Ghostify ads (updated Jan 2017) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Ghostify ads Removal Guide
What is Ghostify ads?
Ghostify ads can come from questionable sites, but adware triggers them in most cases
“Ghostify virus” is the content that appears when a PU is running on the machine. When speaking about this ad-supported software by Epikai Ltd, it is important to mention that the program is not installed by the user directly. However, the indicated app does not initiate illegal activities on the target computer, so it cannot be assigned to the malware section. But the adware can sure annoy you if it finds its way to hijack your computer. This program may be introduced and promoted as a useful DNS service[1], but, in reality, it is an ad-based application that uses affiliate advertising to generate profit.
Ghostify adware is making rounds on the world wide web again, effectively infecting computers of unsuspecting victims who like to download free programs from the Internet. It just proves that many users are still unaware of adware and its ways of distribution.
| Name | Ghostify ads |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware |
| Category | Potentially unwanted program |
| Issues | The system runs slow and the screen receives redirects, pop-ups, banners that expose you to advertising material |
| Distribution | Freeware installations, other intruders, deceptive sites, p2p platforms |
| Elimination | You can remove the program with anti-malware tools |
| Repair | Do not forget about silent changes that these intruders can trigger and run [d1 to find and possibly fix problems with the performance |
It is interesting that this software’s download site is based on the gostify.com domain. This reveals a direct connection to the Gostify ads we have discussed on our website previously. Presumably, these ads are generated by the same adware, so they can be eliminated the same way too. You will find suggestions on how to remove the app from your computer below. We should also remind you that you can always choose an easier approach and remove the virus using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or other professional virus-fighting utility.
Since this application is promoted as a DNS managing utility, it may conveniently use these settings to mess with your browser. When this program is on your computer, you will be automatically browsing through the ad servers which will allow the adware to provide you with modified content. As a result, you will probably witness an appearance of numerous Ghostify ads or even experience random redirects to very questionable sites.
Be careful not to click on any of the online notifications that feature slogans like “Ads by Ghostify” or “Brought by Ghostify“ if you do not want to be involved in the shady advertising business. What you should also know about this program is that as the majority of adware programs, it may collect information about your browsing history, including search queries, visited websites, or viewed pages.
Although this data is all non-personally identifiable, you cannot be sure if the virus will not accidentally or purposefully disclose your personal information[2] either. If this happens, it can easily lead to more serious privacy violations and even identity theft[3]. It goes without saying that the virus removal is the best option to go for if your device is ever infected with this virus.
Stay away from any questionable sites and advertising services
You may download the questionable app from its official website, though there are other, deceptive ways its developers use to distribute it. They may attach this potentially unwanted program to some other freeware or shareware applications, so when you unknowingly download and install them on your device, this adware installs along.
Such a strategy is called bundling[4] and is successfully used to spread adware, browser hijacker, and other lightweight viruses online. A way to avoid installing unnecessary bundled programs is by choosing advanced installation mode when setting up new software on the computer. Follow the installation steps carefully and terminate the installation of suspicious programs in case you notice some included in the software package. To protect yourself from the hijack, configure installation settings whenever you install new programs on the computer.
Clear the computer to get rid of the Ghostify-free
Primarily, there are two techniques to remove adware from the infected computer. The first method involves manual virus elimination and requires a considerable level of computer skills. If virus-fighting is not your forte, it would be much quicker and efficient to remove Ghostify using some advanced antivirus utilities.
Besides, obtaining a reliable anti-malware tool[5] will ensure much safer online browsing and stronger computer protection in the future. Of course, we do not leave the manual PUP removal aside. You can learn how to banish this virus from your computer manually, following the instructions provided below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Ghostify ads. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Ghostify registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Domain Name System. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Personal Information. Privacy Sense. Privacy information, tips and expert interviews.
- ^ Identity fraud and identity theft. ActionFraud. The UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre.
- ^ Here’s What Happens When You Install the Top 10 Download.com Apps. How-To Geek. For Geeks, By Geeks.
- ^ Malware removal tools. NoVirus. A blog about the latest computer viruses.