Name | ZiperFly |
Type | PUP |
Short Description | The application is a file archiver and compressor utility. |
Symptoms | Advertisements can be displayed thanks to the app’s browser extension. |
Distribution Method | Bundling, freeware websites, and the app’s official website. |
Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By ZiperFly |
ZiperFly is a file archiver and compressor utility, much like the popular program WinRAR. It belongs to Applon Inc. ZiperFly will also supposedly allow you to add a password to the created file Even though it is promoted as a useful program, it has actually been discovered that ZiperFly is yet another adware program.
This means that while it is installed on your computer, it will start presenting numerous advertisements whenever you are browsing the web. It will be able to generate these on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. As ZiperFly will be more annoying than useful, it is best to remove it from your computer right away. What is more, adware programs are known to be potential vulnerabilities for the system’s security.
What Does ZiperFly Do?
ZipperFly can be found in the C:\Program Files\ziperfly directory, which will be about 10 MB. There are two version of it currently being distributed: 1.1.0.5 and 1.0.2.9, as the latter is more widespread with about 78% of installations.
Once installed, ZiperFly will start up automatically every time Windows boots up. It will also launch ZiperFlySrv.exe that has the job of keeping the program updated. You are bound to find this file in the Processes tab in Task Manager.
ZiperFly will also attach a browser extension to your browser. Then, it will start to generate advertisements every time you browse the web. The ads will appear in various formats. They will be labeled as “Ads by ZiperFly,” “Powered by ZiperFly,” “ZiperFly Ads,” etc. Do not be surprised if some of them are related to your recent browsing. Adware programs collect information such as browsing history, search queries, IP address, as well as other data. They then use it to show targeted advertisements.
How Did ZiperFly Get on My PC?
ZiperFly is available on its official website. However, it also uses bundled downloads as a means of distribution. What this means is that it is attached to various freeware installers. This allows it to be installed without users noticing. Many unreliable programs use bundled downloads to enter system. Here are a few tips to avoid these:
- Avoid any third-party software dispensers.
- Make sure to read carefully through the information presented in the install wizard.
- Opt for Custom/Advanced installation. This will allow you to decline any additional software that is featured on the installer.
What Are the Dangers of ZiperFly?
Apart from being irritating, ZiperFly may also expose your system to malicious content. Adware programs are unreliable and they can be easily exploited by cyber criminals to lure users onto malicious websites. If you find yourself on such a page, then you can be in a lot of trouble. Your system may be attacked by malware, which will steal all of your personal and financial information. Or you may become a victim of a phishing scheme. You do not want either of these things happening. This is why removing ZiperFly is the best thing to do.
How to Remove ZiperFly
To get rid of this program, go to Control Panel and open the list of programs. Now, Find ZiperFly and uninstall it. However, this is not enough to ensure the safety of your system. Other unwanted applications may already be on it. Also, the PC is vulnerable to infection. It is recommended that you have powerful AV software on your computer, so that it will remove all unwanted programs and protect your PC from future attacks.
1. Remove/Uninstall ZiperFly in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall ZiperFly.
2. Remove ZiperFly from your browser
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select ZiperFly and click “Remove”
After ZiperFly is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select ZiperFly to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After ZiperFly has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on ZiperFly
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall ZiperFly. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the ZiperFly will be removed.
3. Use an advanced anti-malware program to scan your computer for any left-over objects such as registry entries and other files after uninstall.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove ZiperFly from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for ZiperFly with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly (Windows).
Get rid of ZiperFly from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly. 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ZiperFly, 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 ZiperFly (Mac)
Remove ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly will be removed.
Eliminate ZiperFly 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".
ZiperFly-FAQ
What Is ZiperFly?
The ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly?
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 ZiperFly?
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 ZiperFly Work?
Once installed, ZiperFly 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.
ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ZiperFly 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 ZiperFly?
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 ZiperFly threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.