zDriveTrust is a browser hijacker that can cause ad spam and redirect users to unsafe sites
zDriveTrust is a bogus browser extension that causes unwanted symptoms. It acts as adware[1] and causes an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. It may also open new tabs when users open the browser.
Crooks may use rogue advertising networks that place ads leading to dangerous pages. Users can end up on sites that try to lure out personal information, trick people into downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[2] and even malware. This way, fraudsters can generate revenue from every click.
Some people report trying to remove the extension from their browser only to find it again later. This could be a symptom of an adware or malware infection. We suggest you follow our guide from start to finish to ensure the complete removal of this application.
| NAME | zDriveTrust browser hijacker |
| TYPE | Browser hijacker; potentially unwanted program |
| SYMPTOMS | Annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisements start appearing on the screen |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the ads might lead to dangerous websites |
| ELIMINATION | Eliminate the extension through your browser settings; scanning the machine with anti-malware tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to get rid of any remaining damage and to optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Applications such as zDriveTrust are often distributed through fake download pages. They usually appear seemingly out of nowhere while browsing the web. It can happen when visiting other shady sites that are unregulated. For example, illegal streaming sites are full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects that can open harmful pages.
Hijackers can also be hidden in software bundles. A lot of users like to install software from freeware distribution platforms. They include additional programs in the installers and do not disclose it clearly. It is best to use official web stores and developer pages whenever you want to obtain new programs.
Apps that get listed on digital marketplaces have to go through an extensive review process. However, users should still do their research – read the reviews, look at the ratings, and the number of users. Reading the descriptions fully is also a good idea as crooks often make grammar or spelling mistakes.
Another important thing to note is the importance of paying attention during the installation process. You should always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The most important part is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated applications.
Remove zDriveTrust hijacker
zDriveTrust browser hijacker can be removed by going to the browser settings and looking at the extension list. You can follow the step-by-step instructions below.
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
Almost all websites and web applications nowadays require you to accept cookies[3] by throwing a big prompt in your face obstructing the view. Frustrated, many just click “Accept” because they want to proceed as quickly as possible. Because you experienced pop-up spam without knowing, there is a big chance you were browsing through questionable sites that could still be tracking your browsing activity.
Cookies can store data such as the websites you visit, links you click on, things you type in the search, and what you purchase online. It can alter be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. We recommend using a repair tool like FortectIntego, which can automatically clear your browsers from cookies and cache, clear up space, fix corrupted files, system errors and optimize the performance of the device.
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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