Removing Black-Lights adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Black-Lights?
Our researchers discovered the Black-Lights browser extension during a routine inspection of suspicious software-promoting webpages. This extension is endorsed as a tool capable of enabling dark mode for simple design websites. However, our analysis of Black-Lights revealed that it operates as adware, i.e., delivers various advertisements.
Black-Lights adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The adverts promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate content encountered via these ads is unlikely to be endorsed by its developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing a product's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that adware might not display advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., browser/system is incompatible, visits to specific sites are not made, etc.). However, regardless of whether Black-Lights delivers intrusive ad campaigns or not, its presence endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, Black-Lights spies on users' browsing activity. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like Black-Lights on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Black-Lights |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Black-Lights |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode enablement for simple design 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
Darknes, Cash, and Mega Colors are merely some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functionalities are usually nonoperational.
How did Black-Lights install on my computer?
We obtained Black-Lights from a dubious download page. In addition to such webpages, adware is promoted on scam sites. Most users enter websites of this kind through redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs/media. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before download/installation. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look legitimate yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Black-Lights, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the websites used to promote Black-Lights 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 Black-Lights?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Black-Lights application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Black-Lights ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Black-Lights' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Black-Lights extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Black-Lights 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 "Black-Lights", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Black-Lights ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Black-Lights adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Black-Lights adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Black-Lights" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by black-lights, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Black-Lights" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by black-lights 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 black-lights, 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 delivers ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Black-Lights adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various files remain on the system. What is more, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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