This article aims to help you with the removal of the nasty extensionHeadlineAlley from affected browser and system. Follow the detailed guide at the end to get rid of all harmful files in full.
HeadlineAlley is a deceptive browser extension that could suddenly start to appear in your preferred web browser. It is owned by MindSpark which is a company often associated with the distribution of various potentially unwanted apps. Their nasty browser extension is designed to obtain certain details from affected web browsers and keep a record of them on its servers. Once installed in the browser it usually injects many ads and interrupts browsing sessions with redirects to other poorly secured websites.
Threat Summary
| Name | HeadlineAlley |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable browser extension that alters basic brower settings in order to provide deceptive search enigne and hoax services. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search enigne in preferred web browser could be set to dislay the main page of a browser hijacker. Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss HeadlineAlley. |
HeadlineAlley Extension – Spread Techniques
One of the most preferred spread paths for potentially unwanted and harmful programs like HeadlineAlley is software bundling. This technique enables developers of various free third-party apps to inject the installation code of the PUP into their installers and which allows them to monetize their projects. In order to trick as many users as possible to install the undesired app without noticing it the regular steps presented in the installers do not reveal the existence of any additional components. So in case that you regularly install new apps only by clicking the Next button until the Finish one appears on screen, you may have unintentionally allowed HeadlineAlley to access your device.
If you wonder how to prevent such unpleasant consequences and keep your system secure, the advice is simple – find the Advanced/Custom configuration steps and read carefully what is mentioned there. Most of the times these steps notify you of the presence of any bundled “useful” apps that will be installed along with the primary one. There is no doubt that you don’t need such apps to reside on your device so to keep it safe you need to opt out their installation or at least have a second chance to decide whether you want the primary app or not.
This undesired browser extension may be also distributed by other deceptive websites and undesired apps. One of the websites detected to be used as a spread channel for HeadlineAlley spying extension is getlocalnewsnow.com. The main page of this website presents misleading messages that offer you instant access to fresh news from your browser new tab as shown below:
However, a click on the “Continue” button causes a redirect to the official download page of HeadlineAlley PUP which appears to be another spread channel used for the distribution of its infection code:
How you may land on these websites is by browser redirects caused by any other potentially unwanted program installed on your PC. Except these two websites, various other domains may be used for the distribution of this nasty program.
HeadlineAlley Extension – More About Its Impact
Once HeadlineAlley accesses your browser it automatically receives the following permissions:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Replace the page you see when opening a new tab
- Manage your downloads
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
By obtaining all these permissions, the undesired extension becomes able to alter main browser settings that affect the homepages, new tab pages and default search engines of all target browsers. Upon changes you may find that the infamous browser hijacker MyWay.com to be set as homepage in your preferred web browser. No matter that the design of this search engine resembles a lot the designed of Google and other trustworthy search engines, its deceptive services may cause more harm than good.
In fact, the main purpose of HeadlineAlley and its services is the collection of valuable details from the infected browser. Once it sends the data to its servers its owners could use it for aggressive advertising campaigns based on your interests. As a result, your browsing sessions may be invaded by numerous online ads of all kinds – banners, videos, pop-ups, pop-unders, in-text links, misleading images, etc.
This, in turn, slows down the performance of your browser and what’s worse puts your system at risk of malware infections. You need to be very careful which of the displayed ads you visit as some of them may land you on compromised web pages that install severe malware infections directly on your PC.
HeadlineAlley – Privacy Policy
As found in the policy the undesired HeadlineAlley extension and toolbar is owned by the company MindSpark which in fact is a well-known distributor of numerous nasty apps designed to track online activities. Just to name a few reported by our team – ShoppingDealsLive, , VideoConvert, Mywebsearch.com.
The policy further reports that HeadlineAlley is an app that could gather both personally and non-personally identifiable information from all infected browsers. So as long as it is running in your browser and its files on your system it receives your agreement for the collection of the following details:
- Your name
- Your address
- Email address
- Number of your page views
- What links you clicked
- Telephone number
- Username and password
- Browser type
- Preferred language
- Other browser-related data
- Keyword query, search query text and search results you clicked on
- Adverts clicked and cookie data
- Your login times
If you are now a little bit confused and wonder what purposes stand behind the collection of all these details of yours here is a quote from the Privacy Policy that contains the answer:
We may receive information from third-parties, including our authorized service providers, IAC affiliates, advertising companies, and ad networks. These third parties may display ads via the MS Services.These companies may use tracking technologies, such as cookies, to collect information about users who view or interact with these advertisements.
All information acquired by Mindspark could be shared with third-party businesses. In case you value your private space and want to stop this nasty app from spying on your online behavior, you should remove it and its associated files instantly from the infected system.
How to Remove HeadlineAlley Browser Extension
In order to remove the undesired HeadlineAlley and all associated files from your PC make sure to complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined will help you to remove this undesired program in full. The automatic approach guarantees maximum efficiency as a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool reveals the exact location of all malicious files and objects created by HeadlineAlley. The results enable you to access and remove all harmful files from the infected PC. Have in mind that files associated with this hijacker may be detected with different names than HeadlineAlley.
In case that you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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 HeadlineAlley from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for HeadlineAlley with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley (Windows).
Get rid of HeadlineAlley from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley. 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as HeadlineAlley, 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 HeadlineAlley (Mac)
Remove HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley will be removed.
Eliminate HeadlineAlley 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".
HeadlineAlley-FAQ
What Is HeadlineAlley?
The HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley?
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 HeadlineAlley?
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 HeadlineAlley Work?
Once installed, HeadlineAlley 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.
HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HeadlineAlley 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 HeadlineAlley?
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 HeadlineAlley threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.