ProfitableGateCPM

ProfitableGateCPM is a browser hijacker/adware that infiltrates popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari by duping users into allowing notifications or installing deceptive extensions. Once active, it alters browser settings, blocks changes to your search engine or startup page, and bombards you with unwanted pop-up ads and redirects.

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Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Adware / Browser hijacker
Associated domain	profitablegatecpm.com (often prompts for notification permissions)
Detection names	Blocked by major anti-malware tools as “ProfitableGateCPM” (Phishing/Adware)
Symptoms of infection	Persistent pop-ups, redirects to suspicious sites, “Managed by your organization” in browser
Damage / Distribution	Annoyance, privacy risk, possible exposure to further scams; distributed via fake alerts and bundled with other software
Danger level	Medium—primarily intrusive with potential for secondary infection
Removal tool	SpyHunter – Download here

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Evaluating the Threat

How I Got Infected
Usually, by visiting an unfamiliar site that requests permission to send notifications or by installing a free tool that bundles the unwanted extension.

What It Does
Once allowed, ProfitableGateCPM pushes frequent pop-up ads, forces browser redirects, modifies search preferences and homepages, and may even prevent you from reversing these settings.

Should You Be Worried?
Yes. Though non-destructive in nature, it messes with your browser, tracks your browsing habits, and increases the risk of encountering malicious links.

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Manual vs Automated Removal

• Manual steps include removing the extension, resetting browser settings, clearing notification permissions, and examining browser policies or local group policy entries. This approach can be time-consuming and may miss hidden components.
• Automated removal with SpyHunter is strongly recommended—it detects both extension files and hidden configuration policies, ensuring a complete cleanup and protection from reinfection.

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Why Use SpyHunter

SpyHunter simplifies the process by automatically identifying and removing malicious extensions, registry entries, policies, and related files. It also adds protection against future threats by blocking similar domains. While free to scan, full removal and ongoing protection require a license after the trial period.

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

ProfitableGateCPM may seem like a simple annoyance, but its behavior shows typical browser hijacker tactics with privacy and security implications. To restore control, it's best to use SpyHunter for effective removal, especially since manual fixes can miss hidden settings and remnants. Once cleaned, your browser should return to normal—no intrusive ads, pop-ups, or settings hijacked.