iRobinHood – an adware application that claims to be raising funds for charity
iRobinHood is a potentially unwanted program that typically enters users' machines via software bundling. Once the dubious app is installed, it starts overloading infected browsers with numerous adverts. Browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, might get affected. Program authors try to convince users that the commercial activity is done for a good cause – charity. Sadly, there is no proof that the money earned actually reaches the alleged destination, and users might install it because they want to donate. Security experts advise refraining from using adware[1] for whatever cause it is, as it can lead to some virtual security and computer safety issues.
| Name | iRobinHood |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware |
| Danger level | Low. Does not affect computer systems or corrupt files |
| Browsers affected | Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Edge, Safari, etc. |
| Purpose | Use the pay-per-click technique to gain income |
| Distribution | By other programs, dubious pages or links |
| Elimination | Try anti-malware tool since that can be a fast help for such purposes |
| Repair | Do not forget about system damage and virus leftovers. Run FortectIntego to find and fix those issues |
This sneaky iRobinHood virus has the ability to collect browsing activity-related details such as:
- Pages viewed;
- Bookmarks;
- IP address;
- Sites visited;
- etc.
Such information[2] is gathered and used to produce “useful” ads that are related to collected data. Developers of the program gain income from a method that is called pay-per-click and widely used. Even though it's a widely used practice, we do have suspicions that most (or even all) of the profit is taken by app developers.
Developers claim that with every purchase or website visited, a certain amount of money is donated to charity, and “it has never been easier to donate.” As we already mentioned, this practice seems dubious, and we suggest you do not participate in it. Adware can result in money loss, or increase the risk of computer infections. Therefore, rather remove iRobinHood adware and donate to a reputable charity organization instead.
To remain safe from information gathering you need to get rid of the virus from your computer system and clean your browsers as soon as you see such annoying advertisements overfilling your computer screen. For such purposes, you can try downloading and installing anti-malware. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or any other similar tool.
The application provides ads that do not bring real value to users. They are only profitable for the developers/owners of the program. There is no reason for keeping such potentially unwanted applications installed on your computer as it can bring only adverse consequences to your PC and browsers.
To avoid various browser modifications, crash downs, and annoying adverts, you should perform the full removal as soon as possible. If you choose to work on it automatically – the total process will take no longer than a few minutes.
Adware comes with other regular software
According to SenzaVirus.it[3], “bundling” is the most common adware distribution method. These kinds of PUPs secretly install together with original programs. To avoid such stealth installation, go to the Custom or Advanced settings section. Check all incoming programs and opt out of all additional components that are suggested.
Furthermore, adware might spread through questionable websites which contain harmful components or redirect you to unwanted pages. If you ever encounter a suspicious site – leave it immediately and do not click on anything.
Another piece of advice will be to install an antivirus if you do not already have one. Make sure it is always kept up-to-date and functions appropriately. Such a program will increase your computer security level and protect you from various threats that might occur while browsing the Web.
Delete all potential threats to get rid of iRobinHood ads
To remove the main virus from your computer, you will need to eliminate all components that were added by the ad-supported program. Get rid of all questionable browser extensions, applications, and plug-ins. This method will help you clean browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, or Safari. Instructions for this manual elimination process are shown below the article.
If you want to proceed with the iRobinHood removal in a faster way, you need to download a reliable anti-malware tool. Such programs will provide quick instructions and guide you through the process. After you perform the deletion, make sure to refresh your browsers that were affected by the adware to check if all PUP-added components were successfully removed.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
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 Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (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 Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.
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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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