Adware is a form of malware designed to bombard users with excessive ads, tracking user behavior and often diminishing the system’s performance. Unlike other malware forms, adware prioritizes revenue generation by showcasing intrusive ads and redirecting users to sponsored sites. While it can seem harmless, adware often compromises privacy, and sometimes even redirects users to malicious sites, increasing security risks.
Remove annoying malware threats like this one in seconds!
Scan Your Computer for Free with Spyhunter
Download Spyhunter now, and scan your computer for this and other cybersecurity threats for free now!
One such adware, AdBlockerElite Pro, has become a persistent nuisance, displaying intrusive ads that interfere with user experience and compromise personal data. In this article, we’ll explore the nature of AdBlockerElite Pro, how it infiltrates systems, the threat it poses, how to detect it, and, finally, provide a comprehensive removal guide to help users protect their systems.
Introducing AdBlockerElite Pro Adware
AdBlockerElite Pro is a form of adware that aggressively displays ads on infected systems, posing a threat to users by promoting deceptive websites, scams, and potentially harmful offers. Users may encounter AdBlockerElite Pro ads redirecting them to dubious pages claiming to offer exclusive deals, software updates, or even fake antivirus software—each aiming to exploit users through deceptive practices.
AdBlockerElite Pro functions by embedding itself as a rogue browser extension, software, or bundle in legitimate software. Typically, it gains access through third-party software downloads, misleading ads, or infected websites. Once installed, it manipulates the browser by altering its settings, redirecting search queries, and frequently displaying pop-up ads that link to questionable sites. These ads not only interrupt the user experience but can also lead to harmful websites that expose personal data and infect the system with further malware.
Purpose of AdBlockerElite Pro and How it Infiltrates Systems
The core purpose of AdBlockerElite Pro is to generate ad revenue by injecting ads into a user’s browser. This adware exploits common download methods, often disguising itself as a legitimate application or piggybacking on popular free software from untrustworthy sites. Once installed, AdBlockerElite Pro abuses browser permissions, pushing users into unwanted advertising loops and tricking them into installing additional malware.
For the individual, this can lead to severe privacy breaches and even identity theft if the adware gains access to sensitive data. Additionally, AdBlockerElite Pro slows down the infected system, clutters browsers with unnecessary plugins, and degrades system performance.
While adware and browser hijackers share similarities, adware focuses more on displaying ads and tracking user activity, while browser hijackers aim to manipulate the user’s browser directly, such as altering the homepage or default search engine without permission.
Detection of AdBlockerElite Pro by Anti-Malware Software
Many anti-malware programs detect AdBlockerElite Pro under different names, making it essential for users to recognize potential detection aliases. Common detection names include:
- Win32/Adware.AdBlockerElite
- PUA:Win32/AdBlockerElite
- Adware.Generic
- BrowserModifier:Win32/AdBlockerElite
- Adware.AdBlockElite
Checking these detection names in a security scan can help users identify the presence of this specific adware on their systems.
Similar Threats to Watch Out For
In addition to AdBlockerElite Pro, other similar adware threats might compromise a system with intrusive ads. Notable ones include:
- Adware.AdLoad – Known for redirecting users to unwanted pages.
- Adware.Elex – Often associated with misleading ads and fake downloads.
- BrowserModifier:Win32/Yahoobar – Hijacks browser settings and promotes dubious sites.
Each of these threats shares a similar purpose of ad injection and user tracking, posing a danger to online privacy and security.
Comprehensive AdBlockerElite Pro Removal Guide
Remove annoying malware threats like this one in seconds!
Scan Your Computer for Free with Spyhunter
Download Spyhunter now, and scan your computer for this and other cybersecurity threats for free now!
Here is a step-by-step guide to removing AdBlockerElite Pro from your system:
- Disconnect from the Internet: Temporarily disable your internet connection to prevent the adware from further communicating with external servers.
- Boot into Safe Mode:
- Windows: Restart your computer. Press and hold
Shift + Restart
>Troubleshoot
>Advanced Options
>Startup Settings
>Restart
. Press5
orF5
to select Safe Mode with Networking. - Mac: Restart your Mac and hold down the
Shift
key as it boots until you see the Apple logo.
- Windows: Restart your computer. Press and hold
- Uninstall AdBlockerElite Pro via Control Panel (Windows) or Finder (Mac):
- Windows: Open
Control Panel
>Programs
>Uninstall a program
, locate AdBlockerElite Pro or any suspicious program, and selectUninstall
. - Mac: Go to
Finder
>Applications
. Look for any suspicious applications, right-click, and selectMove to Trash
. Empty the Trash afterward.
- Windows: Open
- Remove Browser Extensions:
- Google Chrome: Go to
chrome://extensions/
, locate any suspicious extensions (e.g., AdBlockerElite Pro), and clickRemove
. - Mozilla Firefox: Go to
about:addons
, selectExtensions
, and remove unwanted extensions. - Safari: Go to
Preferences
>Extensions
, find and uninstall AdBlockerElite Pro.
- Google Chrome: Go to
- Reset Browser Settings:
- Chrome:
Settings
>Advanced
>Reset settings to their original defaults
. - Firefox:
Help
>Troubleshoot Information
>Refresh Firefox
. - Safari:
Preferences
>Privacy
>Manage Website Data
, clear all unwanted data.
- Chrome:
- Run a Full Anti-Malware Scan: Download and install SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware effectively. Run a full system scan and allow SpyHunter to quarantine and remove any detected threats.
- Restart Your System and Reconnect to the Internet: After completing these steps, restart your system to check if AdBlockerElite Pro ads have been removed.
Further Preventive Measures to Avoid Adware
To prevent future adware infections like AdBlockerElite Pro:
- Download Only from Trusted Sources: Avoid downloading software from unfamiliar sites, and always choose reputable sources.
- Read Permissions Carefully: Before installing any software, review the permissions to avoid granting unnecessary access.
- Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Tool: Regularly scanning your system with anti-malware software like SpyHunter can catch potential threats early.
For thorough adware prevention, consider downloading SpyHunter, which offers a free system scan to identify adware, malware, and other potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).