Removing the CleanBlocker adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CleanBlocker?
CleanBlocker is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting deceptive websites. This piece of software is presented as an adblocker that can stop website tracking and block various advertisements. However, our analysis revealed that CleanBlocker's operates oppositely - it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. Due to this behavior, this extension is classified as adware.
CleanBlocker adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays pop-ups, banners, coupons, and various other ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content can be encountered through these adverts - it is unlikely to be promoted by the actual developers. Scammers often abuse the affiliate programs of genuine products in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if CleanBlocker does not deliver ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
What is more, this browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like CleanBlocker on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CleanBlocker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | CleanBlocker |
| Supposed Functionality | Ad-blocking tool (adblocker) |
| 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
Web Video Player, Movies, Multicheck Checkbox Checker, and tabs info are merely some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. This software rarely looks suspicious, it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Adware also offers various "useful" features, which are usually nonoperational.
How did CleanBlocker install on my computer?
We acquired CleanBlocker from a scam page and found the extension's "official" promotional site. Most visits to such webpages are paid via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Furthermore, "bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this type, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CleanBlocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of CleanBlocker adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote CleanBlocker 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 CleanBlocker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall CleanBlocker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove CleanBlocker ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by CleanBlocker' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove CleanBlocker extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
CleanBlocker 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 "CleanBlocker", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes CleanBlocker ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove CleanBlocker adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove CleanBlocker 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 "CleanBlocker" 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 cleanblocker, 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 "CleanBlocker" 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 cleanblocker 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 cleanblocker, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by cleanblocker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers adverts promoting deceptive and malicious material, which can cause severe issues such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities - hence, it is also considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CleanBlocker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware is manually removed - various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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