This article has the purpose to assist you by explaining steps on how to remove the WebOptimum adware, causing pop-ups and other ads to appear on your computer system.
New ad-supported software, known as WebOptimum ads has appeared in the wild. The adware has been reported to display different types of advertisements on the victim’s computer. The WebOptimum adware is also an application that may slow down the performance of your computer system and in addition to this make it to freeze at times. In the event that your computer has been affected by this unwanted software, recommendations are to focus on removing it by reading the following article.
Threat Summary
| Name | WebOptimum Ads |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to display different advertisements which may lead the victim to suspicious third-party websites that may be dangerous to the affected computer. |
| Symptoms | Various forms of advertisements (Pop-ups, banners, highlighted text); Slow PC; May freeze at times. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled packages, other potentially unwanted software. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WebOptimum Ads. |
How Did I Get WebOptimum Ads
The primary method of having WebOptimum ads to be installed on your computer system is via bundled installers. Bundling is the including of the program files of WebOptimum adware in the installation of other free programs downloaded online. Such programs may be:
- Torrent downloaders.
- Media players.
- CPU trackers.
- Archivers.
When the victim tries to install the program, he or she may witness the WebOptimum installer prompt in one of the installation steps. It may look like the following and may be concealed in the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation options of the setup wizard:
Since the installer of the free software that may be distributing WebOptimum as a free “extra” may have it well-concealed within the installation steps, users are advised to thoroughly check any programs they install in the future and download installers only from sites they trust to minimize risk.
WebOptimum Adware – Further Information
WebOptimum adware’s primary purpose is to display advertisements on the computers it is installed on. It may pretend to be a useful application which may aim to help improve your web browsing experience, but reality may be that the app does exactly the opposite and it may bring more harm than good.
Since WebOptimum is an ad-supported program, it works with many different technologies to display advertisements. For starters, the software may modify the settings on the following web browsers:
- Google Chrome.
- Mozilla Firefox.
- Microsoft Edge.
- Internet Explorer.
- Opera.
- Safari.
When it does this, WebOptimum may also employ tracking technologies on your computer in order to track your web browsing activity. This means that WebOptimum may use:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- LSOs (Locally Shared Objects).
- Other tracking tech.
The tracking technologies used by WebOptimim may be used to track different information about your online activity, such as:
- Your browsing history.
- Your online clicks.
- Your online search history.
This information may be used to employ the so-called behavioral advertising. This means that WebOptimum can display different forms of advertisements, corresponding to your interests, thus increasing the likely hood of you clicking on those ads. They may be:
- Banner advertisements on the sites you visit.
- Pop-up ads that appear randomly and may even appear on places you are likely to click, instead of a button you often use.
- On highlighted text once you hover your mouse on a word of a website you have visited.
The advertisements displayed by WebOptimum cannot be vouched for, since they lead to various third-party websites. This means that every advertisement you click on may bring risk to your computer system, more specifically the following risks:
- Redirect you to scamming websites.
- Infect your computer with different malware.
- Display phishing sites, whose purpose is to make you enter your credit card number, passwords or other crucial information.
Since WebOptimum is most likely enrolled in pay-per-click schemes and apps like it do not mind advertising any type of third-party site, cyber-secuirty experts advise to immediately remove it, if you see “Ads by WebOptimum” on your computer.
Remove WebOptimum Adware Completely from Your PC
In order to remove this ad-supported software from your computer, you need to take into consideration the fact that it creates a lot of files and other objects on your computer, which may be difficult to remove, since they may reappear after you think your have deleted them. This is why, we advise you to follow the removal steps for WebOptimum illustrated below. They are created so that you can remove WebOptimum by isolating it and fix your settings afterwards. If manual removal fails or you feel unsure on how to do it, cyber-security experts always advise using the specific software, designed to do the removal of WebOptimum and other adware and malware on your computer. Such anti-malware program will also protect your computer automatically against future intrusions.
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
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove WebOptimum Ads from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for WebOptimum Ads with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall WebOptimum 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads (Windows).
Get rid of WebOptimum Ads from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads (Mac)
Remove WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads will be removed.
Eliminate WebOptimum 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".
WebOptimum Ads-FAQ
What Is WebOptimum Ads?
The WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads Work?
Once installed, WebOptimum 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.
WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum 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 WebOptimum Ads threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.