| Name | BlockIt |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The application triggers the display of advertisements and may slow down the browser. It is promoted as a suspicious sites blocking tool. |
| Symptoms | Display of unwanted advertisements, monitoring of browsing activities, sensitive data collection. |
| Distribution Method | Ad-supported software is often spread via the bundling method. Also, the application may have been downloaded from a freeware page or its official page most often by redirects. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By BlockIt |
An application, recognized by security investigators as an adware program, containing discounts, sales and deal-related pop-up advertisements. It may be seen when browsing some of the most widely used shopping websites(BestBuy, Amazon, eBay, Alibaba). This potentially unwanted program(PUP) is could be inserted into the familiar web browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome.
What Is BlockIt?
BlockIt is an adware PUP that may target inexperienced users, claiming that it is the perfect tool that may or may not block adult or other malicious sites a child might click on. Even though the service it claims to provide is very beneficial, experts report that the application collects any user-entered information and aggregates the content. Also, there are indications in their privacy policy that they may collaborate with third parties and affiliates. Such could conceal certain dangers for the PC user, especially if it is a child, that may be easily tricked into entering their personal information.
More so in the privacy policy on their site, the developers claim that this application may use pixel tags and other tracking technologies to collect various information from users. This not only has nothing to do with the service they claim to provide but is also dangerous, especially for minors. The cause of these dangers could be the possibility that third-parties may display ad content based on user interests tricking them into:
- Sharing their personal information to unknown parties.
- Giving out financial credentials.
- Downloading malware in the form of flash updates.
There are many dangers, connected with third party websites and sometimes the best defense against any possible threats, besides having a good anti-malware program, is the users themselves. If a user is always informed on the latest threats and methods of installation of such on computers, the chance of them getting infected may drop dramatically.
BlockIt – How Did I Get It?
This program may be installed on user computers via different methods. An efficient one is if it is automatically downloaded via a redirect link from an ad the user may have clicked on. The most common method of distribution of the PUP could be bundling with other software. The app takes advantage of the ‘fast-clicking syndrome’ in users when installing programs, downloaded from third-party websites. These programs may conceal BlockIt in one of their installation steps that are often disregarded.
How To Remove BlockIt From PCs?
To manually remove BlockIt from your computer, be advised that you should follow the step-by-step guide below for uninstallation and restoration of any modified settings. However, this is not a guarantee that there won’t be any remnants of the software on the computers, most often of which usually may be cookies. To remove any registry files and associations of BlockIt from your machine, you should download a reputable anti-malware program. It will scan for anything out of the ordinary on your computer and remove this and other future threats. By installing such software, you also insure yourself for constant and automatic protection.
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
1. Remove/Uninstall BlockIt 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:
- Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear (fig.1).
- In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER (fig.2).
- This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC.
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall BlockIt.
2. Remove BlockIt from your browser
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select BlockIt and click “Remove“
After BlockIt is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
- Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
- From the opened “Extensions” menu locate BlockIt and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
- After BlockIt is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
- Click “‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
- In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window, make sure that in the first window ‘Add-on Types’, the drop menu ‘Show’ is on ‘All add-ons’
Select BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall BlockIt. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the BlockIt will be removed.
3. Remove BlockIt automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.
To clean your computer with the award-winning software Spy Hunter –
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove BlockIt from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for BlockIt with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt (Windows).
Get rid of BlockIt from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall BlockIt 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 BlockIt. 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as BlockIt, 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 BlockIt (Mac)
Remove BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt will be removed.
Eliminate BlockIt 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".
BlockIt-FAQ
What Is BlockIt?
The BlockIt 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 BlockIt?
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 BlockIt?
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 BlockIt Work?
Once installed, BlockIt 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.
BlockIt 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 BlockIt 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 BlockIt Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BlockIt 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 BlockIt?
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 BlockIt threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.