What is 123moviesc.co?
Your browser redirects to 123moviesc.co on its own, desktop pop-up ads keep appearing that trace back to it, or visiting the site for free movies triggered a flood of notifications you never agreed to. Read this article right now to understand what happened, then follow the removal guide at the bottom immediately.
123moviesc.co is a variant in the long-running 123movies pirate streaming site network, a category that PCRisk and MalwareTips have both documented extensively as one of the most consistent sources of push notification abuse and browser-level adware delivery. Sites in this network are free to access but sustain themselves entirely through advertising, and that advertising is far less scrupulous than what appears on legitimate platforms. MalwareTips confirms that less reputable sites display malicious advertising that redirects browsers to adware landing pages to generate revenue — and PCRisk documents that 123movies-family sites routinely present “allow notifications” prompts disguised as routine streaming steps, then use those permissions to push spam notifications to the desktop around the clock even after the browser is closed.
123moviesc.co Short Overview
| Type | Pirate streaming site in the 123movies network. Uses deceptive “allow to stream” notification prompts and malicious advertising to deliver push notification spam, browser hijacking, and adware components to visitors. |
| Symptoms | Pop-up notifications from 123moviesc.co appearing even when the browser is closed. Browser homepage or search engine changed without permission after visiting the site. Fake virus warnings and junk software promotions appearing in the notification area. Desktop notification spam appearing approximately every ten minutes regardless of browser state. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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How Did I Get 123moviesc.co Pop-ups?
The 123moviesc.co pop-up problem typically starts with a visit to the site itself. Here is how the infection chain works:
- A deceptive “Allow” prompt during streaming — The site presents a notification permission request framed as a required step to continue watching — “Click Allow to stream” or similar — which grants the domain permanent push notification access the moment it is clicked.
- Malicious advertising on the site itself — Even without clicking Allow, ads displayed on 123moviesc.co can redirect the browser to further malicious redirect chains that land on adware installer pages or other notification permission prompts.
- A pop-under window triggering a hidden permission prompt — Some visits trigger a pop-under browser window in the background that presents a notification prompt; any click on the main page can inadvertently confirm the hidden permission request.
- Adware installed by a previous visit to the site — Prior visits may have installed an adware component through a drive-by technique, which then continuously generates the redirects even when 123moviesc.co itself is not being visited.
What Does 123moviesc.co Do?
Once a notification permission or adware component is in place, 123moviesc.co causes disruption on multiple levels. Here is the full picture:
- Desktop push notification spam — MacSecurity’s analysis of the 123movies notification category confirms that push messages appear every ten minutes or so regardless of whether the browser is running, carrying fake virus warnings, junk software promotions, and counterfeit cleanup solutions.
- Browser homepage and search engine changes — MalwareTips’ removal guide confirms that browsers affected by 123movies adware typically also have their homepage changed without permission, with search queries redirected through the adware’s own infrastructure.
- Unwanted extension and toolbar installs — PCRisk’s analysis of the broader category documents that this type of site can trigger the installation of additional browser extensions, toolbars, and PUPs alongside the notification spam.
- Persistent redirect to dangerous pages — Clicking any notification or pop-up from this network leads to pages promoting fake antivirus products, tech support scams, or sites attempting further malware delivery.
What Should You Do?
Open your browser’s notification settings and remove 123moviesc.co from the allowed list. Then check your installed extensions and remove anything unfamiliar, reset your browser settings to defaults to restore any hijacked homepage or search engine, and clear browsing data using the “All Time” range to flush cached scripts and cookies. Run a full scan with a dedicated anti-adware tool — MalwareTips specifically recommends this step because some components installed by sites in this network do not appear as a normal installed program and will not be found by a browser reset alone. Avoid revisiting unofficial streaming sites in general, as the ad networks they rely on are the root cause of these recurring infections. Follow the complete removal guide below this article for the full steps across Windows, Mac, and Android.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove 123moviesc.co from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for 123moviesc.co with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall 123moviesc.co and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co (Windows).
Get rid of 123moviesc.co from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co. 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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 123moviesc.co, 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 123moviesc.co (Mac)
Remove 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co will be removed.
Eliminate 123moviesc.co 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".
123moviesc.co-FAQ
What Is 123moviesc.co?
The 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co?
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 123moviesc.co?
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 123moviesc.co Work?
Once installed, 123moviesc.co 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.
123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 123moviesc.co 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 123moviesc.co?
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 123moviesc.co threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.