Imagine browsing your favorite news site when suddenly you’re bombarded with relentless pop-ups urging you to click “Allow” on a fake CAPTCHA. Before you know it, your browser is plastered with unwanted ads, tracking your every move. That’s exactly what happened to countless users redirected to slocatic.co.in—and it’s more than just annoying.
Threat Overview
Category: Browser notification spam (adware)
Targets: Any modern browser on Windows, macOS, and Android
Why it matters: Once you unwittingly grant permission, slocatic.co.in pushes endless ads—some link to phishing scams, others peddle dubious software or worse.
In-Depth Analysis
Infection Vector
- Rogue ad redirects: Legitimate pages unknowingly host a script that bounces you to slocatic.co.in.
- Fake CAPTCHA lure: A prompt asks you to click “Allow” to prove you’re human—when really, you’re signing up for spam.
- Browser permissions abused: Once granted, the site can send notifications anytime, even with your browser closed.
Behavioral Profile
- Steady stream of ads: Notifications range from “urgent” offers to scary security warnings.
- Affiliate and scam links: Some ads push bogus tech-support lines or fake software updates.
- Persistence: Closing tabs doesn’t stop the flow; only revoking permissions or a proper cleanup will.
Risk Assessment
What’s the worst that could happen? At best, you deal with constant annoyance and slower browsing. At worst, you fall for a phishing link, expose personal data, or inadvertently download real malware. Users have reported paying fake “support fees” after clicking a notification—money straight down the drain.
Option 1: Manual Browser Hijacker Removal
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Software
For Windows:
- Press
Windows + R
, typeappwiz.cpl
, and press Enter. - Look for recently installed or unknown software.
- Select the suspicious program and click Uninstall.
- Follow the uninstaller’s prompts.
For Mac:
- Open Finder > Applications.
- Locate any unfamiliar apps you didn’t intentionally install.
- Drag them to the Trash.
- Right-click the Trash and select Empty Trash.
Step 2: Reset Each Web Browser Affected
Google Chrome:
- Go to chrome://settings/reset.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings.
- Then, visit chrome://extensions and remove any suspicious add-ons.
- Change your search engine:
Settings > Search Engine > Manage search engines — remove unwanted entries and set a trusted one like Google.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Click the menu icon (three lines) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
- After reset, check Add-ons and Themes and remove unwanted extensions.
- Navigate to Settings > Home/Search and revert changes to your preferred provider.
Microsoft Edge:
- Click menu (three dots) > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to their default values.
- Open edge://extensions and remove any unfamiliar plugins.
- Reconfigure your homepage and search engine if needed.
Safari (Mac Only):
- Open Safari > Click Safari in the top menu > Clear History (select All History).
- Go to Preferences > Extensions, remove unknown entries.
- Under General, set your homepage.
- Under Search, revert to your preferred search provider.
Step 3: Check and Clean Your Hosts File
On Windows:
- Open Notepad as Administrator.
- Go to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
- Look for unknown IPs or domains — remove them.
- Save changes and reboot.
On Mac:
- Open Terminal.
- Run:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
- Identify and remove hijacker entries.
- Press
Control + O
to save andControl + X
to exit.
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
- Run the installer and follow the steps for your OS.
- Open SpyHunter after installation.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Wait while SpyHunter analyzes your computer for browser hijackers, malware, and other PUPs.
- 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.
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.
Conclusion
Ads by slocatic.co.in thrive on deception and browser permissions. Spot a shady CAPTCHA prompt? Think twice before hitting “Allow.” If you’re already seeing pop-ups, revoke notification rights in your browser settings and run a solid adware scanner. A few minutes of cleanup now can save hours of frustration later.