Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net is a malicious site, that causes browser redirects. These redirects lead to ad-supported sites or ones for online shopping. You might also get redirected to potentially malicious or phishing sites. To know how to remove these redirects, you should carefully read the article.
Currently, the redirects lead to phishing sites imitating official Alibaba.com domains. Your homepage could be changed, and a toolbar or a browser extension might be added to your browser.
Name | Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net |
Type | Malicious Domain |
Short Description | The homepage of your browser could be changed and you can get redirected to malicious and phishing sites. |
Symptoms | Browser settings are changed. There are redirects in your browser. Advertisements could show on webpages. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installers, Bundling |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net. |
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net – How Did I Get It?
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net can appear in your browsers due to an unwanted application is extracted from a third-party installer. You can get the software on your PC, without knowing, because it resides in freeware installations and bundled packages. Such packages contain additional components for installation more times than not. When these components are not disclosed the Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net redirect can show up. That is avoidable if you find an option not to install it under the Custom or Advanced sub-menu in a setup.
Another way you can get the malicious domain in your browsers could happen through ad clicks, pop-ups, banners or visiting suspicious websites. Affiliates and partners of Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net might try inserting an application into your PC generating the redirects via their websites. The malicious domain could add a browser extension to your browser to send redirects. Browsers that can be affected are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari, although other browsers are not excluded.
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net – Description
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net is a malicious domain. Once you have software which is related to it on your PC, you will start seeing redirects in your browsers. That’s not the only change that you may see. Your homepage can be modified to redirect you even more, or you might have a browser extension added.
When you are browsing, you could get redirected to many different domains. Very often the redirect leads to many offer.alibaba(.)com domains, with different content and deals inside:
It is likely for webpages to show advertisements related to the Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net domain. The redirects may even take you to phishing or malicious sites. Also, you can be redirected to partners and affiliates of the malicious site, which all make money off a pay-per-click basis.
The main domain is freeupdating4u(.)net. The IP address spreading the redirects is 62.210.93.163, according to VirusTotal, which detects it as malicious:
There are around 215 different malicious domains that distribute the redirects. You can block the IP address to try stopping some of the redirects.
Such domains are also known to display prompts for installing fake video players or updates presented as important, so such a thing is not excluded to happen from this one as well.
Also, offer(.)alibaba(.)com will show attractive advertisements and try tricking you into clicking on them. So, that can get you more redirects which are possible to contain malicious code inside. On images of the site, there are links embedded in the picture as another advertising technique.
Those partners and affiliates of Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net may collect information about you and your browsing activity from their sites and redirects. That way they can show you more targeted advertising content and gain revenue on their sites from visits.
Information about you and your system may be gathered, both personally or non-personally identifying one. They may also share the data to third-parties for money or another purpose.
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net – Removal
To remove Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net and everything related to it manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. If the manual removal does not get rid of the browser redirects completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware program. Such software will also 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net (Windows).
Get rid of Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net. 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net, 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net (Mac)
Remove Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net will be removed.
Eliminate Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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".
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net-FAQ
What Is Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net?
The Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net?
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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net?
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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net Work?
Once installed, Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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.
Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net 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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net?
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 Soft.freeupdating4u(.)net threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.