Removal instructions for the fake "AdBlock — best ad blocker" extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is the fake "AdBlock — best ad blocker" browser extension?
While investigating untrustworthy websites, we found a page using an adult-oriented lure that promotes an installer containing "AdBlock — best ad blocker". There's a legitimate browser extension of the same name, which this piece of software imitates. This fake extension operates as adware; i.e., it displays ads. Additionally, this bogus browser extension collects sensitive user information.
"AdBlock — best ad blocker" adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive adverts. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) can be displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It must be mentioned that adware might need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, such as compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether "AdBlock — best ad blocker" enables the placement of advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered adverts primarily endorse scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services might be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that this "AdBlock — best ad blocker" uses the "Managed by your organization" Google Chrome feature to ensure persistence and complicate its removal.
Furthermore, this fake browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Adware usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like this fake "AdBlock — best ad blocker" extension on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by "AdBlock — best ad blocker" |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | "AdBlock — best ad blocker" |
| Supposed Functionality | Adblocker (ad-blocking tool) |
| Detection Names (malicious installer) | Cybereason (Malicious.45b771), DeepInstinct (MALICIOUS), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Webroot (W32.Malware.Gen), 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; Live Weather Report, Designer, Skip Those Ads – are merely a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate/harmless, and it may even be disguised as existing apps or extensions. Users are enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did fake "AdBlock — best ad blocker" install on my computer?
We obtained "AdBlock — best ad blocker" from a scam webpage using an adult-themed lure. From this page we downloaded an installer containing this fake browser extension.
Adware is commonly endorsed on deceptive sites, and it may have "official" promotional webpages. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When 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 it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and harmful online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with "AdBlock — best ad blocker", we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website promoting an installer containing "AdBlock — best ad blocker" adware:
Screenshot of "AdBlock — best ad blocker" adware-type extension's details:
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 fake "AdBlock — best 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "AdBlock — best 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 "adblock — best 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 "adblock — best 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 "adblock — best 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 displays ads that endorse content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. This software may also be capable of generating redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove "AdBlock — best ad blocker" adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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