How to get rid of ads delivered by the Dark It Online adware-type extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Dark It Online?
Our researchers found the Dark It Online browser extension during a routine inspection of dubious download web pages. After analyzing it, we determined that this piece of software operates as adware.
Unlike most adware-types, the feature promised by Dark It Online - enabling dark mode for websites - is operational. However, that does not negate the fact that this browser extension endangers device/user safety.
Dark It Online adware overview
Adware may need the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, users to visit particular websites, or similar - to display ads. Yet regardless of whether Dark It Online (or other advertising-supported software) delivers adverts or not, having it installed onto a device remains dangerous.
Adware-delivered advertisements typically endorse untrustworthy/harmful webpages and apps, scams (e.g., fake virus and outdated software alerts, etc.), and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - when clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Dark It Online has data tracking functionalities, which are standard for software of this type. Adware tends to target browsing data (e.g., visited URLs, searched queries, etc.), personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking information, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Dark It Online on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Dark It Online |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Dark It Online |
Supposed Functionality | Dark mode tool for websites |
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 examples
Dark-View, Everyday Quote, Blocksly, and Bloom are just some examples of the adware we have analyzed recently. This software seldom looks suspect, it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Dark It Online install on my computer?
While researching Dark It Online, we discovered that this browser extension has an "official" promotional page, and it is promoted through deceptive ones as well. Users typically enter such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements are also used to spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these ads can make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also be bundled - packed together - with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and using only official/verified download channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is being vigilant while browsing - as illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Dark It Online, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the dark mode enabled by Dark It Online adware on various websites:
Screenshot of Dark It Online adware's official promotional website:
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote Dark It Online 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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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Dark It Online?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Dark It Online application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Dark It Online ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Dark It Online' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Dark It Online extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Dark It Online 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 "Dark It Online", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Dark It Online ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Dark It Online 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 "Dark It Online", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by dark it online, 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 "Dark It Online".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by dark it online 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 dark it online, 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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It also tends to have data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Adware-delivered advertisements can be dubious/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, etc. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, products purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Dark It Online adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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