How to eliminate the Social Network Ad Blocker adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Social Network Ad Blocker?
Social Network Ad Blocker is a rogue browser extension endorsed as a tool for eliminating ads from social networking and social media platforms. However, this piece of software operates as adware. Furthermore, software products within this classification are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
Social Network Ad Blocker adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
The delivered adverts pose a threat to device and user safety. Intrusive advertisements promote various unreliable, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. What is more, some of these advertisements can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Social Network Ad Blocker has data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Social Network Ad Blocker |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Social Network Ad Blocker |
Supposed Functionality | Blocking advertisements on social networking and social media platforms |
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. |
Adware in general
Reputation Lookup, BadURLDefender, Youtube Ad Blocker, and PC Cleaner are some examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear harmless and offer "useful" features, which are seldom operational. In fact, this applies to practically all PUAs. Unwanted apps are designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and gather vulnerable data.
How did Social Network Ad Blocker install on my computer?
Some PUAs (e.g., Social Network Ad Blocker) can have "official" promotional/download webpages. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these apps as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
PUAs are commonly spread using the "bundling" marketing tactic - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and always download from official/trustworthy sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with Social Network Ad Blocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Website used to promote Social Network Ad Blocker adware:
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 Social Network Ad Blocker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Social Network Ad Blocker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Social Network Ad Blocker ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Social Network Ad Blocker' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Social Network Ad Blocker extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Social Network Ad Blocker 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 "Social Network Ad Blocker", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Social Network Ad Blocker ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Social Network Ad Blocker adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 "Social Network Ad Blocker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by social network ad blocker, 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 plugins 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 "Social Network Ad Blocker".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by social network ad blocker 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 social network ad blocker, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, the apps and websites endorsed through adware-displayed ads can be malicious and even proliferate malware.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software or adware - operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., displaying various ads.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit through affiliate programs. Developers of this software may get commission from ad clicks, website visits, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Social Network Ad Blocker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate apps within the adware classification. Note that manual removal may not be the best solution since various files may be left hiding in the system. Therefore, although the software itself is deleted - some of the remaining components might still be running.
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