What are “Re captha version” pop-up virus?

Re captha version virus is a browser notification spam campaign that takes place on an eponymous website. An entire network of such sites has similar names and content. All of them aim at one thing – forcing users to allow notifications, under the guise of anti-robot captcha. This makes possible the main course of this scam – huge numbers of pop-ups that flood both the web browser and system notifications.

List of domains involved in the scam

Websites like “Re captha version” commonly appear after the redirection from another site, or following the click on the suspicious banner somewhere on the Web. If you’d try visiting such websites apart from the malicious redirections, they will likely return a white screen or various error messages. In some cases, they work, but the content is the same as the first time – just the offer to enable pop-up notifications.

But what for all this is running? Promotions that such websites show are extremely cheap, but their volume multiplied by the number of victims gives quite a substantial profit. Considering that these frauds will advertise other malicious actors, the profit may be smeared through several cybercriminal groups. And while there are ways to earn more, and in a legitimate way, pop-up spam campaigns are extremely easy to run. This is what causes these fraudulent sites to keep going.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware offers an advanced network protection feature that is capable of filtering the pop-up scam sites. We start tracking them at the very moment of their appearance, meaning they will not be able to harm you at all. Get your security boosted Gridinsoft.

How dangerous is pop-up notifications spam?

Despite what they look like, pop-ups are a rather dangerous thing, especially when dozens of them appear in a short period. The main effect is distraction: pop-ups will keep appearing even after closing the browser. They clutter the notification tray, making it impossible to find the alerts you need.

But the key danger hides in the content of those promotions. Pages and offers they promote are not even remotely relevant. Moreover, the links these advertisements lead to are often just clickbait websites or outright phishing pages. The longer all this happens, the more likely for the user to accidentally click one and get into a sticky situation.

How to remove Re captha version ads?

Removing pop-ups from the browser involves two steps – disallowing sending notifications to all sites and scanning your system for threats. The first one is manual – you need to go to your browser settings, open the page with notification settings and delete all entries there. Then, reload your browser for the changes to take effect.

Disabling browser pop-ups (scroll images)

For the second step – scanning for threats – I recommend using GridinSoft Anti-Malware. As I said, ads can lead to the installation of unwanted software. But aside from this, the appearance of Re captha version website may be the sign of adware activity. To ensure that your device is clean, run a Standard scan and let it finish – it won’t take long.

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What is a fake virus alert?

A fake virus alert is a browser notification whose task is to mislead the user. It can appear not only in the browser but also in the system. That notification can be caused by rogue antivirus, adware and simple website redirection.

Rogue antivirus is known as security software that is fraudulent and misleads users into believing there is a virus on their computer. This software aims to convince them to pay for a fake malware removal tool that in fact blocks legit and safe apps it found in the system.

Fake security threats often appear on your computer screen as pop-ups in browsers that claim your computer is infected with a deadly virus. These pop ups in turn signal you that you have adware on your device. Such warnings direct you to download a purported virus removal tool, which consequently may be the aforementioned rogue antivirus.

Redirections appear when you click through some less than trustworthy pages. Compromised sites, or ones whose administrators do not care who they’re referring to may contain a number of such malicious links. They are not a sign of malware, but unfortunately that reason for fake virus notifications is quite rare.

However, there are quite a lot of instances where they serve for malicious purposes. The spreading of such plugins is pretty easy, and it makes them very attractive. Common ways look like advertising pages and require "install a plugin to confirm that you are not a robot" or "a security advisory". They have become a popular method of spreading infection, as they are embedded in the browser and are often ignored by weak anti-viruses. In addition, they are aimed at stealing user data, which is very much present in the browser.

Signs of fake virus alerts

Fake virus warnings can be convincing, but there are a few telltale signs that they’re fake. Understanding these telltale signs can assist you in avoiding phony pop-up alerts and clicking on dangerous links. Generally, trust your instincts: if something seems off, it’s probably wrong. These signs indicate that a fake virus is present:

• Fake-sounding products: Fake virus warnings are typically straightforward. They often promote fraudulent products. Learning about the best antivirus software will make it simple to recognize fraudulent software.
• High-frequency alerts: The sudden increase in warnings about the virus is alarming. However, this is a common tactic used by adware. The goal is to make you anxious enough to download their fraudulent product.
• Bad grammar: A legitimate corporation takes time to refine it’s messaging and communications. Fake virus software scams will often have spelling and grammar errors, and also apply strange text designs – like numerous “#” or “_” symbols across the text.
• Vague wording: Unclear promises or vague descriptions are suspect. Reputable antivirus software will use straightforward language to describe its product and benefits.

The list of signs is not complete, as crooks have proven to be inventive enough to find new ideas on their banners. However, most of the time one or several symptoms among the names above will appear – and that should raise your suspicion.

Examples of fake virus alerts

A false virus alert can have multiple forms. Understanding the following examples of fake virus warnings can assist you in recognizing the scams before they have a chance to cause harm. These are examples of fake virus warnings:

1. Malvertisements

Malvertising is hackers’ deceptive usage of legitimate advertising networks to infect ads that show up on websites you trust. These ads often claim your computer is infected with a virus and attempt to sell bogus antivirus programs. Pay attention only if you receive notifications about your computer being infected with malware.

2. Fake versions of real ads

Reputable businesses can fake VirusAlerts and deceptive Counterfeit ads. Fake phonies use dubious claims and exaggerated language full of fear. They also offer absurdly favorable terms.

3. System tray notifications

As opposed to common fake virus warnings, system tray notifications are rare. They appear as notifications in your system tray that inform you of a serious infection that requires immediate attention. Authentic notifications have a much more effective effect because they look more realistic. When you see one, make sure it’s not a fake before you choose to respond. By examining the language of a scam alert, you can determine if it’s real or fake. These fraudulent messages use emotional words to manipulate your emotions and trick you into rash decisions. They also typically have formatting issues or fonts that need to match up.

How to get out of fake virus pop-up

1. Reload your browser

If you encounter a fake virus alert, the first step is to shut down your browser. A key combination like Alt+F4 or Command+Q (on macOS), will accomplish the task. However, if this is not possible, you can force your system preferences to close your browser if it’s sluggish. This can help prevent you from tapping on the infected pop-up that can lead to further problems. Then, open it back in order to start troubleshooting.

2. Remove any suspicious extensions.

The extension is an application that enhances the functionality of the browser.

How to Remove an Extension in Google Chrome

1. Launch the Chrome browser.
2. Click on the icon "Configure and Manage Google Chrome" then Additional Tools then Extensions.
3. Click Remove next to the extension.
4. Click Remove next to the extension.

If you have an extension button on the browser toolbar, right-click it and select Remove from Chrome.

How to Remove an Extension in Firefox

1. Click the menu button, select Add-ons and Themes, and then click Extensions.
2. Scroll through the extensions.
3. Click on the dot (three dots) icon for the extension you want to delete and select Delete .

3. Reset browser settings

Resetting your browser settings is one of the first things you should do to eliminate the Windows Defender security warning scam. The following instructions tell you how to do this in different browsers:

Google

1. Tap on the three verticals … in the top right corner and Choose Settings.



2. Choose Reset and Clean up and Restore settings to their original defaults.



3. Tap Reset settings.

Firefox

1. In the upper right corner tap the three-line icon and Choose Help



2. Choose More Troubleshooting Information



3. Choose Refresh Firefox… then Refresh Firefox



Microsoft Edge

1. Tap the three verticals



2. Choose Settings



3. Tap Reset Settings, then Click Restore settings to their default values.



4. Remove suspicious apps

Find and remove the suspicious app: Now go to settings and click on the ‘Apps’ section. Look for a list of current apps (you may need to select 'App manager' for a comprehensive list) and locate the malicious app. Open the app’s information and then select the option to uninstall. This should eliminate suspicious apps. If you can’t find the suspicious program in the list of all programs on your device, you need to scan your device with an antivirus. You must remove this designation before you can discontinue the procedure. To accomplish this, go into your security settings and locate a section called "Device Admin Apps" with a title like "Device Admin Apps". Uncheck the app you want to remove and then deactivate the next step. You may now be able to delete the app.

5. Scan for malware

If you examine your computer and can’t find any suspicious files, you should consider installing antivirus software — this is if you don’t already have it. You can utilize the software to search for malware that may be concealed within your computer. If the scan identifies a threat, it can attempt to remove it and prevent further damage to your device.



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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/fake-virus-alert-how-to-get-rid/feed/ 0 13030 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/drinker-app-what-is-drinker-adware/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/drinker-app-what-is-drinker-adware/#respond Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:22:24 +0000 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/?p=9801 The Drinker app is another example of a malicious program that disguises itself as a useful utility for your PC. Another two – Healthy and Strength – popped up almost simultaneously. All of them are classified as adware and have a lot of things to be worried about. Let’s check the Drinker app top to… Continue reading Drinker App – what is Drinker Adware?

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]]> The Drinker app is another example of a malicious program that disguises itself as a useful utility for your PC. Another two – Healthy and Strength – popped up almost simultaneously. All of them are classified as adware and have a lot of things to be worried about. Let’s check the Drinker app top to bottom.

What is the Drinker app?

Initially, the Drinker app comes as a reminder tool for users who tend to forget about drinking water. Although it is an important part of any diet, the exact way of setting up the reminders is pretty strange. Nowadays each phone has a utility for setting up the reminders, and Windows 11 has a built-in organiser tool. Nonetheless, this app exists – and as you can already guess, its functionality goes far beyond the one claimed by the developer.



First of all, this application has the same certificate signer as the aforementioned adware programs – Marketingbiz LTD. This thing is unhealthy by itself, but that’s not the end. Drinker app establishes connection with three unknown IP addresses, two of which coincide with ones used by Strength and Healthy adware. However, the main coincidence is its behaviour in the infected system. Each time the reminder is set off, the browser window is getting opened and you’d see a page full of ads. Alternatively, there could be a page with a betting site or online casino promotion. This or other way, obtrusive ads is not a thing you’d like to spectate wherever you go on the Internet.

Is the Drinker App dangerous?

As I’ve proven above, the Drinker has a lot of similarities with programs that are considered adware. Even though only a few vendors detect it, that’s only the question of time for others to start blocking it. The key reasons to consider the Drinker app a dangerous adware are its actions within the system. Do you remember the IP addresses it connects for no visible reason? These IPs could belong to a third party who’s interested in your personal data. And unless the different information is available, I am free to suppose the malevolent character of this connection.



Another questionable thing is the amount of files dropped in the process of installation. It makes too many actions with similarly named files, and as far as they are just changing each other, I can suppose that this trick is just an obfuscation tactic. For some cybersecurity analysts, obfuscation or its attempts is already enough to consider the program risky.

Besides the things that are going under the hood, the ads you see because of the Drinker Adware are also the point of concern. Adware-related banners usually contain the same outlaw content as the original malware has. Clicking on these ads will likely lead you to online scams, phishing pages and other nasty places. In comprehension, all these factors are the clean sign that it is better to get rid of the Drinker adware as soon as possible.

How did I get that?

Most often, the Drinker app appears in the system after clicking on scam offers on the Web, or through software bundling. The former can have shapes of “update your Chrome” or “get a very useful tweak for your Windows”. It could be especially funny to see the latter while using Linux. Software bundling, on the other hand, can be witnessed while using freeware or cracked programs. Their developers have no other way to monetise their effort than to include some programs to the distribution and receive a coin for each installation.



How do I remove Drinker Adware?

As any other adware, the Drinker does not create any deep ties inside of your system. However, the actions it does to provide itself sustainability are enough to make your system less stable. Together with the changes it does to your browser configurations, it comes to the system recovery. It is possible to do it both manually and with the use of anti-malware software. I’d recommend you to opt for the latter, since using anti-malware software is much faster and easier. GridinSoft Anti-Malware will be an ideal choice.

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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/drinker-app-what-is-drinker-adware/feed/ 0 9801 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/healthy-app-adware-remove/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/healthy-app-adware-remove/#respond Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:22:02 +0000 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/?p=9759 Healthy App seems to be the companion of the other unwanted app – Strength Adware. The dubious application gets into users’ PCs to show them tons of advertisements. Let’s check out what this app is and what are the dangers of the Healthy application. Healthy App – What is it? Healthy is a small application… Continue reading Healthy App (HealthySoftware) – What is Healthy?

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]]> Healthy App seems to be the companion of the other unwanted app – Strength Adware. The dubious application gets into users’ PCs to show them tons of advertisements. Let’s check out what this app is and what are the dangers of the Healthy application.

Healthy App – What is it?

Healthy is a small application for Windows that appears on the victims’ PC after some sort of deceptive promotions. In particular, it is sometimes advised as a widget with healthy advice. However, all this thing does on your PC is showing a shortcut in the tray. Clicking on it will open your by-default browser with the MSN Lifestyle page in it. Meanwhile, in the other browser window, it will open the page full of ads. Alternatively you will see the full-fledged banner that promotes a betting service or a dubious app or browser plugin.



Besides the intrusive advertisements the Healthy app shows to you, it also has several behaviour elements that make this app less than desired. For instance, it edits the registry entries that are responsible for low-level system security. That is the clear indication that it cannot be called benevolent. Usually, cybersecurity vendors mark the apps that violate the system security as unwanted. At this point, we can assume that this app is close to adware – the malicious application that makes money for its developers by deliberately showing the ads to the victims.



Is Healthy Adware dangerous?

It may be not so obvious, but adware is as dangerous as any other malware is. The fact that it does not expose your system to a direct danger does not mean it is safe. Banners it shows to you usually contain the offers that are far away from being legit. As you can guess, no well-known companies will agree to be advertised by cybercriminals. Hence, all of the ads Healthy Adware shows to you are scam.



Still, that is not all danger you can face while having this app running in the background. The aforementioned fact that it changes the registry key makes your system vulnerable for further malware injection. Additionally, it sporadically connects the IP addresses – 23[.]216[.]147[.]76 and 20[.]99[.]132[.]105. The developer does not claim that there is any telemetrics, hence, the data about your system and activities are transferred without your knowledge. That makes this application as dangerous as spyware.

What’s next?

Healthy Adware should be removed as soon as possible. Earning money on you through showing you unwanted ads is definitely not what you want. And even more unwanted is the hazard to get your identity stolen. Via getting your personal information, crooks form the digital footprint. Later, they or someone they’d sell this footprint to will trick it into the other cybercrimes. In the worst case scenario criminals can steal money from your banking cards. The less time you give the crooks for actions, the bigger your chances to get out from the situation without any bad consequences. Remove Healthy Adware with GridinSoft Anti-Malware – that program will make it in a minute, and will provide your PC a reliable shield against malicious programs.

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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/healthy-app-adware-remove/feed/ 0 9759 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/strength-app-adware/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/strength-app-adware/#respond Fri, 29 Jul 2022 10:20:05 +0000 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/?p=9728 Strength Adware, a new advertising malware, began appearing on users’ devices. It is still not clear how it manages to get into the system, but its effects are not pleasant. I did a check-up of this malware and can say how dangerous the Strength Adware is. Strength Adware spreading The key point of this adware… Continue reading Strength Adware – What Is Strength App?

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]]> Strength Adware, a new advertising malware, began appearing on users’ devices. It is still not clear how it manages to get into the system, but its effects are not pleasant. I did a check-up of this malware and can say how dangerous the Strength Adware is.

Strength Adware spreading

The key point of this adware is the attempt to look like a software that helps the PC users to keep their fitness well. It pretends to have the functionality that notifies the user when it needs to have a break and do some physical exercises. At least this information is specified in promotions which were found on the Internet.



Still, some of the users report about the classic “Update browser” or “Update Flash Player” scam scheme, where the victim is tricked to install adware under the guise of an important update. It is pretty funny since Flash Player has been unsupported since 2021. Overall, this trick is very old and will not likely cease to exist.

What is a Strength App by Strength Tech?

In fact, the Strength app is a classic example of adware. Instead of the functionality it has in its promotion, you will see a ton of advertisements with not very trustworthy offers. They will appear even on the pages that do not have ads by design, and you will not be able to block them with regular ad blocking tools. They are rendered in overlay to the site, so even the changes to the pages’ code will not bring any effects.



VirusTotal – the worldwide-known antivirus aggregator – confirms the guesses of analysts. Single or several detections could be considered as false alarms, but as you can see, over 20 anti-malware vendors say it is actually malware. Additionally, the site shows that this program contacts two IP-addresses in U.S., without any real need for that action. The creation of registry keys that only aim at launching the app with the system also says a lot about the real intentions of this app. All it tries to do is to show you as many ads as possible, and probably to leak the information about your activities and system to its owner.



Is Strength Adware dangerous?

Like any other adware, it is very unpleasant for your PC, even though it does not expose you to a direct threat. This type of malware creates a sustainable load on your CPU and RAM. For weak systems or thin clients, such a load may be high enough to block any other system functions. But even for high-end systems it is not acceptable to give a certain amount of hardware capacity to junk ads.

But the possible spyware capabilities of the Strength program makes it even a worse thing to tolerate. The more time you give it to function – the more information it can get about your personality. Having a lot of details about you, it is easy to recreate your digital footprint and thus thief your identity. The latter is fraught with money and reputation losses. Removing the Strength Adware as soon as possible is the only proper solution. Try GridinSoft Anti-Malware – it will perfectly fit for malware removal and further protection of your PC.

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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/strength-app-adware/feed/ 0 9728 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/top-facts-about-adware/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/top-facts-about-adware/#respond Sat, 21 May 2022 00:07:16 +0000 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/?p=7976 To begin with, each of you has faced this challenge. Namely, the infestation with advertising: pop-up windows, banners on your screen left and right when you want to do your job or find the needed information in the browser. It comes from nowhere, and often when you click on it, even accidentally, more advertising windows… Continue reading TOP Facts About Adware Attacks To Be Reminded Today

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]]> To begin with, each of you has faced this challenge. Namely, the infestation with advertising: pop-up windows, banners on your screen left and right when you want to do your job or find the needed information in the browser. It comes from nowhere, and often when you click on it, even accidentally, more advertising windows or tabs appear. Sometimes this thing even changes the browser’s settings, replacing the search engine and changing the “home page.” The reason for all this is adware.

TAKEAWAY: adware is a malicious, undesirable program that displays ads. It reduces your browser activity. A click on this obsessive advertising takes you to websites you don’t know. You slow down your browser by clicking on the pop-ups produced by programs of this kind. It is most often designed for desktop computers, but it can sometimes be found on mobile devices or tablets. Therefore, you should be careful to find the first signs of an adware intrusion.

How Does Adware Work?

This program penetrates systems after users install untested software or accidentally follow malicious links. With every installation of such a program, its developers get a good profit. Providers of the banners, the adware developers’ business partners, are usually fraudsters. You’ve all seen them, and you know them; these are references to super fast slimming, big wins, fake fears about computer virus attacks, etc.

All these pop-ups are for you to click on them, follow their links and acquire even more similar malware. Spyware, for example. After entering your computer, it steals your data and sells it to a third party. No matter what browser you use. It can be Firefox, Opera, Chrome, and others – adware and spyware can target all of them.

Adware Attack Examples You Need to Know

There are many different malicious advertising programs. All of them in any way try to affect your computer. Below we will discuss the most famous examples of advertising software.

• Gator is a malicious ad that tries to run on your computer without your consent. It mostly comes as a browser extension. The most common way for Gator to get to your computer is to be downloaded legally or after an accidental click on a link. You can even download a different program, and it will already be infected with this virus.
• Fireball is an advertising software developed by Rechotech. It gained remarkable popularity in 2017 when Israeli developers discovered more than 250 million computers infected with this advertising software. Fireball can get to your computer through the app you downloaded. You can learn about it later when you let your guard down. This program hacks your browser after it gets into it. The browser starts working on Fireball, which modifies your search engine and the default home page. The bizarre thing about Fireball is that it has a legitimate digital certificate, and because of that, security often doesn’t notice it, thinking that it’s some completely harmless advertising software.
• Appearch – this adware works as a browser thief. Installed on your device with free programs, starts slowing down the browser, shows different advertising banners, appears when you watch videos, etc. It pops up every time you try to visit the browser.
• DeskAd is a piece of adware appearing on your screen in the form of banners. This program starts its work in your browser very slowly and carefully. Before it nests among your legitimate software, you will not notice it, and by the time you do, it almost fully subverts your browser. Take your personal information from there and use it for your purposes.

How to Detect Adware?

The infection with adware does not go unnoticed. If you see one of the following signs, you should think of using the Adware Removal Tool, through which you will be able to protect your PC from harm and the theft of your data.

So, you have a browser infected with advertising software, if:

• the browser appearance changes without your intervention;
• you have a lot of intrusive pop-ups and banners when browsing sites;
• a new toolbar appears;
• your PC starts installing apps without your command;
• browser download speed drops significantly.

How to Avoid Adware Today?

If you have adware on your PC, you should take appropriate counter-measures. How exactly you will get rid of adware depends not on the type of adware. You can remove some viral programs from your operating system easily. Some require the intervention of an antivirus program. To protect your PC from potential virus programs, we recommend that you use Adware Removal Tool, an antivirus program that will protect your data and computer.

How Does Adware Removal Tool Work?

Antivirus finds the source of pop-up windows, problems with browser speed, etc. After the antivirus program detects the adware, it will defuse it, so the ads will no longer annoy you. Install Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, which will disable adware, prevent further virus attacks, and put protection on your PC, thus protecting your personal data from intruders.

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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/top-facts-about-adware/feed/ 0 7976 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/how-to-disable-push-notifications-in-your-browser/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/how-to-disable-push-notifications-in-your-browser/#comments Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:49:13 +0000 https://blog.gridinsoft.com/?p=2685 More and more sites use push notifications to show you the latest news anytime. Nevertheless, it’s such an annoying thing! Almost every site uses such a way of promotion. Did you know that by clicking “Allow”, you can let viruses in your system? It’s a popular way of spreading, by the way. Redirects, pop-ups, new… Continue reading How to Disable Push Notifications in Your Browser

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]]> More and more sites use push notifications to show you the latest news anytime. Nevertheless, it’s such an annoying thing! Almost every site uses such a way of promotion. Did you know that by clicking “Allow”, you can let viruses in your system? It’s a popular way of spreading, by the way. Redirects, pop-ups, new homepages – it’s all examples of browser viruses.

Actually, it is easy to disable push notifications in your browser settings, but not everyone knows about this possibility.

Explaining the pop-ups essence

Pop-up advertisements¹ are quite effective marketing tools, which allow getting profit to both counterparties of advertising. One may say online marketing success is based on pop-up ads. Customers may allow pop-up notifications from the website where the goods they need are sold. And when the chosen good is in stock, they will surely get a notification about it and likely purchase it. The consumer is satisfied, the seller gets his profit, and it costs nothing, especially compared to banner advertisements on the streets or ads in social media. The same story could be told about online newspapers, forums, and blogs, who send notifications about the new post under the guise of pop-up notifications.



Cyber threats are behind the pop-up notifications. In the last three years, pop-ups have been used by adware to show you annoying and irrelevant ads, which, however, are kindly paid by people who own the advertised website or sell the advertised product. Sometimes, such pop-ups may contain links for downloading malicious or unwanted programs. And if your PC is not strong enough, it may suffer a significant performance loss. In such a situation, scan your computer as soon as possible and remove it.² all detected threats.



But if these pop-up ads appear because of your allowance, you can disable them in browser settings. Let’s see how to disable push notifications in the most popular browsers.

Disable push notifications in Chrome

To get rid of push notifications in Google Chrome, open settings by clicking on three dots in the top right of the screen. Scroll a little bit and click on Advanced settings.



Here we are. We need the first part of Advanced settings – Privacy and security. Find the options of Content settings.



In Content settings, find the Notification option. This is exactly what we need to remove push notifications.



You must turn off the “Ask before sending” switcher. So simple!



Turn off the pop-ups in Mozilla Firefox

If you are a Mozilla Firefox lover, open settings (Options) via the main menu. Find Privacy & Security =>Notifications option.




In the settings of the Notification option, you can find all sites that can send you a notification. You can remove some or all of them and most important – check the option “Block new requests asking to allow notifications” to prevent such messages in the future.



The catch is these settings go to the default state each time Firefox updates. So keep it in mind.

Disable push notifications in Edge

Last but not least, Edge users need to open the same settings window in the top right part of the screen. Scroll the window until you find their Advanced settings.



Find there option Website permissions and click “Manage”. So here it is, all sites you allow to send push notifications, track your location, etc. You can remove them all. The sad thing about Edge is that you can’t turn all push notifications automatically. Our advice: every time you see site asking permission on something, click “No”, and the browser will remember your choice and won’t show a push message on this site again.



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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/how-to-disable-push-notifications-in-your-browser/feed/ 1 2685 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/adware-everywhere-knows-happening/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/adware-everywhere-knows-happening/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:58:54 +0000 https://blog.gridinsoft.com/?p=876 Perhaps you’ve heard the familiar whirlwind that no harm can ever hit your pricey gadget, maybe because everything from official App Stores is 100% clean and safe. And so, you’re on your favorite browser, carefree and worry-free! Alas! The browser starts to act stupid, redirecting and taking you places filled with creepy adverts or worse… Continue reading Adware Everywhere: Who Knows What Is Happening?

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]]> Perhaps you’ve heard the familiar whirlwind that no harm can ever hit your pricey gadget, maybe because everything from official App Stores is 100% clean and safe. And so, you’re on your favorite browser, carefree and worry-free!

Alas!

The browser starts to act stupid, redirecting and taking you places filled with creepy adverts or worse yet, issuing warnings of possible harm if you don’t “Update Your Flash Player.” And while the naïve would likely fall for the trap, smart and tech-savvy individuals may automatically note the adware running in the background. But as ubiquitous as the phenomenon is, adware attacks are a discreet way cyber criminals are using to make money off the unsuspecting.



Though it is probably the most popular way of telling that you are under attack, there are other subtle and perhaps less ferocious cyber attacks. There’s a form of adware gradually going mainstream. Besides redirecting, the virus goes ahead and alters your default search engine to something weird.

You start your PC, ready to browse the web, but once you key in whatever you need to search the web, you are redirected to a page with bizarre search results. It happens often and hurts the unsuspecting!

Pop-ads are yet another sign your computer is under an immense adware attack.

Simple as they appear, these pop-ads can be a source of immense misery, hurt your typical browsing habits and perhaps steal valuable data as you browse.

Many other times, these malicious occurrences make the PC act slower than it normally does, including lowering the average browsing speed and how the computer executes simple tasks. Of course, the phenomenon becomes more suspicious when you note the occurrence yet your PC doesn’t have a heavy program running or when you’re connected to a fast internet.



How Adware Works

Generally, these malicious tools are embedded into ‘free-ware’ or pirated software and act as part of a bundle of payment to the proprietor of the freely downloaded software.

Adware is simple software that comes with integrated advertising materials, including those that trigger redirects and pop-ups.

Mostly, the adware is activated whenever the tool that it is embedded in runs and the PC is connected to the internet.

At the moment, many software developers offer their products as “sponsored software” so that the ad pays for the free services provided. It is a pretty common type of adware and may continue until the user pays to register and thus unlock the ad off the software.



Regardless of how they work, these malicious attacks are very much annoying. Pop-ads waste a lot of time, while redirects and the slowing down of the PC hurt the ordinary performance of the computer. Aside from these, adware can set the stage for various other attacks, including spyware, ransomware and virus attacks.

How to avoid Adware

Tip #1 Never click any suspicious-looking pop-up windows and ads
Tip #2 Don’t answer or reply unsolicited emails and messages
Tip #3 Exercise utmost caution when downloading free software applications

Above all, invest in the best malware removal software. GridinSoft Anti-Malware does a great job!



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]]> https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/adware-everywhere-knows-happening/feed/ 0 876 https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/6-terrifying-samples-how-marketers-use-adware/ https://gridinsoft.com/blogs/6-terrifying-samples-how-marketers-use-adware/#respond Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:09:45 +0000 https://blog.gridinsoft.com/?p=956 While Spyware and Adware are arguably the fastest growing malicious threats to computers, proponents of these software programs are quite an intelligent lot. Collectively, these two together hit a staggering 90% of all Internet-connected PCs, leaving behind immeasurable losses. But of the particular essence right now is the widespread use of Adware amongst sly affiliate… Continue reading 6 Terrifying Samples How Marketers Use Adware

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]]> While Spyware and Adware are arguably the fastest growing malicious threats to computers, proponents of these software programs are quite an intelligent lot. Collectively, these two together hit a staggering 90% of all Internet-connected PCs, leaving behind immeasurable losses. But of the particular essence right now is the widespread use of Adware amongst sly affiliate marketers who know that many of those browsing the web can’t detect their malicious marketing techniques.

What Is Adware And Is It As Lethal As The Other Malicious Programs?

Adware or ad-sponsored software could be subtly harmless or aggravatingly consistent and deadly, depending on a couple of factors.

Mostly, the program is designed to benefit the marketer by collecting information regarding the target’s preferences. But that’s not where their work stops!

It will embark on removing all browser’s restrictions, change programs and browser setting and even alter the most preferred home page, all these happening without the PC owner’s consent. It would sound like a joke until endless and annoying ads pop-up out of nowhere.

However, some Adware programs are rather tolerable, primarily serving as the direct channel to deliver sales messages without those bothersome features. Software like Skype comes with adware in the form of embedded adverts, and they are specifically there to aid in the cost of development. Upon purchasing the premium version, ads are done away with altogether.



More lethal and irksome types that do all kinds of ills, from changing the browser’s default search engine to issuing stupid warnings to trick into buying an item exist. These far more insidious types don’t ask for permission to portray an ad. Typically, they thrive in illegal websites and display all kinds of ad banners, pop-ups, and other bizarre information, often in a more forceful manner.

At least, there are six different and terrifying ways cunning marketers are using to promote and showcase their items. Some of the most prevalent forms of adware include:

1. Numerous, intimidating ads and banners that cover the entire web page or blur the relevant information.
2. In-text ads with information – they tend to appear in-between the page.
3. Automatic video adverts that start to play once the page is opened.
4. Redirects from the main browser page – you are redirected to a particular web store and prompted to buy an item.
5. Pop-ups and pop-unders – you’re led to an online store or a blank page and teased that you’ve won a lottery so that you can submit your details.
6. Couponware, Reminderware, Loyaltyware, PPV, CPV, PopUps, Pop Unders, interruptive, interstitials.

Scammers are scheming and usually target import details such as the computer’s IP address, email address, names, credit card information and other personal data. All of them will be auctioned off to third-party marketers for a colossal sum of money. Quite honestly, adware programs are virtually infinite, and it get’s quite hard to stop all of them. However, just ensure you’ve got a premium, reputable anti-malware software.



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