How to remove fake "Ad Blocker Pro Shield" extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Ad Blocker Pro Shield?
Our researchers discovered the Ad Blocker Pro Shield browser extension while investigating deceptive websites. This extension is promoted as a powerful advertisement-blocking tool that emphasizes privacy. Upon inspection, we determined that Ad Blocker Pro Shield operates as adware. Therefore, instead of eliminating ads – it displays them.
Ad Blocker Pro Shield adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, adware functions by displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited sites, desktops, etc.).
Certain conditions may be necessary for the software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visitors to specific websites, etc.). However, even if Ad Blocker Pro Shield does not deliver adverts – its presence endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-displayed advertisements can promote online scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), untrustworthy/hazardous software (adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, Ad Blocker Pro Shield has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Ad Blocker Pro Shield on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by Ad Blocker Pro Shield |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Ad Blocker Pro Shield |
Supposed Functionality | Ad blocking |
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 countless adware samples; PDF Converter Online, Adblock Bear - stop invasive ads, Online Manuals Discovery, and Neptune | Ad Blocker are merely some of our newest articles.
Advertising-supported software typically appears genuine and harmless. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Ad Blocker Pro Shield install on my computer?
Ad Blocker Pro Shield has an "official" promotional page. Software of this kind is also endorsed on scam websites that use various lures like updates, system infections, etc.
Most visitors access these webpages through redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software directly as well. Upon being clicked, some of these adverts can execute scripts to carry out stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fake and malicious online content. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Ad Blocker Pro Shield, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Ad Blocker Pro Shield 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:
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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 Ad Blocker Pro Shield?
- 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 "Ad Blocker Pro Shield" 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 ad blocker pro shield, 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 ad blocker pro shield 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 ad blocker pro shield, 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?
Most of the threats are posed by content promoted through adware-delivered ads, such as system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The software itself can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat since adware typically collects sensitive user information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion. They may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Ad Blocker Pro Shield adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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