AdBlocker Professional: A Dangerous Adware Threat

AdBlocker Professional has been promoted as a tool designed to block intrusive advertisements, enhance browsing speed, and improve online privacy. Sounds like an essential tool for any browser, right? However, during an in-depth analysis of the program, our team discovered that AdBlocker Professional is far from the helpful tool it claims to be. Instead, it functions as adware, displaying unwanted ads that can lead to malicious websites and compromise your privacy. Here’s everything you need to know about this deceptive software and how to remove it.

What is AdBlocker Professional?

At first glance, AdBlocker Professional appears to be a legitimate browser extension designed to enhance your browsing experience. Its stated goal is to block unwanted ads, making websites load faster and improving your overall privacy. However, instead of performing its claimed duties, this extension can inundate you with disruptive and potentially dangerous ads.

These ads can take many forms, including:

• Pop-up ads
• Banner ads
• Full-screen advertisements

These ads often promote suspicious products, fake software, or even scams promising easy money or big prizes. Clicking on these ads can expose your system to further risks, such as installing malware or making fraudulent transactions.

Why is AdBlocker Professional Considered Adware?

During our investigation, we found that AdBlocker Professional is more than just an annoying nuisance; it poses a significant security threat. While claiming to block ads, the extension actually generates unwanted advertisements and redirects users to potentially harmful websites. Here’s why it’s classified as adware:

1. Display of Unwanted Ads: Despite its name, the extension displays ads that users never asked for. These can include pop-ups, banners, and full-screen ads.
2. Redirecting to Malicious Websites: Clicking on these ads can lead to questionable sites designed to steal personal information or install malicious software.
3. Privacy Risks: AdBlocker Professional can read and change data on all websites. This means it has access to sensitive information like browsing history, form data, and login credentials, raising serious privacy concerns.

The primary issue with this adware is its potential to compromise user data and inject malicious content into the websites you visit. Such actions can lead to identity theft, financial losses, or further malware infections.

How Does AdBlocker Professional Spread?

Like many forms of adware, AdBlocker Professional spreads through several deceptive methods, including:

• Deceptive Pop-up Ads: Often, users are tricked into downloading the extension through misleading advertisements.
• Bundling: It may come bundled with free software downloads from untrustworthy websites. If users don't opt out during installation, the adware will be installed alongside the desired software.
• Torrent Downloads: Torrent files can sometimes contain bundled software, including AdBlocker Professional, that gets installed without the user’s knowledge.

Symptoms of AdBlocker Professional Infection

Once installed, AdBlocker Professional can disrupt your browsing experience in several ways. Common symptoms include:

• Slow Computer Performance: The presence of unwanted ads can significantly slow down your browser.
• Unwanted Ads: Persistent pop-up ads, banners, and redirects.
• Redirection to Dubious Websites: You may find yourself being redirected to strange and potentially dangerous websites.

Potential Damage Caused by AdBlocker Professional

The damage caused by AdBlocker Professional can be significant:

• Privacy Breaches: The extension can track your internet browsing activity, which could be used to gather sensitive data for malicious purposes.
• Malware Installation: Clicking on ads may lead to the installation of malicious software that can further harm your system.
• Fraudulent Transactions: The ads may direct you to fake websites designed to steal financial or personal information.

How to Remove AdBlocker Professional

If you’ve already installed AdBlocker Professional and suspect it’s affecting your browsing experience, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to remove the extension and protect your privacy:

Step 1: Remove the AdBlocker Professional Extension

1. Open Your Browser: Launch the browser where the extension is installed (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.).
2. Navigate to Extensions:
   • In Chrome, click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, go to More tools > Extensions.
   • In Firefox, click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, then select Add-ons and themes > Extensions.
3. Find AdBlocker Professional: Look for the AdBlocker Professional extension and click on Remove or Disable.

Step 2: Run a Full System Scan

It’s important to ensure that the adware is completely removed and there are no residual files or malware lurking in your system. Use a trusted anti-malware program such as SpyHunter to scan for any remaining threats.

1. Download and Install SpyHunter.
2. Run a Full Scan: Open SpyHunter and run a complete scan to detect any traces of AdBlocker Professional or related malware.
3. Follow the Removal Instructions: If SpyHunter detects the threat, follow the on-screen instructions to quarantine or remove the infected files.

Step 3: Clear Your Browser Data

After removing the extension and scanning your system, it’s a good idea to clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history to remove any lingering traces of adware.

1. Clear Cache and Cookies: Go to your browser’s settings and select the option to clear browsing data.
2. Reset Browser Settings: If necessary, reset your browser settings to default to remove any changes made by the adware.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Infections

To protect yourself from adware like AdBlocker Professional in the future, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

• Download Software from Trusted Sources: Always download software from official websites or trusted sources to avoid bundled adware.
• Be Careful with Pop-ups: Avoid clicking on pop-up ads, as they often lead to malicious sites.
• Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software updated and run regular system scans to detect potential threats early.
• Check Extension Permissions: Review the permissions of browser extensions before installing them. Avoid extensions that require unnecessary access to your data.

Conclusion

While AdBlocker Professional might initially seem like a helpful tool to block ads, it is, in fact, adware that can compromise your privacy and display unwanted advertisements. By following the removal guide above and enforcing preventive measures, you can protect your device from potential harm.