Removal instructions for the DarkiTon adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is DarkiTon?
Our research team discovered the DarkiTon browser extension while investigating suspect websites. This piece of software is promoted as a tool for websites that enables dark mode with a blue light filter.
After analyzing this extension, we determined that it is adware with browser hijacker capabilities. DarkiTon is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns and generate redirects. Furthermore, it collects sensitive user information.
DarkiTon adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. In addition to decreasing the browsing quality and/or system performance, these ads endorse harmful content.
The advertisements primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Note that any genuine products/services encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if DarkiTon does not display adverts – its presence threatens device/user safety.
This rogue extension has browser-hijacking functionalities. Typically, software within this classification makes changes to browser settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab/window) – this is not the case with DarkiTon.
Browser hijackers promote fake search engines, which are rogue pages that cannot provide search results – so they redirect to legitimate Internet search websites. With this extension installed, search queries entered into the URL bar – result in redirects.
We have observed several redirection chains: ones leading straight to find-browseronline.com, and others going through didodoo.com, searchtiq.com, and landing on the genuine Bing search engine (bing.com). Keep in mind that DarkiTon could generate different redirection chains, as they may be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
DarkiTon has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like DarkiTon on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DarkiTon |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | DarkiTon |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode with a blue light filter for websites |
| Promoted URLs | find-browseronline.com, didodoo.com, searchtiq.com |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Rogue redirects. 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 investigated thousands of adware samples; Shop Assistant, Boost Audio, Flash Player - Emulator, Redirect Check, and Website Security Scanner are merely some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine/harmless and offers various "handy" functions. These features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
However, even if the functionalities operate as indicated by the promotional material (as is the case with DarkiTon) – that does not mean that the software is legitimate or safe.
How did DarkiTon install on my computer?
DarkiTon has an "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such pages, adware is commonly endorsed on deceptive/scam websites. Most visitors enter them via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – a technique that involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to spread advertising-supported software.
The danger of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, intrusive adverts proliferate adware. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DarkiTon, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the website used to promote DarkiTon adware:
Screenshot of a visited website with DarkiTon adware installed:
Appearance of DarkiTon redirecting via didodoo.com and searchtiq.com to the Bing search engine (GIF):
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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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 DarkiTon?
- 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 "DarkiTon" 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 darkiton, 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 darkiton 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 darkiton, 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 darkiton or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces; some types can also generate redirects and gather private information. DarkiTon possesses all these capabilities.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DarkiTon adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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