This article has been created in order to explain what is the Gorlita.com – related software, causing browser redirects and how to remove this unwanted program from Android and your PC.
A new browser redirection software in association with the Gorlita.com domain has been detected by cyber-security researchers. The web browser redetects in associated with this domain are characteristic for what many refer to as a virus. However the Gorlita.com browser redirections are often caused by what many refer to as a browser hijacker software or PUA (potentially unwanted application) residing in the affected computer. If you see redirects and advertisements in association with the Gorlita.com browser hijacker, we advise that you read the article underneath to learn how to remove this hijacker from your PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | Gorlita.com "Virus" |
| Type | PUA/Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Gorlita.com "Virus". |
Gorlita.com Redirects PUA – How Did I Get It
There are many was via which the Gorlita.com software may be installed on your computer. For starters, it may be advertised as a seemingly useful web browser extension that aims to improve your online experience in some form, for example:
- Video converter.
- Ad-blocking extension.
- Online radio extension.
- Browser extension to display offers.
- YouTube ad-blocker.
- Downloader extension.
These types of seemingly useful software may be advertised on web pages to which you may accidentally be redirected to as a result of visiting an unsafe site or a website that has a low reputation and causes browser redirections.
In addition to this, the Gorlita.com browser extension may also be situated on your computer as a result of slithering past you while you are installing a freeware program you have likely downloaded from a torrent site or a software download site with a low reputation. These types of websites often aim to embed third-party programs in the setups of free software, such as various different types of software optimizers, media players, codec packs, torrent downloaders and sometimes even drivers. The programs again, pose as helper software offered in the installation steps of the setup wizard of the program you are installing. They may be offered “as a free extra” in the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation modes of your setups, so in the future be sure to always check up on what you are downloading and installing, since it’s setup may include an unwanted program (PUA), like Gorlita.com redirects.
Gorlita.com Browser Hijacker – Analysis
The Gorlita.com hijacker’s primary purpose is to get users to install it. If this occurs, the hijacker begins it’s activity on the computer. Since it is often installed as a trusted program, most antivirus programs tend to skip it while checking your PC in real-time.
Once installed, the Gorlita.com hijacker may set scheduled tasks to run and may request different permissions from your web browser, such as:
- Read and change data on the sites you visit.
- Obtain browsing history.
- Obtain search history.
- Aggregate user information.
- Obtain bookmarks.
- Track your online clicks.
These privacy-invasive permissions may be used by the Gorlita.com browser hijacker with the one and only purpose to connect you to multiple different types of online locations, from where the browser hijacker generates different types of advertisements, such as:
- Browser redirects via Gorlita.com..
- Online pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Advertisements in the form of highlighted text.
- Ads that may appear even if your web browser is closed.
These advertisements by default are not dangerous. However, we have dealt with browser hijackers and unsafe programs, like Gorlita.com long enough to know that these ads and redirects lead to third-party websites to which the Gorlita.com hijacker does not hold any responsibility. To best explain it, these websites may conceal numerous risks from you, such as:
- They might infect your computer with malware as a result of malicious URL or a drive-by download caused after the redirect.
- They may install other adware and unsafe programs on your PC.
- They might get you to download and install other adware in the form of browser extensions or fake PC optimizers.
- They might lead you to tech support scam websites which may fool you that your PC is under risk and you must call a number to fix a problem that does not even exist.
- They could get you to visit a phishing page, which may pretend to be a legitimate login page for your Gmail, Facebook, Twitter,etc.
Since these types of programs are not a virus themselves, most antivirus programs tend to skip them as they are low-level type of threats. But make no mistake because they may be indirectly dangerous to your computer.
Remove Gorlita.com Browser Hijacker from Your PC and Android
Since Gorlita.com browser hijacker can also compromise Android devices, we have included instructions on how you can clean up your computer and smart device manually or automatically in the removal instructions for Gorlita.com hijacker. If manual removal is not a solution and you still see browser redirections or you want to be fully sure that your computer is secure, experts strongly recommend to use an advanced anti-malware software in order to scan for and remove all of the intrusive file and objects and secure your devices completely.
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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- Mac OS X
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How to Remove Gorlita.com "Virus" from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Gorlita.com "Virus" with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Gorlita.com "Virus" and related software from Windows
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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" (Windows).
Get rid of Gorlita.com "Virus" from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus". 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Gorlita.com "Virus", 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" (Mac)
Remove Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" will be removed.
Eliminate Gorlita.com "Virus" 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".
Gorlita.com "Virus"-FAQ
What Is Gorlita.com "Virus"?
The Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus"?
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 Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Gorlita.com "Virus"?
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 Gorlita.com "Virus" Work?
Once installed, Gorlita.com "Virus" can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus" Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Gorlita.com "Virus" 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 Gorlita.com "Virus"?
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 Gorlita.com "Virus" threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.