FastDataX Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is FastDataX?
Developers present FastDataX as a great tool to trade various information for marketing purposes. On initial inspection, this functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, FastDataX is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.
The main reasons for these negative associations are installation without consent and tracking of users' Internet browsing activity.
Following infiltration, FastDataX starts recording information relating to web browsing activity. The list of collected data types includes (but it is not limited to) Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, and queries entered into search engines.
This information is likely to contain personal details that are later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private data in various ways. Therefore, the presence of a data-tracking app such as FastDataX might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
Although FastDataX is currently not confirmed to deliver intrusive ads, most adware-type apps perform this function. These programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar ads. To achieve this, developers use various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, intrusive ads can lead to malicious sites and even execute scripts that stealthily download/install malware.
Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk computer infections. You are strongly advised to eliminate FastDataX and other adware-type applications immediately.
| Name | FastDataX ads |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
FastDataX is virtually identical to GeoSmartDNS, SuperSearch, WhiteClick, and dozens of other adware-type applications. All claim to provide "useful functionality", however, these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Claims to enable various functions are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.
Adware-type PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did FastDataX install on my computer?
This potentially unwanted program has an official download/promotion website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, FastDataX often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate FastDataX using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods.
"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" PUPs within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of PUPs such as FastDataX - users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites.
If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings, carefully analyze each download/installation step, and cancel all third party programs.
You are advised to download software from official sources only, using direct download links - third party downloaders/installers are monetized via the "bundling" method, and thus should never be used. If your computer is already infected with FastDataX, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Deceptive free software installer distributing FastDataX adware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is FastDataX?
- STEP 1. Uninstall FastDataX application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove FastDataX adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove FastDataX ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by FastDataX' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove FastDataX extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
FastDataX adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "FastDataX", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes FastDataX ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove FastDataX adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, FastDataX did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fastdatax ads, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fastdatax ads, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with fastdatax ads removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fastdatax ads, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Outstanding!
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