This article will aid you to remove SurfDefense.com efficiently. Follow the removal instructions for the adware at the end.
SurfDefense.com is a domain on which is presented a service blocking websites that are compromised or inject malware. The website however pushes various advertisements and redirects instead. The SurfDefense.com website is considered adware, and also could have an extension or add-on related to it. A download button for direct download is situated on the site’s main page. The scam usually displays advertisements like pop-up boxes, but banners and other types of ads may be used to spread word about the website.
Threat Summary
| Name | SurfDefense.com |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | The adware generates advertisements, and they can be very intrusive. |
| Symptoms | You can see adverts in your browsers, such as pop-ups, banners, and other ad types. You could experience redirects, without clicking on any of the ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss SurfDefense.com. |
SurfDefense.com – Spread
You could get the SurfDefense.com site stuck to your browsers from various sources. There probably is an adware program which comes together with installation setups of freeware and bundled applications. Such installations can inject additional content to your computer system, without your awareness. Such setups are set to do that by default. To prevent the installation of any unwanted software is possible if you find a Custom or an Advanced settings menu inside a setup.
SurfDefense.com can also be downloaded as an application from a direct download button from its main page as seen in the above screenshot. Also, it could get delivered with the aid of redirects and advertisements, which are hosted on similar scamming websites. Pop-ups, pop-unders, and banners could contain links which have the ability to redirect you. The adware is intrusive and can easily get injected into your computer device. Browsers which could be affected are: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
SurfDefense.com – Details
SurfDefense.com is a scamming website that is trying to convince people that it will protect them from other websites, which are malicious or have been compromised in a way to be a potential danger to a user’s PC. Instead, the website pushes lots of advertisements and that’s why it is considered adware.
The SurfDefense.com website is promoting protection from suspicious websites, and such that are known to spread malware. The hypocrisy in that is that this site itself is considered as adware, along with its services and cannot protect you from an attack of malware.
This is how the main page of this website looks like, focusing on the presentation of the service:
SurfDefense.com can generate many redirects to unsafe websites. Do not trust this scam. Neither should you trust any pop-ups and messages which support this scam as they are all fake. Do not click on anything that is a separate window, link or message box. Some of the advertisements and message boxes might even indicate the name of the site.
Advertisements can show any of the following texts:
- Ads by SurfDefense.com
- Advertisement by SurfDefense.com
- Ad by SurfDefense.com
- Advert from SurfDefense.com
- Powered by SurfDefense.com
- Brought to you by SurfDefense.com
Every one of the redirects not only supports this scam but could make money for the website owners. That can happen if a pay-per-click scheme is being used. Advertisements such as pop-ups might be associated with affiliates of the adware creators. Adverts which are associated with SurfDefense.com might show as pop-ups, pop-unders, and banners. Take note that all sorts of interstitial, transitional and slider ad types are not excluded from appearing, as well.
SurfDefense.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy section of SurfDefense.com can be seen in the image above. The policy reveals that the website collects personal information and one that is provided by you, including non-personal data. See what is collected by this adware below:
Personally identifiable information collected from the service:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your IP address
- Your e-mail address
- Telephone number
- Voluntarily provided information
While there is a statement that any information that is voluntarily shared by you is collected, everything else that is being listed will also be obtained, no matter if you shared it or not. Non-personally identifiable information is also acquired by the website.
Non-personally identifiable information collected from the website:
- The number of page views
- Link clicks
- Login times
In conclusion, SurfDefense.com can collect different types of information about you and browsing habits, store it and also disclose it to third parties and business affiliates. It can also redirect you to other sites, push targeted advertisements and claim not to be responsible if any of the pages you land on acquire information from you. In the case you do not want your privacy to be intruded in this way, you should remove this adware from your computer system.
Remove SurfDefense.com Fully
To remove SurfDefense.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial written down below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the adverts completely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can 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 SurfDefense.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for SurfDefense.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com (Windows).
Get rid of SurfDefense.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com (Mac)
Remove SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com will be removed.
Eliminate SurfDefense.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".
SurfDefense.com-FAQ
What Is SurfDefense.com?
The SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com Work?
Once installed, SurfDefense.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.
SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.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 SurfDefense.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.