Removing the Block Site Access adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Block Site Access?
Our research team discovered the Block Site Access browser extension during a routine investigation of untrustworthy websites. This extension is described as a productivity tool capable of temporarily blocking distracting Web resources. However, our inspection of Block Site Access revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware).
Block Site Access adware overview
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations – when clicked on.
Keep in mind that any legitimate content encountered via these ads is highly unlikely to be promoted by its developers. It is most probable that the endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if the Block Site Access extension does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, Block Site Access spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of adware on a system can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Block Site Access |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Block Site Access |
| Supposed Functionality | Productivity tool for temporarily blocking distracting Internet content. |
| 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 numerous adware samples; Block Access Site, Today Weather, and Tabs Organizer are just a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It entices users into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
How did Block Site Access install on my computer?
We acquired Block Site Access from a deceptive webpage. In addition to various scam sites, adware can have "official" promotional pages. Most users access such websites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular software with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware is also distributed by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, when installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
We advise being cautious when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements can look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Block Site Access, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Block Site Access 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 Block Site Access?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Block Site Access 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 "Block Site Access" 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 block site access, 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by block site access 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 block site access, 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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually collects vulnerable information – therefore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy. Additionally, it displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues like system infections, financial losses, etc.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can cause redirects and gather highly sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc. Profit may come in the form of commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Block Site Access adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It must be stressed that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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