What Is Matshortener.xyz?
Matshortener.xyz is a highly suspicious URL shortener that causes a series of redirects. Why should you be very cautious if you are redirected to this service?
Malware authors often exploit URL shortener services to disguise malicious links, making it easier to trick you into clicking them. These shortened URLs can obscure the final destination, bypass security filters, and appear harmless at first glance. One particularly suspicious service is matshortener.xyz, which has been observed initiating a series of redirects once the shortened link is clicked.
This behavior not only serves to evade detection but also potentially delivers malware payloads along the way, sometimes directing potential victims through advertising networks or exploit kits before reaching the final malicious site.
Matshortener.xyz Details
| Name | Matshortener.xyz |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Removal Time | Less than 15 Minutes |
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How to Stay Safe from Suspicious Link Shorteners Like Мatshortener.xyz
Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself Matshortener.xyz:
1. Don’t Click Unknown Shortened Links
If you see a link that looks like bit.ly, tinyurl.com, or matshortener.xyz, and you’re not sure where it leads, don’t click it. Always be cautious with links from text messages, emails, or social media posts, especially from people you don’t know.
2. Preview Shortened URLs First
Use a tool like CheckShortURL.com to preview the full website address before clicking. Just paste the shortened link there, and it will show you where it really leads.
3. Install a Security Extension
Browser extensions like Web of Trust (WOT) can warn you about dangerous websites before you visit them.
4. Keep Your Browser and Antivirus Updated
Always make sure your browser and antivirus software are up to date. New updates often include protection against the latest online threats.
5. Use a Safe DNS Service
Changing your device’s DNS settings to a safer option like OpenDNS or Quad9 can block dangerous websites automatically.
6. Report Suspicious Links
If you come across a dangerous-looking link, report it to your browser or to your antivirus or anti-malware provider. This helps protect others too.
By following these tips, you’ll reduce your chances of falling for scams or accidentally downloading malware through suspicious link shorteners like matshortener.xyz.
What to Do If You’ve Been Affected by Matshortener.xyz
If you clicked a link from matshortener.xyz and your device is acting strange, like showing pop-ups, slowing down, or opening websites on its own, follow these steps to clean it up and stay safe.
1. Disconnect from the Internet
Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug your internet connection. This helps stop any active malware from spreading or downloading more harmful files.
2. Run a Malware Scan
Use trusted antivirus or anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter.
Install the tool, run a full system scan, and follow the instructions to remove any threats.
3. Clear Your Browser
Remove suspicious extensions, cookies, and cached data that might have been added:
- Go to your browser settings.
- Check for unknown extensions and remove them.
- Clear your browsing history, cache, and cookies.
More detailed instructions for all popular browsers are available at the end of this guide.
4. Change Your Passwords
If you entered login info after clicking the suspicious link, change your passwords immediately — especially for email, banking, and social media accounts.
5. Enable Real-Time Protection
Make sure your antivirus software is turned on and set to automatically update and protect you in real time.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Matshortener.xyz from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Matshortener.xyz with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz (Windows).
Get rid of Matshortener.xyz from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz. 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Matshortener.xyz, 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 Matshortener.xyz (Mac)
Remove Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz will be removed.
Eliminate Matshortener.xyz 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".
Matshortener.xyz-FAQ
What Is Matshortener.xyz?
The Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz?
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 Matshortener.xyz?
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 Matshortener.xyz Work?
Once installed, Matshortener.xyz 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.
Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Matshortener.xyz 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 Matshortener.xyz?
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 Matshortener.xyz threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.