Removal instructions for Cyber Shield adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Cyber Shield?
While inspecting deceptive websites, we found a scam page stating that there is an "Important Update for Chrome" - from it, we downloaded and thus discovered the Cyber Shield browser extension. This piece of software claims to be a tool that improves online personal data security. However, our analysis revealed that Cyber Shield operates as adware instead.
Cyber Shield adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., displays advertisements on various interfaces. These adverts promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products/services encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be endorsed by their developers/creators. Scammers often abuse affiliate programs of genuine content in order to obtain illegitimate commissions for the endorsement.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not displays adverts if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, even if Cyber Shield does not deliver ads - its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
Furthermore, this browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like Cyber Shield on devices - can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Cyber Shield |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Cyber Shield |
| Supposed Functionality | Improved online security for private data |
| 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
We have inspected thousands of adware samples; Ads Blocker Pro, Watch Movies, Websites Drawer, Files Converter Free Online - are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. Therefore, not only is this software useless, but it also endangers device integrity and user privacy.
How did Cyber Shield install on my computer?
We acquired Cyber Shield from a scam website. In addition to deceptive sites, adware can also have "official" promotional pages. Most users enter webpages of this kind via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Cyber Shield, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Cyber Shield 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 Cyber Shield?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Cyber Shield application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Cyber Shield ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Cyber Shield' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Cyber Shield extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Cyber Shield 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 "Cyber Shield", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Cyber Shield ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Cyber Shield 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 "Cyber Shield" 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 cyber shield, 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 "Cyber Shield" 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 cyber shield 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 cyber shield, 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. It typically has data-tracking functionalities - therefore, advertising-supported software is considered a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered adverts endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Cyber Shield adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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