Xefkqo.info Ads

Xefkqo.info is a deceptive rogue website that tricks users into subscribing to browser push notifications by posing as a video or “play” prompt. Once granted permission, it unleashes spamming pop‑up ads and redirects that can lead to scams, malware, privacy invasion, and degraded system performance. This guide offers a detailed breakdown and evaluation of this modern browser threat.

---

Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop‑up ads
Associated domain	xefkqo.info and subdomains like xzdj.xefkqo.info, 0agb.xefkqo.info, etc.
Detection names	Phishing alerts by Combo Cleaner, Fortinet, G‑Data, Kaspersky, Sophos
Symptoms of infection	Unexpected browser pop‑ups, slowed browsing, intrusive notifications despite no active sites
Damage & distribution	Reduced browsing speed, privacy data tracking, risks from scam/malware redirects; distribution via deceptive ads, rogue ad networks, possibly adware
Danger level	Moderate to High (due to potential malware exposure and privacy infringement)
Removal tool	SpyHunter – a reputable anti‑malware scanner you can download here

---

Detailed Threat Evaluation

How I got infected

You likely browsed a legitimate site that unknowingly served rogue advertisements. Clicking on those ads redirected you to xefkqo.info, which prompted you to “Press ‘Allow’ to watch the video.” Accepting this grant gave the site permission to deliver spam notifications directly to your browser.

What does it do

Once notifications are enabled, Xefkqo.info pushes unwanted ads and pop‑ups disguised as system alerts or clickable offers. These can redirect to phishing scams, malicious downloads, or questionable “software.” This exploit of browser permissions is a rising tactic to bypass traditional antivirus channels.

Should you be worried about your system?

Yes. While push ads themselves don’t infect software, they open direct pathways to more serious threats—like malware, ransomware, or phishing scams—and expose your browsing habits. They can undermine your privacy, degrade performance, and put you at risk of data theft.

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.

---

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.

---

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

Stay safe and keep your system clean!

---

Conclusion

Xefkqo.info ads are a form of browser-level adware abusing notification permissions. While not a virus per se, they pose real threats through misleading content and phishing vectors. Resetting your browser’s notifications and scanning with SpyHunter can restore safety. Stay alert to deny notification prompts from unknown sources, and you'll greatly reduce your exposure.