Name | ShareThis Ads |
Type | Adware, PUP |
Short Description | ShareThis claims to improve online experience by providing a free service. |
Symptoms | The displaying of various types of advertisements. |
Distribution Method | Via bundling, unsafe browsing. |
Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By ShareThis Ads |
A suspicious unwanted program, going by the name ShareThis has been causing security concerns, experts say. This is due to the possibility that ShareThis may display various ad-supported content mainly connected with third-party websites that are hazardous to the user. Some of the third-party sites may either con the user out of his funds(Fake Tech Support) or infect the computer with ransomware, such as CryptoWall.
How Did ShareThis Ads Get In My PC?
There are several strategies that such unwanted apps use to slither onto your system. You may have downloaded it by clicking on an unknown link by accident or by opening a spam mail that may have promoted the app as a free useful software for sharing. Another way by which such apps situate themselves on machines is a method, called bundling. This devious strategy is being implemented as a new form of marketing. It includes any third-party apps directly in the installers of free software, usually with an installation step that either prompts the user to agree with a button or displays an opt-in box. Experts recommend always to be careful when installing apps from sites that are not their genuine providers.
More About ShareThis Ads
This software may use malicious practices to collect information about your online interests and activities. Such technologies are browser cookies, beacons, LSOs or Flash Cookies and several other. After that, the second step for it is that it might begin to display to you pop-ups, ad-supported search results (Blackhat SEO), highlighted text, hot linking to third-party search engines and other. Cookies are small text files that may collect and store information about your search history, online clicks, browsing history and other info.
More to it than that, ShareThis may collect information, regarding your IP address, country, and other preferences to concentrate the ads even further and increase the likelihood of you clicking on them. For example, if you live in Sweden, the app will begin to pop out advertisements in Swedish and so on.
But these are not the reasons why ShareThis is considered to be a potentially harmful program. I mean, sure it may collect information from users, but most of the apps do it nowadays to improve their services, right? The reason this app is not to be trusted is that it may collaborate with some suspicious third-party online locations. These mysterious sites may be either websites belonging to the same developer of ShareThis with the purpose to boost the traffic on his sites and earn funds by pay-per-click schemes. But they might also be sites of clients of the developer of the app. Either way, some of them may scam the user out of his money or information, by displaying:
- Fake virus pop-ups.
- Fake prize contest registration.
- A fraudulent free product claiming.
More so, some sites may implement a so-called drive-by download and could infect the user PC directly just by visiting with:
- Trojan Horses.
- Worms.
- Viruses.
- Keyloggers.
- Rootkits.
And what is worse is that these are only a little part of the possible threats connected with unfamiliar third-parties, whose ads may be administered by apps, like ShareThis. This is why experts advise always to use trusted sources when you download content and employ ad-blocking software and anti-malware programs on your computer.
Remove ShareThis Ads From Your Computer
To fully delete ShareThis from your computer, you should first uninstall it manually. To do this, you may follow the step-by-step instructions for clean up below. Because such apps may situate leftover objects on your computer, it is recommended to download and install anti-malware software on your PC. It will detect any threats and immediately get rid of them and will also protect you from such in the future.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove ShareThis Ads from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for ShareThis Ads with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall ShareThis Ads 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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads (Windows).
Get rid of ShareThis Ads from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads. 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 ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ShareThis Ads, 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 ShareThis Ads (Mac)
Remove ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads will be removed.
Eliminate ShareThis Ads 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".
ShareThis Ads-FAQ
What Is ShareThis Ads?
The ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads?
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 ShareThis Ads?
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 ShareThis Ads Work?
Once installed, ShareThis Ads 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.
ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ShareThis Ads 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 ShareThis Ads?
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 ShareThis Ads threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.