Memory-protection-layer2.cc is a browser-based threat that pushes scary alerts, blank pop-ups, and redirects. It does not directly damage files, but the pages it promotes can lead to phishing, scams, or unwanted downloads. In most cases, the problem is a browser hijacker or abusive notification permission, not a full system infection.
We see the same pattern across similar popup domains. The site appears after a shady redirect, asks you to click Allow, then starts spamming security warnings. Our URL analysis of a related domain shows the same behavior pattern and risk profile. See the analysis here: Memory-protection-layer1.cc analysis.
How to remove Memory-protection-layer2.cc
Step 1 – Remove notification permissions. Open browser settings, find Notifications or Site Permissions, and remove any unfamiliar sites. This stops pop-ups that appear even when you are not browsing.
Step 2 – Remove suspicious extensions. Rogue add-ons can re-open the same popup loop. Use the built-in removal instructions below and disable anything you do not recognize.
- Launch Chrome.
- Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner.
- Select Extensions > Manage Extensions.
- Click Remove next to the extension you want to delete.
Quick Access: Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.
- Open Safari.
- In the menu bar, click Safari and select Settings (or Preferences).
- Click on the Extensions tab.
- Select the extension and click Uninstall.
- Click the menu button, select Add-ons and themes.
- Go to the Extensions tab.
- Click the three dots (...) next to the extension and select Remove.
Quick Access: Type about:addons in the address bar.
- Launch Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner.
- Select Extensions.
- Find the extension and click Remove.
Quick Access: Type edge://extensions/ in the address bar.
- Launch Brave browser.
- Click the menu icon > Extensions.
- Find the extension and click Remove.
Quick Access: Type brave://extensions/ in the address bar.
- Launch Opera.
- Click the Opera logo in the top left corner.
- Select Extensions > Extensions.
- Click the X or Remove button next to the extension.
Quick Access: Type opera://extensions/ in the address bar.
Step 3 – Reset browser settings. If the redirects keep returning, reset the browser to its default state. This clears hidden settings and restores normal behavior without deleting saved passwords.
- Tap on the three dots (...) in the top right corner and Choose Settings.
- Choose Reset and Clean up and Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Tap Reset settings.
Quick Access: Type chrome://settings/reset in the address bar.
- Open Safari.
- In the menu bar, click Safari > Clear History.
- Select all history and click Clear History.
- Go to Safari > Settings (or Preferences).
- Click the Privacy tab and select Manage Website Data... > Remove All.
- In the Advanced tab, check Show features for web developers.
- In the menu bar, select Develop > Empty Caches.
- Launch Brave browser.
- Click the menu icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Click Additional settings > Reset settings.
- Tap Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm by clicking Reset settings.
Quick Access: Type brave://settings/reset in the address bar.
- In the upper right corner tap the three-line icon and Choose Help.
- Choose More Troubleshooting Information.
- Choose Refresh Firefox... then Refresh Firefox.
Quick Access: Type about:support and click Refresh Firefox.
- Tap the three dots.
- Choose Settings.
- Tap Reset Settings, then Click Restore settings to their default values.
Quick Access: Type edge://settings/reset in the address bar.
- Launch the Opera browser.
- Click the Opera menu button in the top left corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Advanced section in the left sidebar and click Reset and clean up.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click Reset settings to confirm.
Quick Access: Type opera://settings/reset in the address bar.
After reset, verify that Memory-protection-layer2.cc is no longer set as your default search engine or homepage.
Step 4 – Remove suspicious apps. On Windows, open Apps and uninstall any new or unknown programs added around the time the pop-ups started. On macOS, check Login Items and Applications for anything you do not recognize.
Step 5 – Scan if it keeps coming back. Persistent pop-ups can signal adware or a hijacker that reinstalls itself. Run a full scan and remove anything flagged. If you want a guided cleanup, use the removal instructions below.
After uninstalling the suspicious app or deleting the visible threat, use Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to check hidden files, startup entries, scheduled tasks, bundled apps, browser changes, and other persistence points that can restore malware.
Download Anti-Malware- Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\ - Look for folders named Google, BraveSoftware, or Microsoft (under Edge).
- If you see a Policies subfolder with unknown keys inside, right-click and Delete it.
- Repeat for:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Warning: Be careful when editing the registry. Deleting the wrong key can cause system issues.
- Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Search for Profiles. If the icon isn't there, no profiles are installed.
- Select any suspicious profile (e.g., "Chrome Settings", "Admin Profile").
- Click the minus (-) button to remove it.
Open the built-in policy page to see rules that Memory-protection-layer2.cc may have applied:
- Chrome:
chrome://policy - Brave:
brave://policy - Edge:
edge://policy
Look for policies with names like ExtensionInstallForceList or HomepageLocation.
These pop-ups are often tied to browser-based phishing and other pressure tactics. If a page demands immediate action, treats it as a red flag and verify before you trust any warning.
