Ad Block Genius

Ad Block Genius is not a genuine ad blocker—it’s an adware/browser hijacker that pretends to enhance your online experience. Once installed, typically through misleading pop-ups or software bundles, it floods your browser with unwanted advertisements, redirects your searches, and compromises your online security.

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Threat Overview

Category	Details
Threat Type	Adware / Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	Distributed through deceptive pop-ups and shady third-party download sites
Detection Names	Identified as “Ad Block Genius” browser extension
Symptoms of Infection	Unwanted ads, constant pop-ups, search redirects, unknown extensions
Damage	Inserts ads, hijacks search results, may lead to unsafe sites
Distribution Methods	Bundled software, fake update prompts, malicious pop-ups
Danger Level	Medium
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Detailed Evaluation

How I Got Infected

Most users are tricked into installing Ad Block Genius via persistent pop-ups that appear while visiting suspicious or compromised websites. These pop-ups mimic system warnings or software suggestions, urging users to install the extension to “block ads” or “improve browsing.” Once the user accepts, the extension silently installs itself.

What Does It Do

Ad Block Genius performs the opposite of what it promises. Instead of blocking ads, it floods webpages with extra advertising content, hijacks search results, and causes repeated browser redirects to questionable or unsafe websites. The goal is to generate pay-per-click revenue and potentially lead users to other malware threats.

Should You Be Worried for Your System

Yes. While Ad Block Genius may not damage system files directly, it significantly undermines browser security. The ads and redirects it injects can expose users to phishing attacks, further malware infections, and loss of personal information. Continued use may compromise sensitive data or lead to more severe infections if not addressed promptly.

Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Look for recently installed or unknown software.
3. Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.

For Mac:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
3. Drag them to the Trash.
4. Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.

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Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected

Google Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
3. Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
4. Change your search engine:
   Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.
3. After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
4. Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
2. Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
3. Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.

Safari (Mac Only):

1. Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
2. Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
3. Under General, set your homepage.
4. Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.

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Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Go to:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
4. Save changes and reboot.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Identify and remove hijacker entries.
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

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Option 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter

If you want a faster and safer solution — especially if the hijacker reinstalls after manual removal — use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Visit the official download page: Download SpyHunter

Need help with the installation? Follow this page: SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install and Launch the Program

1. Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
2. Open SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click Start Scan Now.
2. Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
3. Once the scan completes, click Fix Threats to eliminate them.

Step 4: Reboot and Recheck Your Browser

After cleaning, restart your device. Open your browser and check if your homepage and search settings are restored. If not, perform a quick browser reset using the manual steps above.

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How to Prevent Future Infections

• Avoid downloading freeware from third-party sites.
• Use custom/advanced installation and deselect optional offers.
• Keep your browser and OS updated.
• Regularly scan your system with SpyHunter for proactive defense.
• Don’t click strange pop-ups or redirect links from unknown sources.

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Conclusion

Ad Block Genius masquerades as a legitimate browser extension to lure unsuspecting users into installing it. Once active, it behaves like a classic adware browser hijacker—cluttering browsers with intrusive ads, redirecting traffic, and increasing exposure to online threats. Immediate removal is strongly recommended to maintain a secure and clean browsing environment. Use SpyHunter to fully eliminate this threat and restore normal browser functionality.