This article reveals more details about the rogue application KNCTR as well as all removal steps that will help you to get rid of the app efficiently.
The KNCTR adware is a persistent potentially unwanted program that infects Windows users and delivers a lot of nasty advertisements and targeted content. The app is associated with a website of the same name KNCTR.com previously possessed by the company Itibiti Ventures Inc. The primary function of the application itself is to provide absolutely FREE calls across North America.
Threat Summary
| Name | KNCTR |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The app can open on each system start and be hard to remove. It could generate a lot of advertisements records data about you. |
| Symptoms | You keep seeing adverts in the app and your browsers, like pop-ups, pop-unders, surveys, in-page ads, etc. You can notice slowed system performacne. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KNCTR. |
Radiospick.net – Distribution
Third-party installation setups are usually used for KNCTR adware distribution. The adware can penetrate the system via bundled packages or installation setups of free apps. The installation setups of such deceptive apps are usually set by default to install additional components. This unwanted after-effect could be avoided when you select the Advanced/Custom install options each time you decide to install a new program on the PC. There you should be able to opt out all unwanted components and prevent their installation.
The rogue KNCTR app is also distributed via its website KNCTR.com where everyone who wants the app can download it. However, most of the users get infected with the adware unnoticeably via other shady delivery practices. Among them are malicious advertisements, browser redirects, suspicious browser extensions and file sharing services.
KNCRT Adware – Insight
The creators of KNCRT present it as a useful app that provides unlimited free calls anywhere in North America. All you need to have is a device connected to the Internet connection and the app installed on the PC. To make it even more appealing developers had added the option to watch popular videos with celebrity news, sports, movie trailers even access to popular social networks right from within the app. Well, we should admit that all these “awesome” features make the tool looks quite legitimate and useful. However, it is classified as a potentially unwanted program that sneaks into your system and ensures its persistent presence on it. So it may modify registry keys in order to set its automatic execution on each Windows system start.
However, nothing comes for free in this life right? Actually, the price you pay is access to your information and device. Yes, the primary aim of KNCRT adware is to gather various data related to the usage of the app and your browsing habits. So let us inform you that the tool keeps all called numbers, duration of the calls, and other details on its data servers.
As the tool is compatible with Windows XP, VISTA, 7 & 8 it may affect computers that have installed these operating systems. Its website, on the other hand, may appear during your online browsing sessions. The redirects to KNCTR.com may be either caused by the adware or a browser extension installed by KNCTR.
The website could also generate lots of advertisements and sponsored content when you’re online. All browsers which could be affected are: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
KNCTR.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the KNCTR could be found on its website KNCTR.com. It can be accessed from the bottom of the main site page. The policy reveals that the company owner of the app is Itibiti Ventures Inc. However, as the last update of the section was in June 2013 it could not be considered to be a relevant at this point. In the policy, it is stated that the company collects specific personal and non-personal information from you. So upon registration it will ask you for:
- Your full name
- Your E-mail address
- Your physical address
- Contact data information
- Zip/Postal code
- Country of residence
- Mobile phone number
- Date of birth
Additionally, the adware may ask you for personal financial data like PayPal account and credit card information to access their premium services. Beware this is really risky as there is no guarantee that they will keep the records save and you may suffer severe financial losses. Advertisers of third-party services may also obtain some of the information as the policy states:
..it may be necessary to share your personal and traffic data with vendors or other service providers, partners, carriers, distributors, banking and/or payment processing organizations.
We may also share your personal information for the provision of requested services that originate with a related or affiliated company.
Remove KNCTR Adware
Even though the nasty KNCTR application is not a virus but just an adware its removal is highly recommendable as it endangers your online privacy and system as well. Below you can see a detailed step-by-step guide that reveals how to remove KNCTR adware from the PC and all affected browsers. Have in mind that KNCTR is a really persistent app so you should first start the PC in Safe Mode and then proceed with the removal process. You can do this by following instructions in step one “Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode”. Only after the implementation of all listed measures, the KNCTR will be deleted entirely from the system.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove KNCTR from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for KNCTR with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall KNCTR and related software from Windows
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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR (Windows).
Get rid of KNCTR from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall KNCTR 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 KNCTR. 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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as KNCTR, 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 KNCTR (Mac)
Remove KNCTR 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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR will be removed.
Eliminate KNCTR 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".
KNCTR-FAQ
What Is KNCTR?
The KNCTR 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 KNCTR?
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 KNCTR?
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 KNCTR Work?
Once installed, KNCTR 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.
KNCTR 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 KNCTR 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 KNCTR Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KNCTR 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 KNCTR?
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 KNCTR threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.