Remove Cool Ad Popup Blocker

Cool Ad Popup Blocker is a deceptive browser extension discovered during an investigation into untrustworthy and potentially harmful websites. Marketed as a legitimate ad-blocking solution, this extension promises to block pop-ups, advertisements, and online trackers, thereby enhancing the user’s browsing experience. However, our findings reveal that Cool Ad Popup Blocker functions as adware, delivering intrusive ads rather than suppressing them.

This kind of software, known as advertising-supported software, is designed to generate revenue by displaying unwanted ads. These advertisements often come in the form of pop-ups, overlays, banners, and in-text promos across visited websites and other browser interfaces. The key issue with adware like Cool Ad Popup Blocker is that it not only disrupts the user experience but can also expose the system to more serious threats like malware, online scams, and data theft.

Cool Ad Popup Blocker Adware Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Ads by Cool Ad Popup Blocker
Threat Type	Adware, Unwanted Ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s)	Cool Ad Popup Blocker
Supposed Functionality	Ad-blocking tool
Symptoms of Infection	Intrusive pop-up ads, non-native site ads, slow browsing, redirects
Distribution Methods	Bundled with freeware, deceptive pop-up ads
Damage Caused	Slowed performance, privacy breaches, unauthorized tracking, possible malware
Danger Level	High – due to tracking and potential malware payloads
Detection Names	Adware.GenericKD, PUA:Win32/Presenoker, Chrome/Edge Extension: CoolAdBlocker
Associated Emails	N/A

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Cool Ad Popup Blocker: Overview of the Threat

Adware such as Cool Ad Popup Blocker often operates under specific system or browser conditions and may only display aggressive behavior under certain circumstances. Nonetheless, whether it’s actively displaying ads or lying dormant, its presence on your device is inherently dangerous.

The intrusive ads promoted by this extension are not just annoying—they are potentially harmful. Many lead to scam websites or pages pushing deceptive downloads and fake tech support alerts. Some even contain scripts that can automatically download malicious files, resulting in stealthy infections. Even if the advertised content appears genuine, it is usually part of affiliate fraud networks exploited by cybercriminals to earn commission through illicit means.

Additionally, Cool Ad Popup Blocker has data-tracking functionality. This means it can collect sensitive user information such as:

• Browsing history
• Search queries
• Internet cookies
• Login credentials
• Personal and financial data

This data may then be monetized by selling it to third parties, including cybercriminals, increasing the risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

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Manual Adware Removal (Windows & Mac)

Step 1: Identify Suspicious Applications

For Windows Users

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Check the “Processes” tab for unfamiliar or suspicious programs consuming excessive CPU or memory.
3. If you find any, note their names and close them.
4. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
5. Locate the suspicious application, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Look for any suspicious or unknown applications.
3. Drag them to the Trash, then right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash.
4. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove any unrecognized startup programs.

Step 2: Remove Adware-Related Browser Extensions

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Locate suspicious extensions and click “Remove.”
3. Reset Chrome: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and go to Menu (three lines in the top-right corner) > Add-ons and themes.
2. Locate and remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Firefox: Go to Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.
2. Locate and remove any unknown extensions.
3. Reset Safari: Go to History > “Clear History.”

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Edge: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their default values.”

Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders

For Windows Users

1. Press Win + R, type %AppData%, and press Enter.
2. Look for suspicious folders and delete them.
3. Repeat for %LocalAppData%, %ProgramData%, and %Temp%.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder, press Shift + Command + G, and enter ~/Library/Application Support/.
2. Locate and delete suspicious folders.
3. Repeat for ~/Library/LaunchAgents/, ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/, and ~/Library/Preferences/.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache (Recommended)

For Windows Users

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your device to complete the manual removal process.

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Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For a hassle-free and effective removal, use SpyHunter, a robust anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware efficiently.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official website: Click here to download SpyHunter.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

Follow the installation instructions based on your operating system:

For Windows Users:

1. Open the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

For Mac Users:

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag and drop SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Perform a System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click on Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Review the detected threats and click Fix Threats to remove adware.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

After SpyHunter removes the threats, restart your computer to finalize the process.

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For the most secure and effective removal, we recommend downloading and using SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter Here.

Stay safe and keep your system clean!

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Conclusion

Cool Ad Popup Blocker is a clear example of how malicious actors disguise harmful software as useful browser tools. While it claims to enhance your browsing experience, in reality, it deteriorates system performance, compromises your privacy, and puts your digital safety at risk. If you're seeing intrusive ads or experiencing unusual browser behavior after installing this extension, it's highly likely that Cool Ad Popup Blocker is to blame.

Staying informed about such threats is essential in today’s digital landscape. Always scrutinize extensions before installing them and remain cautious when downloading freeware from unknown sources.