The article will aid you to remove CounterFlix.com completely. Follow the adware removal instructions given at the end of this article.
CounterFlix.com is the domain for a program offering proxy services. The program offers to proxy only your geographical location settings so you can bypass the country restriction of services like Netflix. Furthermore, the program could change your network settings and generate advertisements all over your browsers and for that it is considered adware. You can get a ton of redirects.
Threat Summary
| Name | CounterFlix.com |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The application generates a bulk of advertisements, offering a supposedly legitimate proxy service. |
| Symptoms | You can see lots of advertisements in your browsers, like pop-ups, banners and others. Your network settings can be changed. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CounterFlix.com. |
CounterFlix.com – Spread
CounterFlix.com can be spread using many methods. The program could be spread by third-party installers. Without your knowledge, the adware could be injected to your PC with these third-party installations, no matter if they are of freeware or bundled packages. Install setups could be configured to add extra content with the main software set to be installed. To prevent any undesired programs from installing you have to search and find a Custom or an Advanced options menu in the setup.
CounterFlix.com could also be spread with advertisements displayed across various websites. Banners, pop-ups or pop-under ads could be used to redirect you to the adware platform. If you visit sites with an unknown origin or such which seem suspicious, the adware could be placed inside your computer device. These websites could be hosting redirects, too. Browsers that could be affected are the following: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
CounterFlix.com – Analysis
CounterFlix.com is the official domain for an online platform offering a proxy service. The platform is tricky as it wants to tamper with your network settings. That will only lead to the generation of adverts, redirects, the intrusion of your privacy, and so on. But instead of getting access to sites which are region restricted, you will get countless of ads. The program reminds of the aggressive adware called “DNS Unlocker” as it is similar to it to a very high degree.
Here you can also see how you will supposedly get access to the same services that DNS Unlocker is promoting:
However, you might notice that the design of the CounterFlix.com site is fancier and differs from other sites offering proxy services:
The page at CounterFlix.com goes on a big sales pitch to try to trick you into using the platform. The text there says that only a small fraction of your network settings will be changed like it’s something harmless and it will unblock some geo-restricted sites. Modifying your network settings is not so harmless as you might think. Not only your IP address and DNS servers could be switched, but that could make your personal computer more susceptible to a cyber-attack, despite what the website promotes.
Update 2018: The CounterFlix website has been copied, along with its source code, with a few minor changes over the years. Sites, such as Nostopped.net have appeared, that do the same things like CounterFlix and help propagate the malware further.
Advertisements and redirects will appear while you are browsing if you have any software related to CounterFlix on your system. The program is definitely an adware, if not worse.
The ads pushed via the CounterFlix.com site could have one of these texts inside:
- Ads by CounterFlix.com
- Advertisement by CounterFlix.com
- Ad by CounterFlix.com
- Advert from CounterFlix.com
- Powered by CounterFlix.com
- Brought to you by CounterFlix.com
In-text links and advertisements that could redirect, and are connected to the CounterFlix service might be spammed to raise Web traffic. The boosted traffic can be turned into revenue for the adware platform owners by using a pay-per-click plan. The traffic is accumulated through redirects which come from the changed network settings like the DNS a.k.a. the Domain Name System.
You can see the audacity of the adware platform when it tries to make you change your DNS settings to ones of its own:
The adverts which could display might be of different types as other sites and advert networks are possibly involved with the adware. Advertisements associated with CounterFlix.com can show up as pop-ups, in-text links, pop-unders, banners, transitional and interstitial ones. Advertisements of other types are not excluded from popping up, too.
CounterFlix.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of CounterFlix.com gives a short insight about the intrusion of your privacy. The company Epikai Ltd is behind this adware service. From the policy, you can see what information is gathered from you, how it can be shared with third parties, and other such details.
You can read the following excerpt from the policy about personal information collection:
We do not collect any Personal Information (i.e. information that may allow the identification of an individual user) from our users.
You can see a preview of the Privacy Policy right here:
The policy states that the following anonymous information will be acquired:
- Geographical location
- Software specifications
- Hardware specifications
- Browser type
- Browser version
- Operating system and version
- Language preferences
Although that it is explicitly stated in the policy that no personal information will be collected, it is also said that your location will be known. And if you connect that with the fact that the platform owners will have access to your Internet settings, they can easily find your IP address, which is personally identifiable data. Near the bottom of the privacy policy it is stated that in the case of a merger, corporate transaction, sale or bankruptcy all accumulated data from you will be included as an asset in such a deal. Be careful if you have used a platform or services tied to CounterFlix as the adware might bring more malware, besides showing you ads and redirecting you.
Remove CounterFlix.com Effectively
To remove CounterFlix.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial written down below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the adverts completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove CounterFlix.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for CounterFlix.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com (Windows).
Get rid of CounterFlix.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com. 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as CounterFlix.com, 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 CounterFlix.com (Mac)
Remove CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com will be removed.
Eliminate CounterFlix.com 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".
CounterFlix.com-FAQ
What Is CounterFlix.com?
The CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com?
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 CounterFlix.com?
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 CounterFlix.com Work?
Once installed, CounterFlix.com 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.
CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CounterFlix.com 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 CounterFlix.com?
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 CounterFlix.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.