Heders-gadfly.xyz ads (fake) - Free Guide

Heders-gadfly.xyz ads Removal Guide

What is Heders-gadfly.xyz ads?

Heders-gadfly.xyz tries to generate revenue by displaying a fake security alert from Norton

Heders-gadfly.xyzHeders-gadfly.xyz can make users mistakenly pay for software they do not need

Heders-gadfly.xyz may look like a security alert from Norton but in reality, it is a fake message created by crooks. Its purpose is to generate revenue from the affiliate program.[1] Unlike many other scam pages, this one redirects to the official Norton security website to get a cut from every download.

Obviously, Norton has nothing to do with this fraudulent campaign and crooks are just using it to gain credibility. The deceptive message tries to convince users that their system is infected with multiple viruses and that their Norton subscription has ended:

Norton Security
Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!
ACTION REQUIRED!
Your Norton Subscription Has Expired!
Renew now to keep your pc protected.
If your PC is unprotected, it is at risk for viruses and other malware.

Heders-gadfly.xyz then proceeds to pretend to scan the machine and finds non-existent intruders. In reality, websites are unable to scan your system and it is just a fake animation used to manipulate you into installing the tool. The page can also start showing pop-up ads that look like alerts supposedly warning users about Trojan, and ransomware infections.

NAME Heders-gadfly.xyz
TYPE Scam, redirect virus, push notification spam, adware
SYMPTOMS The site shows a message which claims that the antivirus subscription has expired and needs to be updated; also asks to enable notifications
DISTRIBUTION Software bundles, shady websites, deceptive ads
DANGERS People can get spammed with pop-ups that say their system is infected and install PUPs or malware unknowingly
ELIMINATION To disable the pop-ups go to your browser settings; scanning your system with anti-malware tools is recommended
FURTHER STEPS Use FortectIntego to repair the damage and optimize the machine

Distribution methods

Usually, such websites are not found through search results. they hide in other shady pages that engage in illegal activities, like illegal streaming platforms, torrent websites, etc. They are unregulated, so they are full of deceptive ads and sneaky redirects. Try to avoid pages that you do not know and do not click on random links and ads.

Heders-gadfly.xyz adsHeders-gadfly.xyz could have appeared after browsing through untrustworthy sites

Another possibility is that Heders-gadfly.xyz appeared without your input. This can happen if you are infected by adware.[2] it can cause an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects. It is mostly spread through freeware[3] distribution platforms by hiding in the installers.

Many people rush through the process and do not notice the bundled software. If you want to keep the risk of PUAs sneaking into your system to a minimum, always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy to find out how your data will be used, etc. Inspect the file list and uncheck the boxes next to unnecessary programs.

Disable the push notifications

To stop annoying virus alerts from Heders-gadfly.xyz, you have to block the site permissions. You can do that by following our step-by-step guide:

Google Chrome (desktop):

  1. Open Google Chrome browser and go to Menu > Settings.
  2. Scroll down and click on Advanced.
  3. Locate the Privacy and security section and pick Site Settings > Notifications.Stop notifications on Chrome PC 1
  4. Look at the Allow section and look for a suspicious URL.
  5. Click the three vertical dots next to it and pick Block. This should remove unwanted notifications from Google Chrome.Stop notifications on Chrome PC 2

Google Chrome (Android):

  1. Open Google Chrome and tap on Settings (three vertical dots).
  2. Select Notifications.
  3. Scroll down to Sites section.
  4. Locate the unwanted URL and toggle the button to the left (Off setting).Stop notifications on Chrome Android

Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox and go to Menu > Options.
  2. Click on Privacy & Security section.
  3. Under Permissions, you should be able to see Notifications. Click Settings button next to it.Stop notifications on Mozilla Firefox 1
  4. In the SettingsNotification Permissions window, click on the drop-down menu by the URL in question.
  5. Select Block and then click on Save Changes. This should remove unwanted notifications from Mozilla Firefox.Stop notifications on Mozilla Firefox 2

Safari:

  1. Click on Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Websites tab and, under General, select Notifications.
  3. Select the web address in question, click the drop-down menu and select Deny.Stop notifications on Safari

MS Edge:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge, and click the Settings and more button (three horizontal dots) at the top-right of the window.
  2. Select Settings and then go to Advanced.
  3. Under Website permissions, pick Manage permissions and select the URL in question.
  4. Toggle the switch to the left to turn notifications off on Microsoft Edge.Stop notifications on Edge 2

MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Microsoft Edge, and go to Settings.
  2. Select Site permissions.
  3. Go to Notifications on the right.
  4. Under Allow, you will find the unwanted entry.
  5. Click on More actions and select Block.Stop notifications on Edge Chromium

Clear your browsers from cookies and cache

After the removal of push notifications is complete, we recommend using FortectIntego repair tool to care for your browsers. Almost every website you visit uses cookies to track your browsing activity, like the pages you visit, links you click on, and purchases you make. Your browsing data might be exposed or sold to advertising networks and other third parties.

Scan your machine with anti-malware tools

If you disabled push notifications but still experience unwanted symptoms like unexpected redirects and an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, and banners you should scan your system for adware. However, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so they would be more difficult to identify for average users. Manual uninstallation can also leave some traces of the program behind which could result in the renewal of the infection.

We suggest using trusted professional security tools SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes for PUP (potentially unwanted program)[4] removal. It should detect most suspicious apps and remove them successfully. Security software can also warn you about an intruder before it can make any changes to your system. However, if you still do not want to use security tools and know which program is at fault, use the instructions below to help you uninstall it:

Windows 10/8:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.Uninstall from Windows 2

Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Mac:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.Uninstall from Mac 2
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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

How to prevent from getting adware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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References