SoccerInferno is a toolbar that may appear useful and friendly to the football fan. However, according to our research, SoccerInferno is most likely developed by MindSpark Interactive Inc.
| Name | SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The toolbar may be appealing to the football fan. |
| Symptoms | Advertisements, changes to the browser’s default settings. |
| Distribution Method | The official page, possibly – bundling. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark |
The company has been developing ad-supported software for years. Its close association with Ask.com is also not a secret to the public. After installing SoccerInferno and adding its toolbar to the browser, the user may notice that his search page is changed to Ask.com.
SoccerInferno General Description
SoccerInferno can be downloaded from its official website – www(dot)soccerinferno(dot)com. It may also be distributed in bundled installers. MindSpark has a rich portfolio and it won’t be surprising if some of the company’s products are distributed together.
What is bundling?
Software bundling is a term, which is not new to the online business. The practice is mostly applied for financial reasons. In the realm of online marketing, bundled installers may be deployed to generate pay-per-install income.
In terms of online security, the general opinion is that bundling is a primary cause of the infiltration of unwanted software.
Is SoccerInferno Dangerous?
Because of the features the SoccerInferno toolbar has, it may be defined as a potentially unwanted program (PUP or PUA). Here is a list of some of the activities the toolbar may initiate on the system:
- SoccerInferno applies third-party cookies and pixel tags to the browser. The information aggregated by these tracking technologies can be given to third party partners for advertising and analytical reasons.
- Information collected by the software provider may be provided to other companies within the IAC group of companies. User information may be shared with affiliate partners.
- Advertisements may be generated, such as pop-ups and banners, and their appearance may interrupt the normal surfing habits of the user.
Should SoccerInferno Be Removed from the System?
Our research indicates that the toolbar is a potentially unwanted program, and as such, its removal is recommended. SoccerInferno can be detected by AV software as PUP.Optional.MindSpark. Being a part of MindSpark’s portfolio, the toolbar may also:
- Read and change the user’s browsing history.
- Read and change the user’s data on visited websites.
- Manage the user’s downloads.
- Manage the user’s apps, extensions and themes.
This is how the toolbar looks:
And once more – information aggregated by SoccerInferno may be given to a range of interested partners and affiliates. It’s only logical that the primary reason for data sharing is the display of tailored ad-sponsored content.
Please note that interacting with third party advertisements may not be safe at all. You may be redirected to unknown pages, employed for social engineering scams. If, for example, you land on a page, that prompts you to share your credit card credentials, you should immediately navigate away from the page and run an AV scanner.
SoccerInferno/ PUP.Optional.MindSpark Removal Options
As with most toolbars, SoccerInferno can be removed manually from the browser. To do so, you can follow the steps below the article. After SoccerInferno is removed, scanning the system may still be recommended. Remember that running a full system scan is essential, especially if you haven’t knowingly downloaded the toolbar. If this is your case, you have been experiences a bundled installation. As a result, potentially unwanted programs may be running in the background of your system, draining the resources of your machine.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark.
Step 2: Remove SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark from your browser
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark and click “Remove”
After SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark will be removed.
Step 3: Remove SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark associated objects.
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How to Remove SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark (Windows).
Get rid of SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark. 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark, 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark (Mac)
Remove SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark will be removed.
Eliminate SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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".
SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark-FAQ
What Is SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark?
The SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark?
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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark?
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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark Work?
Once installed, SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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.
SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark 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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark?
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 SoccerInferno, PUP.Optional.MindSpark threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.