ArcadeCookie(.)com is a website which is all about online gaming. The games hosted on this website are run both in the Adobe Flash Player and HTML5. The website could have injected a related application on your computer. ArcadeCookie is considered adware because of its advertising content is spread around the Web. To remove all advertisements and prevent the site from appearing again, you should read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
Name | ArcadeCookie(.)com |
Type | Adware, PUP |
Short Description | Adverts generated from this website can display on different sites and redirect you. |
Symptoms | You see ads in your browsers, such as pop-ups or in-game ads. You can be redirected from games, ads and links on the site. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ArcadeCookie(.)com. |
ArcadeCookie(.)com – How Is It Spread?
ArcadeCookie(.)com can be spread with third-party installation setups. Programs associated with ArcadeCookie can intrude your PC, without your knowledge of that. Bundle packages and freeware setups can spread this adware to your computer. In these installations, additional components could be set for installation. Avoiding to get unwanted applications like this one installed, you should find either a Custom or an Advanced settings menu with an option to deselect content.
Another way in which ArcadeCookie(.)com is spread can be through websites which consist of online gaming content, and generate adverts. If you click on any related redirect links you can get the adware as well. Banners and pop-ups alike can advertise the platform can also inject the adware or redirect to the main site. Browsers which are usually affected: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
ArcadeCookie(.)com – Technical Details
ArcadeCookie(.)com is the official web domain of a gaming platform which has the same name – ArcadeCookie. At first, it looks like nothing peculiar – a site for online gaming, but after a while, you see the advertising content. Various adverts might pop up, and that could slow your Internet or computer system. The platform, site, and all related applications are pushing advertisements.
ArcadeCookie(.)com mainly distributes adverts, such as pop-ups, banners, and such, which appear when you try to load an online game on the website. Games, shown on the website apparently use the Adobe Flash Player or HTML5. The problem which arises with the Flash Player is that it could be an older version that is required to run the games. That could mean there are still active vulnerabilities which can be open for exploitation. In-game ads show when you launch any game on this website.
You can see an example of an ad on the ArcadeCookie(.)com site here:
While your browsers or your computer machine have any software tied to the adware platform, lots of advertising content and redirecting, links can be pushed through it.
Advertisements could have one of the following texts inside them:
- Advert from ArcadeCookie(.)com
- Ad by ArcadeCookie(.)com
- Ads by ArcadeCookie(.)com
- Powered by ArcadeCookie(.)com
- Advertisement by ArcadeCookie(.)com
- Brought to you by ArcadeCookie(.)com
The ArcadeCookie website could host links that redirect you to suspicious online places and generating traffic and revenue on a pay-per-click basis for its owners. Lots of the advertising content on this site might be associated with affiliates or partners of the gaming platform. Adverts and sponsored content can display on the site and collect all types of information about you and your browsing habits. The advertisements on ArcadeCookie(.)com can be banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, or in-game ads, and text links, transitional, interstitial, or full page ads.
ArcadeCookie(.)com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the ArcadeCookie(.)com site is easily found on the main domain of the website, and you can see a snapshot of it down, below this paragraph. In the policy, it is written that the ArcadeCookie gaming platform and its add-ons or extensions, may all gather information about you and your browsing activity. Advertisements by third parties can collect more information. The gaming site can collect personally and non-personally identifying information.
In the policy it says that the following information can be collected:
- Your Name and Email Address
- Your IP address
- Operating system
- Geographic location
- Viewed pages
- Your Internet service provider
- Type of Browser
Your geolocation and other information that can personally identify you can be sent to the owners of the website. Ironically, cookies and similar tracking technologies, such as web beacons are used ArcadeCookie(.)com to obtain further information about you. If you disapprove of the invasion of your privacy like that and have software associated with the gaming platform on your PC, then it is recommended to remove all components tied to the adware.
Remove ArcadeCookie(.)com Completely from your PC
To remove ArcadeCookie(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step instructions manual provided down here. If the manual removal does not get rid of the ads and gaming website from appearing, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove ArcadeCookie(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for ArcadeCookie(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall ArcadeCookie(.)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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of ArcadeCookie(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com (Mac)
Remove ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate ArcadeCookie(.)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".
ArcadeCookie(.)com-FAQ
What Is ArcadeCookie(.)com?
The ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com Work?
Once installed, ArcadeCookie(.)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.
ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)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 ArcadeCookie(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.