The article will help you to remove Cookies On-Off completely. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the bottom of the article.
Cookies On-Off is malicious application that has an extension, browser hijacker, redirect and probably even adware content. All of them are referred to with the name Cookies On-Off although the hijacker element also has a Web domain called Cookiesoff.com. Interestingly enough, that domain also hosts a redirect to the extension on Google Chrome’s Web Store for manual installation. The Cookies On-Off browser hijacker will alter the main page, new tab, and search engine for your browsers and the malicious program will asks access to your camera and microphone. If your PC has been affected by any application from the Cookies On-Off family, then you will witness redirects to pages with loads of advertisements and sponsored content and even some hosting malware.
Threat Summary
| Name | Cookies On-Off |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser application which is on your computer will get affected if Cookies On-Off is present on your PC. The hijacker can redirect you and show you lots of advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings that get changed are the start page, search engine and new tab page. You could witness advertisements, targeted content, and even land on pages hosting malware and viruses. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Browser Extension |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Cookies On-Off. |
Cookies On-Off – Ways of Distribution
Cookies On-Off is distributed via different methods, involving various installer setups. These setups usually come from bundled applications and freeware that is packed with additional features, set to be installed with other software. Without your approval or even knowledge of such an installation the malicious program can get inside your computer system and from there on your browsers. You could have installed a free software application and got your browser settings altered. To prevent unwanted programs from affecting your computer is possible if you find Custom or Advanced settings to modify. Other than that, you could have gotten it from the Cookies On-Off browser extension or any malware related to it. Here is an example of one of the primary Web pages spreading a manual download of the above mentioned extension:
Cookiesoff.com is the name of page shown above. The malicious app could be distributed via other methods like redirecting from advertisements, such as banners, pop-ups, pop-unders and hyperlinks. Targeted ads, including other sponsored content on dubious websites could also deliver Cookies On-Off in some form. Such websites could also be partnered up or affiliated with the Cookiesoff.com services and website. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari are all browsers which can get affected by the Cookies On-Off.
Cookies On-Off – In-Depth Description
The Cookiesoff.com Web address is the primary one spreading the browser hijacker related to Cookies On-Off and its browser extension. It appears that the extension was hosted on Google Chrome’s Web Store. You will be redirected when you are using the services of the malicious app, if you click on links provided by it, and from advertisements and pages hosted by it. The main page can be seen from the screenshot right down below:
The Cookiesoff.com browser hijacker can redirect you if you are using its services and interact with whatever links, adverts and other forms of content pushed from its pages.
Be aware that every search that you do on its pages will be sending information to servers related to this Cookiesoff.com hijacker redirect. Also, the Cookies On-Off extension will ask access to your camera and microphone. The page displayed in the above screenshot replaces the homepage, new tab and default search engine for every browser that you have installed.
In case you see a search engine related to the Cookies On-Off application, beware as it is surely going to collect any and all information that you provide on its search pages, including audio and video recordings if the application has access to them. Also, the browser might look almost exactly as the popular browsers such as Google, Bing, Yahoo etc.
In case you see yet another search engine loading after the one you saw before, know that the website could push even more advertisements and redirects that place browser cookies on your computer machine (even if you have set the Cookies Off from the extension or related apps), and will track your online habits. More advanced tracking technologies could also be in play, and could be placed on your PC because of your paranoia of cookies. Be careful of what information you provide on such search pages, especially on ones, associated with Cookiesoff.com. Don’t be clicking on suspicious advertisements or links that are displayed by any services related to it.
Cookies On-Off – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Cookiesoff.com site is located on the footer of the main URL address of the domain. Despite the Policy being quite short in length, it provides enough information about the data collection done by this browser hijacker. Below, you can see exactly what information can be collected from you when you are using any of the Cookies On-Off services.
In the screenshot below, you can preview the Privacy Policy:
The following information can be acquired from you, according to the Policy:
- Your preferred language
- OS type
- Your IP addresses
- Browser language
- Browser you used for visiting the site
- Time of visits
- Pages you visited
- Internet service provider
- Other information you provide (including information gathered from your camera or microphone devices)
Browser cookies and data about them are also included in the information gathering process by the website and services of Cookiesoff.com and will further the making of a data profile for your internet activity. See an example in the picture below:
Cookiesoff.com service collects your IP addresses and could identify you in other ways, too.
In conclusion, you should be wary of what information you provide to search engines and websites, and also, in the case you do not like personal information to be acquired from you by the browser hijacker, redirect, extension and other services, you should remove them.
Remove Cookies On-Off Completely
To remove Cookies On-Off and Cookiesoff.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the extension, hijacker, redirect and their files completely, 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 Cookies On-Off from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Cookies On-Off with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off (Windows).
Get rid of Cookies On-Off from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off. 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Cookies On-Off, 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 Cookies On-Off (Mac)
Remove Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off will be removed.
Eliminate Cookies On-Off 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".
Cookies On-Off-FAQ
What Is Cookies On-Off?
The Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off?
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 Cookies On-Off?
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 Cookies On-Off Work?
Once installed, Cookies On-Off 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.
Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cookies On-Off 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 Cookies On-Off?
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 Cookies On-Off threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.