This article will aid you to remove FlowSurf. Follow the removal instructions for the adware given at the end of the article.
FlowSurf.net is a website which features an adware that bears the same name – FlowSurf. Except the browser extensions that it may promote, any other software related to it will push advertisements on your browsers, which classifies it as adware. The FlowSurf.net website might be modified and used as a browser redirect, too. Clicking on adverts and links may load sites that use tracking technologies, such as cookies and could promote browser extensions and a desktop program that is an adware.
Threat Summary
| Name | FlowSurf |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Advertisements generated from this website can display on other sites and redirect you. |
| Symptoms | You keep seeing adverts in your browsers, like pop-ups and in-page ads, etc. You can get redirected from ads and links loaded on the website. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FlowSurf. |
FlowSurf Adware – Ways of Distribution
FlowSurf.net might distribute via a third-party installation setup. Applications connected to FlowSurf.net can intrude your computer, without your knowledge of that. Bundled packages and freeware setups could be distributing this adware. Installer setups like those could be set by default to install additional components. To avoid installations of such unwanted applications, you have to search for the Custom or Advanced settings. From there, you should be able to deselect any component that is not necessary.
Here are two pages promoting the adware which could offer a direct download:
FlowSurf.net Adware might distribute itself by using similar websites which are hosting its ads. Websites like those often offer nearly the same shopping deals and can have plenty of redirect links. Clicking on just one redirect link or advert could send the adware to your computer system. In addition, banners, pop-ups as well as more kinds of adverts could be placed on the Internet to popularize this shopping platform. These ad-types might redirect to the main domain of the adware. All browsers which could be affected are: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
FlowSurf Adware – Detailed Overview
FlowSurf.net is the main site for this adware that tries to promote browser extensions to make your browser searches easier no matter what topic they are related to. Here is an example of the main page promoting such extensions:
The website can load pop-ups and other advertising content as you use it. The website, along with its adverts and all kinds of links associated with it, can redirect you and even result in hijacking the browser you use.
FlowSurf.net generates advertisements such as pop-up boxes, banners and some few others, as well. Lots of deals could be generated by the website. There could be discounts, coupons, and all kinds of offers, lowering the price for the supposed service provided by FlowSurf, all generated in your browsers.
Here is how the installation setup for the FlowSurf adware looks:
Various files included in the Flowsurf adware are detected by many anti-virus scanners. The detections have the following names:
- PUP.Optional.FlowSearch.A
- WS.Reputation
- Suspicious_GEN.F47V1108
- Trojan/Win32.SGeneric
- Win32:Malware-gen
- Generic6.AAWN
- TR/Agent.5442433
- Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT
- Trojan.NSIS.Adload.AK
- ApplicUnwnt
- W32/Trojan.PRUI-3556
- Trojan.KillFiles.23205
- Win32/Komodia.A potentially unsafe
- PUA.FlowSurf
- Unwanted-Program ( 004b89781 )
- UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic
- Artemis!369C15BAE2CA
- BehavesLike.Win32.Downloader.tc
- Trojan.Win32.KillFiles.dobcbg
- Troj_Generic.YLGRY
- HEUR/QVM42.0.Malware.Gen
- Trojan.Gen
- TROJ_GEN.R00UC0OBD15
- Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT
- Hacktool.Win32.Downloader.aot
- Downloader.Agent.r5 (Not a Virus)
- Adware.Searcher.2649
- not-a-virus:Downloader.Win32.Agent.cezq
- Trojan.Win32.Agent.deyady
- Downloader.Agent
In the case your browser software and your computer machine have any program associated with this adware platform or related application, you can witness a lot of sponsored content, targeted advertisements, and redirect links which show when surfing the World Wide Web.
The FlowSurf.net website could spread links that can redirect you to suspicious websites to generate traffic. This traffic can be turned into revenue from using a pay-per-click scheme. A huge number of the advertisements on the site might be associated with affiliates or partners of the FlowSurf.net service.
Advertisements could have one of those texts inside them:
- Advert from FlowSurf.net
- Powered by FlowSurf.net
- Ads by FlowSurf.net
- Advertisement by FlowSurf.net
- Brought to you by FlowSurf.net
The adverts, plus all other sponsored content can collect information about you and your browsing activity. Advertisements tied to FlowSurf.net can be in the form of banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, in-page ads, plus in-text links ads. Other ad-types are not excluded from showing up, as well.
FlowSurf Adware – Privacy Policy
You can access the Privacy Policy page of the FlowSurf.net site by clicking on the footer link of its related pages. The Policy provides just enough detail about the data collection done by the adware. Below, you can see exactly what information can be obtained from you when you are using any of the FlowSurf.net service.
You can preview the Privacy Policy in the below screenshot:
The following information can be collected from you, quoting the Policy:
- Type of operating system
- Device type
- Default browser
- Your aggregated use of the Software (whether you installed the software)
- Usage statistics
- Language and the time stamp
- Approximate geographical location
- Other information
Cookies connected to the adware site and services of FlowSurf.net are also dropped by them to acquire more information related to your internet activity and habits (what ads you click on etc). The FlowSurf.net service could collect even more data with which you could be identified.
To conclude, you should be wary of what you do on websites. In case you do not like the idea of any information to be acquired about you by this adware or its services, you should consider removing it.
Remove FlowSurf Adware Completely
To remove FlowSurf.net manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
Tsetso Mihailov
Tsetso Mihailov is a tech-geek and loves everything that is tech-related, while observing the latest news surrounding technologies. He has worked in IT before, as a system administrator and a computer repair technician. Dealing with malware since his teens, he is determined to spread word about the latest threats revolving around computer security.
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove FlowSurf from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for FlowSurf with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf (Windows).
Get rid of FlowSurf from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf. 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FlowSurf, 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 FlowSurf (Mac)
Remove FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf will be removed.
Eliminate FlowSurf 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".
FlowSurf-FAQ
What Is FlowSurf?
The FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf?
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 FlowSurf?
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 FlowSurf Work?
Once installed, FlowSurf 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.
FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FlowSurf 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 FlowSurf?
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 FlowSurf threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.