Hero Ad Blocker

Hero Ad Blocker is a malicious browser extension that falsely claims to enhance your browsing experience by blocking unwanted advertisements. In reality, it operates as adware and a browser hijacker, injecting intrusive ads, redirecting your browser to dubious websites, and collecting sensitive user data. This deceptive software poses significant risks to your online security and privacy.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Adware, Browser Hijacker
Associated Domain	hero-ad-blocker[.]com
Detection Names	Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA), Browser Hijacker, Adware.HeroAdBlocker
Symptoms of Infection	Unwanted pop-up ads, browser redirects to unfamiliar sites, altered homepage or search engine settings, sluggish browser performance, unauthorized installation of browser extensions
Damage & Distribution	Injects intrusive advertisements, collects browsing data, redirects to malicious websites, distributed via deceptive pop-ups, fake CAPTCHA prompts, bundled software installations, and misleading advertisements
Danger Level	Moderate to High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Hero Ad Blocker typically infiltrates systems through deceptive means:

• Bundled Software Installations: It often comes packaged with free software downloaded from untrustworthy sources.
• Deceptive Pop-ups and Ads: Clicking on misleading advertisements or pop-ups can initiate its download.
• Fake CAPTCHA Prompts: Users may be tricked into clicking “Allow” on fake CAPTCHA prompts, granting permission for push notifications.
• Unverified Browser Extensions: Installing browser extensions from unofficial sources can lead to its installation.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, Hero Ad Blocker performs several malicious activities:

• Injects Intrusive Ads: Displays unwanted advertisements, including pop-ups and banners, disrupting the browsing experience.
• Browser Hijacking: Alters browser settings, such as the homepage and default search engine, redirecting users to suspicious websites.
• Data Collection: Monitors and collects browsing data, including search queries and visited websites, potentially compromising user privacy.
• Push Notifications: Sends spam notifications even when the browser is closed, often leading to phishing sites or malware downloads.

Should You Be Concerned?

Absolutely. Hero Ad Blocker’s activities not only degrade your browsing experience but also pose significant security and privacy risks. The unauthorized data collection can lead to identity theft, while redirects to malicious sites can result in further malware infections. Immediate removal is essential to safeguard your system.

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

Hero Ad Blocker is a deceptive and harmful browser extension that undermines user trust by masquerading as a legitimate ad-blocking tool. Its intrusive advertisements, browser hijacking capabilities, and data collection practices make it a significant threat to online security and privacy. Users are strongly advised to remove this extension promptly and employ reputable anti-malware tools to ensure comprehensive system protection.