications folder for any unfamiliar programs related to "Flvto" and move them to the Trash.

5. Clear your browsing history

Safari > Clear History
Chrome > History > Clear browsing data

Removing your web history eliminates redirects related to Flvto.biz.

Following these five steps will remove all traces of Flvto.biz malware from your Mac. No need for a full system reinstallation!

Removing the Flvto Virus from Mobile Devices

The Flvto.biz website did not have an official mobile app. However, you may have accidentally downloaded shady third-party apps or malicious mobile browser extensions related to Flvto.

Here‘s how to check for and remove any threats on your iPhone, iPad or Android device:

Checking iOS for Flvto Malware

1. Delete suspicious apps

App Store > Your account > Purchased section – Look for and uninstall any shady apps mentioning "Flvto"

2. Remove browser extensions

Safari Settings > Extensions – Remove anything unknown

Chrome > More Tools > Extensions – Disable unwanted add-ons

3. Reset Safari

Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data

4. Reset network settings

General > Reset > Reset Network Settings

This clears DNS changes made by malware.

Scanning Android for Flvto Infections

1. Uninstall suspicious apps

Play Store > Menu > My Apps & Games – Remove "Flvto" apps

2. Delete shady browser extensions

Chrome > Extensions – Remove
Samsung Internet > Extensions – Disable

3. Reset app preferences

Device Settings > Apps – Reset App Preferences

4. Run a malware scan with Malwarebytes

Install from Google Play and scan device to detect residual threats.

These steps will free your iPhone, iPad or Android from any Flvto.biz redirects, adware or unwanted apps.

Safe & Legal Alternatives to Flvto.biz

Now that you‘ve cleaned Flvto malware off your computer, you may be looking for a new secure video converter. Here are the top legal alternatives:

1. 4K Video Downloader

The most full-featured Flvto replacement allowing downloads from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Twitch, and 300 other sites. Supports playlists.

Key Features

  • Download entire YouTube playlists or channels
  • Extract audio into MP3 format
  • Available as a free or paid version

4K Video Downloader software interface displaying a YouTube video

2. ClipGrab

A lightweight but powerful downloader for YouTube, Vimeo, and more. Grab clips on Windows, Mac or Linux.

Key Features

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Supports video and audio conversion
  • Completely free software

3. VideoHunter

A quick online tool for downloading videos from top sites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and more. No software install needed.

Key Features

  • Fast web-based downloading
  • Wide format support
  • No registration required
  • Results ready in minutes

4. OnlineVideoConverter

High-quality video downloader and converter supporting 1000+ sites. Easy-to-use browser-based tool.

Key Features

  • High-speed downloads
  • Mass downloading capability
  • No software to install
  • Simple browser-based interface

The best part about these legal options? They won‘t infect your computer with viruses or adware like Flvto.biz did.

Always practice caution before downloading third-party software to stay protected. Make sure you trust any app before installation. An ad blocker like uBlock Origin can also help block malicious ads.

Expert Tips to Improve Online Security

Removing existing Flvto.biz infections is the first key step. But you also need to take precautions moving forward to boost your online safety and prevent future malware.

Here are some top pro tips from our cybersecurity team:

  • Keep your antivirus software updated – Use a top antivirus like Norton, Bitdefender or Kaspersky and enable auto updates so you have the latest virus definitions.

  • Don‘t click questionable links or downloads – Whether in ads or emails, avoid clicking anything that looks suspicious. Hover over links to preview destinations before clicking.

  • Use an ad blocker – Ad blockers like uBlock Origin prevent malicious ads from even loading on pages you visit. This added layer protects you from infections.

  • Download only from trusted sources – Stick to official app stores like Google Play and the App Store. Avoid third-party download sites where malware thrives.

  • Think before granting permissions – When installing apps, pay close attention to the permissions being requested. Only allow what is absolutely essential.

  • Keep your device and software updated – Regularly install security patches which fix vulnerabilities. Accept updates whenever prompted.

  • Use strong passwords – Create long, complex passwords for important accounts. Never reuse passwords between sites.

  • Browse over HTTPS – When possible, choose the HTTPS version of sites for encrypted connections. Look for the padlock icon.

Staying vigilant is key to avoiding renewed malware infections as cyberthreats evolve. But with the removal advice in this guide, you can permanently eliminate any lingering traces of the Flvto.biz virus.

Your device will run faster and more securely without unwanted junk programs and browser extensions weighing it down. Bookmark this page so you can easily reference these Flvto.biz removal steps anytime a problem appears.

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Streamr Go

StreamrGo is always about privacy, specifically protecting your privacy online by increasing security and better standard privacy practices.