Block Access Site is a bogus browser extension that acts as adware when installed
Block Access Site is a bogus browser extension that acts as adware.[1] It causes an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. It is advertised as an extension that blocks access to websites to increase productivity. The pop-ups may appear even when the browser is closed.
The main purpose of such applications is to generate revenue from pay-per-click advertising. They may also use rogue advertising networks[2] that place ads leading to dangerous websites. By clicking on links embedded in the ads, people may end up on scam pages that try to lure out personal information, trick people into downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[3] and even malware.
Usually, users start seeing ads promoting fake antivirus programs, software deals, adult websites, surveys, giveaways, and dubious dating platforms. If there is anyone else using the affected machine, especially children, it is important to remove this intruder as soon as possible.
| NAME | Block Access Site |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; adware |
| SYMPTOMS | The extension starts generating intrusive advertisements and may change the main settings |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites; deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | The ads may lead to dangerous websites controlled by crooks who try to take advantage of less IT-savvy users |
| ELIMINATION | Remove the extension through browser settings |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to clear your browsers and fix any remaining damage |
Distribution methods
The Block Access Site is being promoted on a website that falsely claims the Chrome browser is out of date and offers to update it. The plugin is added to the web browser after completing the steps provided on this suspicious website. The fake Block Access Site extension has also been found on shady download pages. These “Downloader” sites are often found on websites that engage in illegal activities and are full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects.
Google has stated that they will remove fake “Download” and “Play” buttons, but they still exist. Fake “Downloader” pages often use social engineering tactics[4] to trick users into installing a browser extension to “continue to the website” or for “security reasons.” However, you should never have to install any plugins or programs to access content on a legitimate website.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is recommended to only use official web stores and developer websites when installing extensions. These apps go through an extensive review process before they are listed on digital marketplaces, but it's still important to do your own research, read reviews, check ratings, and look at the number of users.
Freeware installations
Adware is frequently spread through the use of freeware distribution platforms, which secretly bundle additional programs into the installer. Many people quickly skip through the installation process and do not notice these additional files. While purchasing software licenses may seem costly, it can save you money in the long run by keeping your system running smoothly.
To avoid inadvertently installing adware, it's important to always select the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation method, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use to understand how your data will be used, and carefully review the file list to uncheck any unrelated applications.
Remove Block Access Site adware
Block Access Site adware is most likely attached as an extension to your browser that causes push notification spam, banners, surveys, redirects, and other commercial content. You should go to your browser settings and look at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
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.
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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Mozilla Firefox
- 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.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Protect your privacy
Websites, web-based applications, and programs can use cookies to track your activity. These small data files can store information like your IP address, geolocation, websites you visit, links you click on, and things you purchase online. This raises many user privacy and security concerns as this data can be sold to advertising networks or other third parties.
We recommend having a maintenance tool like FortectIntego that can clear your browsers automatically. It can eliminate cookies and cache, and stop the tracking process. This powerful software can also fix various system errors, corrupted files, and registry issues which is especially helpful after a virus infection.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
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