Removing the Extreme Security Adblocker adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Extreme Security Adblocker?
While investigating suspect websites, our researchers discovered Extreme Security Adblocker. This browser extension is promoted as a security-oriented ad-blocking tool.
However, after examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. Hence, instead of removing adverts – it displays them. Additionally, this extension spies on users' browsing activity.
Extreme Security Adblocker adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Adware-delivered advertisements mainly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are 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 in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether Extreme Security Adblocker displays advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.
What is more, this rogue browser extension has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest 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.
To summarize, the presence of software like Extreme Security Adblocker on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Extreme Security Adblocker |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Extreme Security Adblocker |
Supposed Functionality | Adblocker (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 investigated thousands of adware samples; Daily Guard, YTube AdSkipper, BlockAll - block ads, and DarkiTon are merely some examples.
Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of functionalities (e.g., ad-blocking, dark mode, easy access to online content, etc.) to lure users into downloading/installing the adware. The promised functions are usually nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Extreme Security Adblocker install on my computer?
We acquired Extreme Security Adblocker from its "official" promotional webpage. In addition to such pages, this software is commonly pushed through scam sites.
Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy 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/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive adverts spread adware. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and hazardous websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Extreme Security Adblocker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of Extreme Security Adblocker adware's "official" promotional website:
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 Extreme Security Adblocker?
- 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 Extreme Security Adblocker 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 "Extreme Security Adblocker" 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 extreme security adblocker, 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 extreme security adblocker 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 extreme security adblocker, 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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that can promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Extreme Security Adblocker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. Since in some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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