Question 1

Is Chrome.exe a virus?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, Chrome.exe isn’t a virus. It’s a safe and trusted process used by Google Chrome’s web browser. Chrome.exe runs multiple instances of Chrome.exe in your Task Manager (and here’s why).

However, the Chrome.exe virus disguises itself as a legitimate Chrome.exe file. Your computer is likely infected with the Chrome.exe virus if your PC is frequently crashing, exposing you to lots of pop-up ads, or if you can’t remember installing Google Chrome but it’s in your Task Manager. The best way to find out whether you have the Chrome.exe virus is to run a full system scan using a comprehensive malware scanner like Norton.

Question 2

Can I uninstall the Chrome.exe virus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it’s really easy to do it. First, purchase an antivirus (Norton is my favorite), and then follow these steps — run a full-disk scan, which will check your entire computer for malware, including trojans (like the Chrome.exe virus), rootkits, computer worms, and more, and place them in quarantine. Next, delete all of the infected files in your quarantine vault. Then, restart your computer and run another full scan to make sure all of the malware was detected and removed.

Once you have deleted the Chrome.exe virus and all other malware from your computer, you can keep your computer from getting reinfected by following these preventative measures:

Don’t click on suspicious links or download files from unknown sources.
Confirm that all of your drivers, software, and operating systems are updated with the most recent versions.
Make sure you purchase a top-quality antivirus program that includes real-time protection (my top pick is Norton).

Question 3

Is Chrome.exe dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Chrome.exe is the executable file that launches and runs the Chrome web browser on your device. Seeing it in your Task Manager just means Chrome is active. However, be cautious — some malware files like the Chrome.exe virus can imitate Chrome.exe to sneak into your system unnoticed.

Malware files that pretend to be legitimate files are called trojans, and they are very dangerous. Trojans can create a backdoor into your system and allow cybercriminals to steal or modify your files — or even spy on you. To make sure that you don’t have the Chrome.exe virus running on your system, follow my steps.

Question 4

How can I check if Chrome.exe is legitimate or a virus?

Accepted Answer

The best way to figure out if your version of Chrome.exe is legitimate or a virus is to run a full scan using a comprehensive antivirus scanner.

However, you can also check the Chrome.exe file manually.

If you can’t remember installing Chrome, bring up your Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
Right-click on the suspicious Chrome.exe process and click “Open File Location.”
Check the location of the folder you’re taken to. If it’s: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application,” (or similar) it’s unlikely you have a virus infection. If you’re taken anywhere else (such as a temporary folder, your Windows installation folders, or a Documents folder), chances are you have a virus infection.
If you have a virus infection, you should scan your computer using a comprehensive antivirus scanner (like Norton).

Question 5

Where is Chrome.exe located in Windows 10?

Accepted Answer

The default location for Chrome.exe in a 64-bit Windows 10 operating system is:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe.

If your operating system isn’t 64-bit, you should look in:

C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe.

If you suspect you have the Chrome.exe virus, don’t manually delete the .exe file in the mentioned directory. Chrome can’t work without it. If you find Chrome.exe in the specified directories, it’s likely your legitimate Google Chrome installation and not malware.

If you suspect you have a virus (even if you find Google Chrome in the above location), you should run a malware scan using a comprehensive antivirus program like Norton. To do this, download and install your chosen antivirus program on your device and follow our above steps.

Question 6

How to remove the Chrome.exe virus?

Accepted Answer

The best way to remove the Chrome.exe virus is to download a comprehensive antivirus program like Norton and follow our above steps. However, before you do this, you need to check if your version of Chrome.exe is legitimate or a virus. To do this, check to see if it’s installed in C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe. If it is, it’s unlikely to be a virus. However, if you have any doubts, it doesn’t hurt to run a virus scan anyway.

Question 7

What is the main risk of using a password manager?

Accepted Answer

The biggest risk of using a password manager is getting your master password cracked or stolen — if this happens, your entire vault can be accessed. The master password (which is used to unlock your password manager) is vulnerable if it’s too weak, and it can also be compromised through a phishing attack, a data breach, or a malware infection. To avoid these situations, use a strong, unique master password (12 or more characters, including numbers and symbols) and install a top antivirus (Norton is my favorite) to keep your system clean from malware.

Question 8

Does a password manager know all of your passwords?

Accepted Answer

No, a good password manager employs zero-knowledge architecture and end-to-end encryption, ensuring it cannot access your passwords. All of the password managers on this list rely on zero-knowledge architecture and end-to-end encryption to maximize user security. So, while your password manager stores and auto-fills your credentials, the developers behind the app remain unaware of the contents of your encrypted password vault.

Question 9

How safe is Google Chrome password manager?

Accepted Answer

Google Chrome’s built-in password manager is reasonably secure — it uses strong encryption, and Google offers the option to protect accounts with TOTP 2FA apps like Google Authenticator. However, Google doesn’t offer advanced features like password vault auditing, dark web monitoring, and secure password sharing, and it doesn’t sync well across devices and browsers.

Also, Google Chrome’s password generator is very basic and doesn’t offer the same customization options to generate complex passwords as top standalone password managers like 1Password.

Question 10

What if a password manager is hacked?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a password manager’s servers being hacked, your stored logins are still safe. The top password managers protect your personal data with 256-bit AES encryption, which is the same encryption standard used by banks and militaries. So, if a password manager’s server is hacked, all of your information is unreadable. For example, LastPass’s servers were hacked in 2015, but no user information was compromised in the hack.

If your password vault is hacked, contact your password manager’s customer support, change your master password, and consider deleting your account. To prevent your password manager from being hacked, I strongly advise that you combine a strong, unique master password (that’s at least 12 characters long and includes random numbers and symbols) with 2-factor authentication (2FA). Also, I recommend that you install an antivirus like Norton to prevent hackers from using malware to steal your master password.

Question 11

What is included in antivirus free trials?

Accepted Answer

Most antivirus free trials include all of the features of the full premium version. With the best antivirus free trials, like Bitdefender’s, you get access to everything from its malware scanner and anti-phishing features to its VPN, password manager, system optimization tools, and more. This allows you to really test all of its features and make sure it works for you before committing.

Question 12

What are the benefits of a premium antivirus package?

Accepted Answer

A premium antivirus package provides a lot more protection and much better features than a free version. For example, alongside essentials like a malware scanner, anti-phishing tools, and web protection, premium antivirus providers also offer tools like a VPN, password manager, identity theft protection, and more to further protect your devices and your data.

Also, many antivirus software providers offer live customer support with their premium plans. You can speak directly with a support agent to resolve issues, from setting up the software to successfully removing malware.

The benefits of the features listed above far outweigh the cost of upgrading to a premium antivirus package — especially as most antiviruses offer sizable discounts and free trials for new users. So you can try everything before purchasing a plan.

Question 13

Why pick a premium antivirus over a free one?

Accepted Answer

Premium antiviruses, like Norton or Bitdefender, offer considerably more tools and features for detecting threats, keeping your data safe, and cleaning up your devices.

A free antivirus might still give you decent security, and the best free plans from premium providers offer some useful features. But there are always some shortcomings. For example, free antiviruses can often have annoying limitations, lack standard features, and constantly prompt you to pay to unlock more.

For those reasons, I’d recommend trying a premium antivirus that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee, like Norton or Bitdefender.

Question 14

Will an antivirus with a free trial remove existing viruses?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you are already dealing with viruses on your device, you can use a free trial period to remove these viruses and keep your device healthy.

A full system scan like the one offered by Norton will scan through all the files, apps, and software on your device and look for viruses. I’d recommend regularly scanning your devices, even after you’ve removed any malware.

Question 15

Are free Android antivirus apps safe?

Accepted Answer

The ones on this list are all safe. But it’s important to know that scanning for malware requires deep-level access to the most sensitive parts of your device. Malicious antivirus apps can easily compromise your privacy and security and steal your info.

I’ve thoroughly tested these apps, and they’re all legitimate, safe, and work exactly as promised. Each app comes from a brand with a strong reputation for creating excellent cybersecurity products. My top pick, Norton Mobile Security, is produced by a company with millions of users worldwide and decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry.

Question 16

Will an Android antivirus drain my battery?

Accepted Answer

The impact of an Android antivirus on battery life can vary widely based on the antivirus software itself and how it’s configured. Some antivirus apps such as Norton and Bitdefender are known for being energy-efficient and have a minimal impact on battery life, while others like TotalAV, as seen in earlier tests, can be more resource-intensive and may drain the battery quicker. Features like real-time scanning, cloud-based scanning, and frequent updates can contribute to higher battery usage.

It’s advisable to look for antivirus software that balances strong protection with energy efficiency. For instance, Norton has optimized its scanning processes to reduce battery consumption, and Bitdefender offers a Battery & Performance Saver feature.

Question 17

Do I need an antivirus on my Android phone?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is — yes! Your Android phone or tablet probably contains sensitive data like personal information, banking information, social media, personal pictures and files, etc. It’s also a relatively expensive item, thus attracting thieves.

And when compared to other platforms like iOS, Android isn’t all that secure of an operating system. Android OS is notable for having tons of indie developers, coders, and modders around the globe. Unfortunately, this also makes Android a playground for hackers.

Ransomware, spyware, cryptojacking software, surveillance apps, and other malware compromise Android users every single day. Android users also face risks from phishing sites, smishing links, and even pickpockets.

To keep your device safe from all of these threats, you need to have a good Android antivirus with real-time protection, web protection, anti-theft tools, and other additional features. My favorite Android antivirus is Norton, but it’s not free — the mobile app comes with a 14-day free trial, but if you get one of Norton’s multi-device internet security suites, you can use the app for 60 days risk-free.

Question 18

What kind of features can you get with an Android antivirus app?

Accepted Answer

In addition to detecting and removing malware, a free Android antivirus app can:

Keep your personal information private (I recommend Norton Mobile Security).
Ensure you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network (Norton can also do this).
Prevent loss or theft of your device (Avira’s free Android app has some particularly effective anti-theft tools).

Most antivirus apps also offer additional paid premium features, and for every free app out there, there are dozens more premium apps. If your phone contains sensitive info that you don’t want getting out, it’s always better to go with a low-cost premium option like Norton.

Question 19

What are the best free antivirus apps for Android?

Accepted Answer

My top recommendations are Norton Mobile Security (not 100% free, but it has a 60-day money-back guarantee) and TotalAV Mobile Security (good range of free features).

Norton provides excellent antivirus protection along with a number of other useful features, including dark web monitoring (by far the best dark web monitoring of any antivirus app) and a fast VPN with unlimited browsing data, whereas TotalAV has excellent web protection, data breach scanning, and a secure browser.

But there are many great free antivirus apps for Android, all of which either provide strong malware protection, web protection, or additional tools to keep your smartphone or tablet secure.

Question 20

How can I check my Android for viruses for free?

Accepted Answer

You can download a reputable free Android antivirus that includes antivirus scanning, such as Norton or TotalAV (both have excellent malware detection rates). The free Android antivirus apps on this list will also be able to identify and stop a range of internet security threats — most apps come with web protection, so you’ll be warned if you’re about to encounter suspicious or potentially dangerous sites online, including phishing sites that are designed to steal your personal information. But to fully protect your device, you’ll need to ensure the Android antivirus you choose includes real-time virus protection (Norton offers real-time protection).

Question 21

Can Android devices be hacked?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Android devices are more susceptible to being hacked than other mobile devices. Android firmware is designed to be more flexible and customizable compared to alternative firmware versions, such as iOS, but this also opens the door to hackers and malware — it’s much easier to design and distribute malware to Android devices, partly due to flaws in the operating system, and also because Android app stores are often less regulated, especially when compared to Apple’s App Store (which is notorious for its stringent security tests).

To protect yourself against malicious apps, I recommend using Norton Mobile Security. Not only does it have a powerful malware scanner, but it also alerts you to suspicious apps before you download and install them.

Question 22

Can I use a free Android antivirus on a Chromebook?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use a free Android antivirus on a Chromebook. Thanks to the Google Play Store access on most Chromebooks, Android antivirus apps like TotalAV can be installed and used for basic protection. They can scan your downloaded apps and files for any potential threats, offering an extra layer of security. However, remember that while they add a level of protection, these free versions may not provide comprehensive coverage against all types of malware or advanced threats.

Question 23

Can a free antivirus detect and remove malware?

Accepted Answer

A free antivirus can detect and remove many types of malware. Apps such as Bitdefender had strong malware detection and removal capabilities in my tests. That said, it’s important to note that while free antivirus apps can provide a decent level of protection, they typically offer fewer features and less comprehensive protection than their paid counterparts. For complete peace of mind, a premium antivirus app is the wiser choice.

Question 24

Does Android have a built-in antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Android does have a built-in system for detecting and dealing with threats known as Google Play Protect. It scans apps on the Google Play Store for any signs of malware before you download them and periodically checks your device for potentially harmful apps. However, Google Play Protect doesn’t provide the same level of protection as dedicated antivirus apps like Norton. Its malware detection rates are generally lower, and it lacks important features that dedicated apps provide, such as real-time protection, phishing protection, and extra security tools. For these reasons, I’d recommend supplementing it with a reliable antivirus app.

Hazel Shaw

Published With SafetyDetectives

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