DatingSmith(.)com is the primary domain for a dating service. It is considered an adware, because of all the advertisements that are pushed by the website, its software and related services. An SMS service is involved, as well. You will be redirected to complete surveys and the like. To remove all advertisements and this adware, you should read the article till its end.
Threat Summary
| Name | DatingSmith(.)com |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The site generates advertisements on various websites, and in your browsers. |
| Symptoms | You can see advertisements all over your browsers, such as pop-ups or banners about the DatingSmith services or those of third-parties, who are their partners. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages, Direct Download |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss DatingSmith(.)com. |
DatingSmith(.)com – Distribution Ways
DatingSmith(.)com can be distributed in various ways. Primarily, that happens via third-party installations. Without your awareness, the adware could be injected into your machine with such third-party installations, no matter if they are freeware or bundled. Setups can be set to add extra components along with their main software. Avoiding to install any unwanted application like this adware is manageable, if you find Custom or Advanced options, so you can deselect components.
DatingSmith(.)com can be also distributed with a direct download button, hosted on sites, such as the one on its main domain, as shown on the picture above. The adware might distribute through different advertisements displayed on websites. Pop-up and pop-under ads as well as banners can be used to redirect to the platform. Visiting suspicious websites with unknown origins might lead you to the unwanted site or its application. Redirects can be hosted on these sites. Browsers that could be affected are the following: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
DatingSmith(.)com – In Detail
DatingSmith(.)com is the official domain of a dating service called DatingSmith. The service has a website, software and multiple SMS services tied to it and they all can generate and push advertisements. The adverts can show in browsers found on your computer or smartphone. Thus, this whole platform is considered adware. This is how the official domain looks like:
As seen above, the page has a direct download button for its software application. Advertisements or redirects could show up while you are browsing the internet, particularly if you have any service or application associated with DatingSmith running on your device. In the picture below you can see the landing page of a redirect from DatingSmith(.)com:
As you can see above, an online survey loads, and the site wants you to complete it. Do not do that, because that will only result in you providing information to the site and adware owners, which they can collect, store and sell to whomever they see fit. If you have an add-on or an extension nested in your browsers, which are related to DatingSmith(.)com, be careful with your online activity. You can get redirected to other websites, as well and asked to complete different tasks.
Targeted content and adverts can have one of the following texts in them:
- Ads by DatingSmith(.)com
- Advertisement by DatingSmith(.)com
- Ad by DatingSmith(.)com
- Advert from DatingSmith(.)com
- Powered by DatingSmith(.)com
- Brought to you by DatingSmith(.)com
Any links or adverts, which redirect, and are connected to the DatingSmith service could be placed on websites with the aim of generating Web traffic. This traffic can make revenue for the adware platform owners on a pay-per-click basis.
The adverts which display can vary and can be totally unrelated to the dating service, because of the many ad networks involved with the adware. Advertisements connected to DatingSmith(.)com can show in the form of pop-ups, in-text links, pop-unders, banners, or even interstitial ads. Different types of advertisements might appear, too.
DatingSmith(.)com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of DatingSmith(.)com is descriptive and quite explicit. You can find it on the main domain from where the adware platform hosts itself. The Policy clearly states that the adware owners can gather both personally and non-personally identifiable information from you. You can read the following quote regarding third-party sharing:
Your personal information is accessible by the DatingSmith administrator(s). We may also share your data with interested third parties.
You can view a picture of the Privacy Policy right here:
The adware can gather a lot about you and your computer. Below, all that is compiled in lists.
Information collected from any site visitor:
- IP address
- User agent (browser)
- Your name
- Address
- Email address
- Telephone number
Information collected by Cookies:
- Demographic data
- Other data, linked to information that you voluntarily submitted
- Your email address
- The date and time of your visits
- The site pages you viewed
- The time spent at each page
- The websites you visited just before and just after this site
Information collected in connection with the SMS service:
- Your name
- Address
- Cell phone number
- Your provider’s name
- The date, time, and content of your messages
Information collected from members:
- Your email address
- Your Name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Your birth date
Information collected from participating in offers, surveys, or sending emails or correspondence:
- Mobile telephone number
- Fax number
- Payment information (e.g., credit card number and billing address)
- Credit information
- Social security number
- Health information
- Personal preferences regarding lifestyle, products or services
Information collected by third-party advertising companies using the site for ads, may retrieve some of the above-mentioned information. First-party, third-party and DART cookies are used. Be careful when you use the website, program, services or all else related to this adware, as there could be more adverts and redirects generated by third-party networks and more privacy policies to be active.
Remove DatingSmith(.)com Effectively from Your PC
To remove DatingSmith(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial provided below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the ads completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove DatingSmith(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for DatingSmith(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall DatingSmith(.)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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of DatingSmith(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com (Mac)
Remove DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate DatingSmith(.)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".
DatingSmith(.)com-FAQ
What Is DatingSmith(.)com?
The DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com Work?
Once installed, DatingSmith(.)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.
DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)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 DatingSmith(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.