ClassifiedList(.)net is the web page for a browser hijacker known as Classified List or Local Classified Ads. SaferBrowser made this unwanted software. That company has gained a lot of notoriety with its many browser hijackers. Their software will change the new tab, homepage, and search engine of every browser you have. A toolbar will also be placed in your browsers, as well as an extension, tied to the hijacker. You can get redirected. To remove this hijacker and all related items, you should read the article through.
Threat Summary
| Name | ClassifiedList(.)net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The hijacker can modify the homepage, search engine and new tab setting on the browser programs you have. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, search engine and new tab of your browsers will be changed to ClassifiedList(.)net. You can get redirected and see advertising content. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ClassifiedList(.)net. |
ClassifiedList(.)net – Delivery Ways
Classified List has a couple of ways of delivery, and the common one is via third-party installations. Without your knowledge, installers found inside bundled packs and freeware can inject the hijacker inside your computer. These installations could add extra components, by default. Avoiding to get additional programs as browser hijackers from the installers can be done if you find a Custom or an Advanced settings menu. There you should be able to deselect content chosen for installation.
Classified List could be delivered with the help of different websites and an extension might also be found on the Chrome Web Store. As you see on the above picture, the main domain address at ClassifiedList(.)net is used as a direct download directory for a browser extension associated with it. The hijacker might be delivered through advertisements as well, or with redirect links. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
ClassifiedList(.)net – Description
ClassifiedList(.)net is the online page for a browser hijacker that is known by the name Classified List or Local Classified Ads. The site states that it can provide an easy access to local deals, coupons, and services in your area. In reality, you get a toolbar with links to sites like Ebay and Craigslist. So, your default search engine is going to be changed to Search.ClassifiedList(.)net.
That is how the search engine looks:
When the application is present on your PC, you will see many redirects to the newly-set search engine. More browser settings will be modified by this unwanted software, like your default homepage, new tab window, themes, and others. The theme of the new search is the Olympic Games, and the reason is probably the Olympic Games in Rio, which are currently running. The company SaferBrowser is the developer of this hijacker. You can view how many SaferBrowser hijackers we have written about, and you will find out why the company is notorious for that.
Extensions, as well as add-ons, could be residing in your browser apps and tweaking different settings, like the homepage, new tab, default search engine and others. Additional components including these extensions, mainly come from setups of bundled software and install without your notice. In that way, you will see lots of redirects when browsing the Web space. Specific data can be gathered from you and sent to servers of the ClassifiedList(.)net site owners, partners or affiliates.
The extension might do the following:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
If you use the Search.ClassifiedList(.)net page, every one of your searches goes through its servers and gets filtered. Sponsored content and targeted advertising might appear in the search results of your queries. The advertising might be in the form of in-text links, pop-unders, pop-ups or other frequently used ad types.
From the picture above, you can see the redirect from the search results of Search.ClassifiedList(.)net. Usually, you will get redirected to servers tied to the company that made the hijacker. There your search queries will get accumulated and filtered. Finally, you will end up on the search results page of any reputable search engine. Here, that page is the one of Yahoo Search:
Be careful with what you write in search bars as credential details, account data and personal information. Read further to find out what information exactly is collected about you.
ClassifiedList(.)net – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of ClassifiedList(.)net is transparent and states that both personally and non-personally identifying information can be acquired by this hijacker. The SaferBrowser company has the same Policy for almost every one of their programs with browser hijacking capabilities. The policy has not seen an update since January 2015, or at least that is officially when the last update was put into action. All data gathered from you might be shared with third parties, who could be partners or affiliates of the company.
According to the policy, the following information is collected:
- Search queries and all data you type in searches
- Search data and specifics of searches
- Country of residence, home address
- URLs and clicks
- IP address
- Browser (version and type)
- Name, education, interests
- Communications preferences
- Telephone number
- Operating System (plus other related data)
The policy can be previewed from the image here:
Reading the Policy reveals that using any service or software related to the ClassifiedList(.)net website, will automatically be considered as your approval is granted for data collection. The SaferBrowser company will obtain information from you and your browsing habits. The website uses cookies, plus different tracking technologies, such as web beacons, which can collect further data about you. You should be careful when typing into search bars.
Remove ClassifiedList(.)net Completely from Your PC
To remove ClassifiedList(.)net manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker entirely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software helps keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove ClassifiedList(.)net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for ClassifiedList(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall ClassifiedList(.)net and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by ClassifiedList(.)net on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ClassifiedList(.)net there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for ClassifiedList(.)net (Windows).
Get rid of ClassifiedList(.)net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ClassifiedList(.)net and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to ClassifiedList(.)net. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ClassifiedList(.)net via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove ClassifiedList(.)net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ClassifiedList(.)net, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for ClassifiedList(.)net (Mac)
Remove ClassifiedList(.)net from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase ClassifiedList(.)net from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall ClassifiedList(.)net from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove ClassifiedList(.)net from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the ClassifiedList(.)net will be removed.
Eliminate ClassifiedList(.)net from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
ClassifiedList(.)net-FAQ
What Is ClassifiedList(.)net?
The ClassifiedList(.)net threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of ClassifiedList(.)net?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like ClassifiedList(.)net?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does ClassifiedList(.)net Work?
Once installed, ClassifiedList(.)net can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
ClassifiedList(.)net can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is ClassifiedList(.)net Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the ClassifiedList(.)net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ClassifiedList(.)net how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on ClassifiedList(.)net?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the ClassifiedList(.)net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.