What Is Special-msg.com Virus Ads?
Special-msg.com Virus Ads is a deceptive website associated with adware and browser hijacker activity that targets unsuspecting users through aggressive advertising campaigns. Read this article to find out how Special-msg.com appears on your system, what it actually does behind the scenes, and why it should not be trusted. Although it presents itself as a harmless and convenient online service for creating personalized greeting cards, its true purpose is tied to intrusive ad delivery and traffic monetization.
The website claims to offer fast, simple, and free creation of name-based greeting cards for a wide range of occasions, including Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, Diwali, Eid, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Ramadan, and many other celebrations. While this description may seem legitimate, the page is commonly forced onto users through unwanted browser changes rather than voluntary visits. This behavior is a strong indicator that Special-msg.com is not a trustworthy platform.
Security researchers classify Special-msg.com as part of a broader adware-driven ecosystem designed to redirect users, expose them to sponsored content, and collect browsing-related information. Its appearance is often a symptom of a deeper unwanted software presence on the affected system.
Special-msg.com Short Overview
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A suspicious website and rogue search engine that hijacks your browsers and causes redirects. |
| Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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How Did I Get Special-msg.com Virus Ads?
Special-msg.com Virus Ads typically reaches victim computers through adware or browser hijackers that are silently installed alongside other software. This method, known as software bundling, is frequently used by distributors of potentially unwanted programs. Free applications downloaded from third-party websites may include hidden components that modify browser settings once installation is complete.
In many cases, users unknowingly grant permission for these changes by rushing through installation processes and accepting default options. The adware responsible for pushing Special-msg.com often disguises itself as a useful add-on, media tool, or system enhancement, making it difficult for non-technical users to recognize the threat.
Other infection vectors include misleading pop-up advertisements, fake update prompts, and compromised websites that trigger automatic redirects. Once the adware component is active, it forces the browser to load Special-msg.com repeatedly, regardless of the user’s original intent.
Common risk factors associated with this infection include:
- Installing freeware without reviewing advanced options
- Downloading software from unofficial sources
- Interacting with suspicious advertisements
- Allowing unverified browser extensions
What Does Special-msg.com Virus Ads Do?
Once active, Special-msg.com Virus Ads begins altering browser behavior to maximize exposure to advertisements and sponsored content. The adware or browser hijacker responsible for this threat may change the homepage, new tab page, or default search engine, causing frequent redirects to Special-msg.com and similar domains.
The site itself is often used as a gateway to additional promotional pages, surveys, fake offers, or misleading services. Even when the greeting card functionality appears operational, it serves primarily as a lure to keep users engaged while background tracking and advertising activities continue.
Special-msg.com-related adware may also collect various types of browsing data. This can include visited websites, search terms, IP addresses, browser configurations, and approximate geographic location. While this data is typically presented as anonymous, it can still be used to build detailed user profiles for targeted advertising purposes.
Over time, the constant redirections and background processes can negatively affect browser performance. Users may experience slower loading times, increased CPU usage, excessive advertisements, and overall system instability. More concerning is the possibility of being exposed to harmful third-party content, including scam pages and deceptive downloads.
Notable behaviors associated with Special-msg.com Virus Ads include:
- Forced browser redirects to advertising pages
- Display of misleading or intrusive advertisements
- Unauthorized browser configuration changes
- Tracking of browsing activity for ad targeting
How to Remove Special-msg.com Virus Ads
Removing Special-msg.com Virus Ads requires addressing the underlying adware or browser hijacker that enables its persistent behavior. Simply closing the website or resetting the browser temporarily may not be sufficient, as the responsible components often remain active in the system.
A complete cleanup process involves locating and removing unwanted programs from the operating system, inspecting installed browser extensions, and restoring modified browser settings. Because adware can leave behind residual files and configuration entries, advanced security software is often necessary to ensure full detection and removal.
If left unresolved, Special-msg.com Virus Ads may continue to reappear, exposing the system to further advertising abuse and privacy risks. Ensuring that all related components are eliminated is essential for restoring normal browsing functionality and preventing future reinfection.
What Should You Do?
If your browser is repeatedly redirecting to Special-msg.com Virus Ads, immediate action is strongly recommended. Adware-driven websites are not just a nuisance; they can compromise your online privacy and lead to more serious security threats. Follow the removal guidance provided below to completely eliminate Special-msg.com-related components from your system and protect your device from similar threats in the future.
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.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Special-msg.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Special-msg.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com (Windows).
Get rid of Special-msg.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com. 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Special-msg.com, 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 Special-msg.com (Mac)
Remove Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com will be removed.
Eliminate Special-msg.com 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".
Special-msg.com-FAQ
What Is Special-msg.com?
The Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com?
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 Special-msg.com?
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 Special-msg.com Work?
Once installed, Special-msg.com 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.
Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Special-msg.com 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 Special-msg.com?
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 Special-msg.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.