A new adware, resembling the infamous DNS Unlocker has been reported to affect users by heavily displaying online advertisements on their computers. The application may be advertised as helpful software to cope with online content that is blocked in the country of the user. However, it is also rendered as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) because besides modifying certain settings in Google Chrome, Firefox or IE, it may also collect certain information from PCs its installed on. The main risk associated with the Dnslockington is that it may advertise third-party websites that may be suspicious and dangerous to the user.
| Name | dnslockington.exe |
| Type | Adware executable. |
| Short Description | The process may do various dangerous or unhealthy to the PC activities. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness fake Java Update adsas well as redirects to other potentially harmful domains. Significant slowing down of the PC is highly likely. |
| Distribution Method | Via PUPs, installed by bundling or by visiting a suspicious third-party site that is advertising it. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss dnslockington.exe. |
Dnslockington.exe Spread
Similar to DNS Unlocker, this ad-supported application may use several different methods to be installed on your computer. One of them is via other unwanted programs that may redirect you to an installer which may add it as a browser extension. The software may also be advertised as a legitimate helper on a shady website on which users tend to be led by clicking on an ad.
The most dominant method of distribution, however, may be what is known as bundled install. This means that when a new free program is being downloaded from a third-party website it may have Dnslockington included in it. Often users who download free programs do not use the official websites of the freeware or use torrent websites. Sometimes the installers of those freeware apps may contain PUPs.
To protect yourself in the future and counter this aggressive marketing, it is advisable to take some precautions:
- Always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options.
- Use software that automatically spots words such as bundling, like EULALyzer or check manually the End User License Agreement for such.
Dnslockington In Detail
After it has been installed and is running on your PC, the process Dnslockington.exe, usually located in %Program Files(x86)% may elevate its permissions and modify the default DNS address, changing it to a custom one. This is particularly dangerous because the packets of data moving may be captured by the creators of this ad-supported PUP.
Furthermore, besides the Dnslockington.exe file, the program may also situate support files in a folder, named DNS Unlocker, for example:
→ “config.ini; ConsoleApplication1.dll; DNSLOCKINGTON.cer; Info.rtf; License.rtf; config.ini; LogoBlack.ico; LogoGreen.ico; LogoYellow.ico; Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.dll; settings.ini; unins000.exe; unins000.dat; ZonaTools.XPlorerBar.dll; DNSLOCKINGTON.job”
The executable may become active and stay active in the Windows Task Manager, and the program may insert custom values to additionally prevent Uninstall.
Furthermore, besides making values In the Registry Editor, the program may also modify existing ones that may allow it to perform different activities, like change system settings, for example.
The main activity associated with Dnslockington.exe is reported to be the heavily taking over of the ad-spaces of the web browsers of the user to display its own adverts. And what is worse, ad-blocking software may not be able to do anything to prevent it, because the program runs internally. Other advertisements by this believed to be a variant of DNS Unlocker may be heavy displaying of pop-ups and browser redirects. There are also reports that indicate the software may use highlighted text ads.
The primary concern of malware researchers is that dnslockinghood.exe may:
- Collect different information about the user. (Location, language, system info, security software, etc.)
- Infect the user with malware by displaying malicious advertisements. (Less likely but typical for adware programs).
The information which is collected may be shared by other parties with either marketing or other purposes, and it may be used to display targeted advertisements that correspond to what you have searched online. This is known as behavioral advertising. It is considered that cyber-scammers use adware primarily to boost hoax traffic by inducing browser redirects to underdeveloped third-party sites, but some of those “developers” do not mind advertising malicious URLs via their ad-supported applications. This is why it recommended to have a decent knowledge and malware protection and update both of them to stay ahead and remain as secure as possible for longer.
Removing Dnslockington.exe
If you have experienced the symptoms above and have decided to get rid of Dnslockington, it is highly recommended to uninstall this ad-supported app in a swift manner. We advise following the step-by-step manual below and to download and install an advanced anti-malware protection which unlike the conventional antivirus will detect and remove all objects (keys and files) associated with Dnslockington. Besides detecting this and other software of the same character, an anti-malware software may also be combined with an antivirus tool to ensure a higher level of protection against future infiltrations.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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How to Remove dnslockington.exe from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for dnslockington.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe (Windows).
Get rid of dnslockington.exe from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe. 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as dnslockington.exe, 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 dnslockington.exe (Mac)
Remove dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe will be removed.
Eliminate dnslockington.exe 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".
dnslockington.exe-FAQ
What Is dnslockington.exe?
The dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe?
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 dnslockington.exe?
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 dnslockington.exe Work?
Once installed, dnslockington.exe 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.
dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this dnslockington.exe 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 dnslockington.exe?
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 dnslockington.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.