How to eliminate the Info adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Info?
While checking out rogue websites, our research team found an installation setup containing an adware-type application named Info. It is pertinent to mention that said installer was also bundled with the eLiteSort malware.
Info adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, this software displays adverts on various interfaces.
These ads promote various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any legitimate products/services encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain fraudulent commissions for the promotion.
Adware may need specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if Info does not display ads – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, Info may have data-tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
It is worth reiterating that Info was installed onto our test machine alongside eLiteSort malware. Therefore, the presence of Info on a device may indicate other system infections.
| Name | Ads by Info |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Detection Names (promoting installer) | Avast (FileRepMalware [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.S), Fortinet (W32/Agent.SLC!tr), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.anoqi), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Info app) | Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Tedy.306085), McAfee (Artemis!A8D9667ED746), Microsoft (Trojan:Script/Phonzy.C!ml), Sangfor Engine Zero (Trojan.Win32.Agent.V5w5), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Rogue Process Name | Info Software Copyright © 2023 (process name may vary) |
| 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 samples; Buzz, MetAI assistant, Simple Ad Blocker, and Tidings are merely a few examples.
This software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of various functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did Info install on my computer?
We downloaded an installation setup bundled with Info from a deceptive website. Typically, such pages are entered via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
Bundled installers can also be acquired from other dubious channels like freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Info, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Info adware:
Screenshot of Info adware's installation setup:
Screenshot of Info adware's installation folder:
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 Info?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Info application 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.
Info 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 "Info", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Info ads), 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:
At time of research, Info did not install browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it may be bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by info, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by info 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 info, 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 info or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
The presence of adware on the system can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote deceptive and malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Info adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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