Removal instructions for the "Sites usage" adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of browser extension is "Sites usage"?
Sites usage is the name of a rogue browser extension that our research team discovered while investigating deceptive software-promoting websites. This extension is presented as a tool that can provide website usage and maliciousness data. However, our inspection of Sites usage revealed that it operates as adware.
Sites usage adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces.
The delivered adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful websites and applications, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install content upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine products encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not display advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites are not visited, etc. However, even if the Sites usage extension does not deliver intrusive advert campaigns – its presence threatens device/user safety.
Furthermore, Sites usage spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software typically targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like Sites usage on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Sites usage |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Sites usage |
| Supposed Functionality | Providing data relating to website usage and maliciousness. |
| 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; Image Downloader, Adblock Web, Simple Dark Theme, and WebSurf Guard are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually looks legitimate and useful. However, its functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Even if the functions work, that is not proof of the software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Sites usage install on my computer?
We obtained the Sites usage browser extension from a deceptive webpage. In addition to various scam sites, adware can have "official" promotional pages. Most users enter these websites through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive adverts are used to distribute adware as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Sites usage, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Sites usage 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 Sites usage?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Sites usage application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Sites usage ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Sites usage' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Sites usage extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Sites usage 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 "Sites usage", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Sites usage ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Sites usage adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Sites Usage 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 "Sites usage" 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 sites usage, 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 "Sites usage" 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 sites usage 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 sites usage, 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:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
The presence of adware on a device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically has data-tracking abilities. Adware-delivered advertisements can promote dangerous content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions received for the promotion of websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Sites usage adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and detecting installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After adware is manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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