Removal instructions for the fake Global Ad Blocker browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Global Ad Blocker?
Our research team discovered the Global Ad Blocker browser extension while checking out suspicious websites. According to its promotional material, Global Ad Blocker is an ad-blocking tool capable of impeding the display of various online advertisements like banners, overlays, video ads, and others. However, our inspection of this extension revealed that it operates as adware. In other words, instead of blocking adverts – Global Ad Blocker displays them.
Global Ad Blocker adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The adverts (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, etc.) endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered via these ads is unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, it is most probable that this is undertaken by scammers abusing the products'/services' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions for the endorsement.
Adware might not deliver adverts if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as incompatible browser/system specs, specific sites not visited, etc. However, even if Global Ad Blocker does not display ads – its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, Global Ad Blocker spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software typically collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Global Ad Blocker on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Global Ad Blocker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Global Ad Blocker |
| Supposed Functionality | Ad-blocking tool |
| 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). |
| 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 countless adware-type extensions and apps; Quick Pic Download, Images Switcher, and Dark Theme For Chrome are just a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers "handy" functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Global Ad Blocker install on my computer?
We acquired Global Ad Blocker from its "official" promotional webpage, and we found a deceptive site endorsing this browser extension. Users typically enter such pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive advertisements, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being cautious when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive ads look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Global Ad Blocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Global Ad Blocker adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Global Ad Blocker 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 Global Ad Blocker?
- 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 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 "Global Ad Blocker" 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 global ad blocker, 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 global ad blocker 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 global ad blocker, 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 displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Global Ad Blocker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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