CastVPN Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CastVPN?
CastVPN is a deceptive application that supposedly provides Virtual Private Network (VPN) functions. On initial inspection, this app may seem legitimate and useful, however, CastVPN is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.
The main reasons for these negative associations are: 1) installation without consent; 2) tracking of users' Internet browsing activity, and; 3) display of intrusive advertisements.
As with most adware, CastVPN continually records information relating to web browsing activity. Collected data (IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private information to generate revenue.
Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. In addition, CastVPN generates intrusive advertisements, such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and so on. These are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to malicious websites and even run scripts that stealthily download/install malware. Even a single accidental click might result in high-risk computer infections. We strongly recommend that you uninstall CastVPN adware immediately.
| Name | Ads by CastVPN |
| 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. |
There are dozens of adware-type applications that share similarities with CastVPN. Powzip, Advanced Top, and GeoSmartDNS are just some examples from many. Most adware offers 'useful functionality', however, these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, and thus deliver no real value for regular users.
The claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Rather than enabling the features promised, adware poses a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did CastVPN install on my computer?
CastVPN is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, this PUP often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate CastVPN using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs with regular software.
Developers hide "bundled" apps within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users are likely to click various advertisements and skip download/installation steps - behavior that can lead to inadvertent installation of PUPs. In this way, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent PUP infiltration, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Remember that developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to untrustworthy websites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.
If you continually see these ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. In addition, select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. During the process, opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.
Applications should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party download/installation set-ups are monetized using the "bundling" method and, for this reason, these tools should not be used. The key to computer safety is caution.
If your computer is already infected with CastVPN, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Official CastVPN adware installation setup:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is CastVPN?
- STEP 1. Uninstall CastVPN application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove CastVPN adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove CastVPN ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by CastVPN' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove CastVPN extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
CastVPN 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 "CastVPN", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes CastVPN ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove CastVPN adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, CastVPN 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 ads by castvpn, 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 ads by castvpn, 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by castvpn 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 ads by castvpn, 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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