Removing the "Skip Those Ads" (adware) extension that displays ads
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Skip Those Ads?
While investigating deceptive websites, our researchers found the Skip Those Ads browser extension. It promises to block and skip advertisements. However, instead of operating as an adblocker – this extension works as advertising-supported software (adware). Skip Those Ads feeds users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements.
Skip Those Ads adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. This software displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether Skip Those Ads displays adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts – is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Skip Those Ads has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Skip Those Ads on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Skip Those Ads |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Skip Those Ads |
| Supposed Functionality | Adblocker |
| Detection Names (malicious installer) | Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Hulk.Gen.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/Packed.VMProtect.J S), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Script/Phonzy.B!ml), Rising (Malware.SwollenFile!1.DDB4 (CLASSIC)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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 thousands of adware samples; Designer, AdBlock adware, Pick Your Language, and Browse Keeper are but a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of handy features. However, these functions are rarely operational. Keep in mind that functional features are not a definitive indicator of an app's or extension's legitimacy/safety.
How did Skip Those Ads install on my computer?
Skip Those Ads has an "official" promotional page, and we found a deceptive site endorsing an installer containing this browser extension.
Users predominantly access webpages pushing advertising-supported software via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate software within this classification.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware is spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous 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 Skip Those Ads, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Skip Those Ads adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote an installer containing Skip Those Ads 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:
▼ 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 Skip Those Ads?
- 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 Skip Those Ads adware using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Skip Those Ads" 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 skip those ads, 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 skip those ads 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 skip those ads, 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 displays adverts promoting content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Skip Those Ads adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind 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 components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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