Malwarebytes has released a Chrome and Firefox extension called 'Malwarebytes Browser Extension (BETA)' that aims to protect your computer while browsing the web. When installed, this extension will block malicious sites, popups, tech support scams, and also acts as an advertising and tracking blocker.
Malwarebytes states that their extension has the following features:
- Malware Protection Malware has been around for as long as the Internet, and it continues to be an online nuisance today. By installing AdBlock you'll do more than just block annoying ads; you'll be protecting yourself from malware and other forms of malicious advertising.
- Some of you have reached out to us concerning Malwarebytes blocking of certain ad blocking extensions, or an influx in web blocking notifications. First things first, this is not a false positive. Recently in their blog, AdGuard has discovered that numerous malicious ad blocking extensions were found in the Google Chrome store.
Even more interesting, Malwarebytes claims that this is the first extension that heuristically detects and blocks browser tech support scams. This means that it will not only block known tech. With over 10 million downloads on the Chrome browser alone, Adblock Plus is the most popular ad blocking software around. A free and open source project from the eye/o. Adblock Plus is the primary source code for a lot of other free ad blockers around here.
- Malware protection: Blocks malicious programs or code that can damage your system.
- Scam protection: Blocks online scams, including technical support scams, browser lockers, and phishing.
- Advertising/tracker protection: Blocks third-party ads and third-party ad trackers that monitor your online activity. The number of blocked ads/trackers for a website will show beside the Malwarebytes logo in your browser.
- Clickbait protection: Blocks content and websites that often display behavior of questionable value.
- DISCLAIMER: Clickbait filtering is in no way politically motivated, it is purely behaviorally based
- Potentially unwanted program (PUP) protection: Blocks the downloading of potentially unwanted programs, including toolbars and pop-ups.
Even more interesting, Malwarebytes claims that this is the first extension that heuristically detects and blocks browser tech support scams. This means that it will not only block known tech support scams, but theoretically new ones created in the future. This is a great feature, as tech support scams can freeze a browser or make it very difficult to close, which leads many inexperienced computer users to have no idea how to close the page.
'Speaking of behavior patterns, our browser extension is the first that heuristically identifies and blocks tech support scams‘ browser-locker pages, which scare users into calling fake tech support scammers,' Malwarebytes blog post stated. 'So it protects you from unwanted social engineering tactics as well.'
Malwarebytes 4 portable. While testing this extension, it performed as described. It properly blocked some known URLs that I typically use to harvest malware and adware and it does remove ads and tracking scripts. With that said, I do have some concerns, which are described later in the article.
Using the Malwarebytes Browser Extension (BETA)
To use the Malwarebytes Browser Extension (BETA), simply install it from it's Chrome Web Store or Firefox Extension pages. Once installed, the extension will run in the background and examine the traffic as you browse the web.
While browsing the web, if you go to a site that is known or heuristically detected to be a tech support scam, PUP related, fraud, or other malicious site, the extension will block it and display a message.
The extension will also list a count of the number of trackers and advertisement related scripts that were blocked on a page. This count will appear under the Malwarebytes extension icon as shown below.
If the extension is causing problems, it is also possible to disable various features of the extension. For example, if you want the malicious site protection, but the tracker/ad removal is causing a page to not function properly, you can easily disable it. To do this, you would click on the Malwarebytes icon on your browser and a small window will open as shown below.
From there you can quickly turn off one of the protection methods. If you want a more granular configuration, you can click on the Settings option and configure whether or not specific protection modules would be enabled.
If a particular site is having problems because the extension is removing needed scripts or being detected improperly as malicious, you can add it to a white list. To do this click on the Allow List option and add the url to the list of allowed domains as shown below.
Finally, when the Malwarebytes Browser Extension blocks a page, it will send data back to Malwarebytes that contains the blocking category and the URL. To disable this feature, you can go into the About screen and uncheck the 'Send anonymous telemetry to Malwarebytes' checkbox.
Some concerns regarding the extension
Kali linux iso. While the Malwarebytes Browser Extension works very well, I do have some concerns.
One item that I found concerning was that when the extension was first released it automatically whitelisted the malwarebytes.com domain. This means that tracking scripts that are blocked on all other sites do not appear to be blocked when visiting the Malwarebytes web site.
'We had Malwarebytes.com whitelisted temporarily to take care of an issue,' BleepingComputer was told by the extension's product manager Rakesh Kumar Sejwal. 'Site has been removed from the whitelist now.'
Another concern is their 'Clickbait' protection. As determining whether a site utilizes clickbait is purely subjective, I am not sure how they plan on blocking sites that utilize this. According to a Malwarebytes, the clickbait protection is domain based and content based.
'Our clickbait website data is sourced from a group of academic researchers (sources are kept private due to propriety reasons)' Malwarebytes explained their domain based clickbait protection to Bleeping Computer via their web site.
For their content based clickbait protection, they plan on filtering out 'Sponsored content', native advertisements, and 'Your might also like' content from providers like Taboola, Outbrain, and Google, which are more like advertisements.
Finally, some people have been reporting that the extension is blocking legitimate scripts that cause pages not to work properly. For example, two reviews on the Chrome Web Store page indicate that the extension is blocking legitimate scripts that cause the pages to not display properly.
With this said, Malwarebytes clearly disclosed that this extension is in beta and that false positives will occur. Hopefully these issues will be resolved before it is released as it definitely a useful tool to protect a computer.
Update 8/6/18: Malwarebyets has responded to our queries and we have updated the article above regarding their responses to clickbait and the automatic whitelisting of their domain.
Related Articles:
Youtube Ad Blocker virus removal instructions
What is Youtube Ad Blocker?
YouTube Ad Blocker (also known as YoutubeAdblocker) is a browser add-on claiming to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by blocking advertisements appearing on the youtube.com website. While such functionality may seem legitimate, this browser extension is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application. This plugin does not block any ads, and moreover, generates intrusive third party ads ('Ads by YoutubeAdblocker') including, for example, banner, text, and pop-up advertisements. Clicking ads displayed by YoutubeAdblocker can result in high-risk malware infections.
As well as generating deceptive ads, this bogus browser plugin tracks users' Internet browsing activity by recording IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, operating systems, browser information, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries entered, and other software and hardware information. This unwanted tracking can result in serious privacy issues or identity theft. At time of research, this adware was distributed using deceptive free software 'download clients', which trick Internet users into installing YoutubeAdblocker without their consent. To avoid further damage by poorly-programmed adware, eliminate this potentially unwanted application from your Internet browser/s.
YoutubeAdblocker is similar to other adware, which infiltrates browsers through freeware downloads. Examples include Video Player, Free FLV Converter, and Media Player Enhance. These browser extensions promise to enhance Internet browsing, however, they merely diminish browser performance and cause intrusive ads. To avoid installation of these potentially unwanted applications, express caution when downloading and installing free software since, today, most freeware download websites use deceptive 'download clients' to monetize their free services. Download clients are small programs, which manage the download process and offer additional download of advertised browser plug-ins with the chosen freeware. To avoid adware infections, decline installation of promoted browser extensions. When installing downloaded free programs, choose the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options - this will reveal any intended installation of 'bundled' adware. Internet users who observe ads generated by YoutubeAdblocker should use this removal guide to eliminate this potentially unwanted program from their Internet browser/s.
Instant automatic malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo CleanerBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Uninstall 'YoutubeAdblocker', 'WS-Sustainer', 'WS-Booster' and 'websavve' applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker add-on from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker plugin from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker extension from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
YouTube Ad Blocker virus removal:
While browsing the web, if you go to a site that is known or heuristically detected to be a tech support scam, PUP related, fraud, or other malicious site, the extension will block it and display a message.
The extension will also list a count of the number of trackers and advertisement related scripts that were blocked on a page. This count will appear under the Malwarebytes extension icon as shown below.
If the extension is causing problems, it is also possible to disable various features of the extension. For example, if you want the malicious site protection, but the tracker/ad removal is causing a page to not function properly, you can easily disable it. To do this, you would click on the Malwarebytes icon on your browser and a small window will open as shown below.
From there you can quickly turn off one of the protection methods. If you want a more granular configuration, you can click on the Settings option and configure whether or not specific protection modules would be enabled.
If a particular site is having problems because the extension is removing needed scripts or being detected improperly as malicious, you can add it to a white list. To do this click on the Allow List option and add the url to the list of allowed domains as shown below.
Finally, when the Malwarebytes Browser Extension blocks a page, it will send data back to Malwarebytes that contains the blocking category and the URL. To disable this feature, you can go into the About screen and uncheck the 'Send anonymous telemetry to Malwarebytes' checkbox.
Some concerns regarding the extension
Kali linux iso. While the Malwarebytes Browser Extension works very well, I do have some concerns.
One item that I found concerning was that when the extension was first released it automatically whitelisted the malwarebytes.com domain. This means that tracking scripts that are blocked on all other sites do not appear to be blocked when visiting the Malwarebytes web site.
'We had Malwarebytes.com whitelisted temporarily to take care of an issue,' BleepingComputer was told by the extension's product manager Rakesh Kumar Sejwal. 'Site has been removed from the whitelist now.'
Another concern is their 'Clickbait' protection. As determining whether a site utilizes clickbait is purely subjective, I am not sure how they plan on blocking sites that utilize this. According to a Malwarebytes, the clickbait protection is domain based and content based.
'Our clickbait website data is sourced from a group of academic researchers (sources are kept private due to propriety reasons)' Malwarebytes explained their domain based clickbait protection to Bleeping Computer via their web site.
For their content based clickbait protection, they plan on filtering out 'Sponsored content', native advertisements, and 'Your might also like' content from providers like Taboola, Outbrain, and Google, which are more like advertisements.
Finally, some people have been reporting that the extension is blocking legitimate scripts that cause pages not to work properly. For example, two reviews on the Chrome Web Store page indicate that the extension is blocking legitimate scripts that cause the pages to not display properly.
With this said, Malwarebytes clearly disclosed that this extension is in beta and that false positives will occur. Hopefully these issues will be resolved before it is released as it definitely a useful tool to protect a computer.
Update 8/6/18: Malwarebyets has responded to our queries and we have updated the article above regarding their responses to clickbait and the automatic whitelisting of their domain.
Related Articles:
Youtube Ad Blocker virus removal instructions
What is Youtube Ad Blocker?
YouTube Ad Blocker (also known as YoutubeAdblocker) is a browser add-on claiming to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by blocking advertisements appearing on the youtube.com website. While such functionality may seem legitimate, this browser extension is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application. This plugin does not block any ads, and moreover, generates intrusive third party ads ('Ads by YoutubeAdblocker') including, for example, banner, text, and pop-up advertisements. Clicking ads displayed by YoutubeAdblocker can result in high-risk malware infections.
As well as generating deceptive ads, this bogus browser plugin tracks users' Internet browsing activity by recording IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, operating systems, browser information, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries entered, and other software and hardware information. This unwanted tracking can result in serious privacy issues or identity theft. At time of research, this adware was distributed using deceptive free software 'download clients', which trick Internet users into installing YoutubeAdblocker without their consent. To avoid further damage by poorly-programmed adware, eliminate this potentially unwanted application from your Internet browser/s.
YoutubeAdblocker is similar to other adware, which infiltrates browsers through freeware downloads. Examples include Video Player, Free FLV Converter, and Media Player Enhance. These browser extensions promise to enhance Internet browsing, however, they merely diminish browser performance and cause intrusive ads. To avoid installation of these potentially unwanted applications, express caution when downloading and installing free software since, today, most freeware download websites use deceptive 'download clients' to monetize their free services. Download clients are small programs, which manage the download process and offer additional download of advertised browser plug-ins with the chosen freeware. To avoid adware infections, decline installation of promoted browser extensions. When installing downloaded free programs, choose the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options - this will reveal any intended installation of 'bundled' adware. Internet users who observe ads generated by YoutubeAdblocker should use this removal guide to eliminate this potentially unwanted program from their Internet browser/s.
Instant automatic malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo CleanerBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Uninstall 'YoutubeAdblocker', 'WS-Sustainer', 'WS-Booster' and 'websavve' applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker add-on from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker plugin from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker extension from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove Youtube Ad Blocker extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
YouTube Ad Blocker virus removal:
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:
Malwarebytes Ad Blocker
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Mac OSX users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for 'YoutubeAdblocker', 'WS-Sustainer', 'WS-Booster', and 'websavve', select these entries and click 'Uninstall' or 'Remove'.
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted programs (which cause YoutubeAdblocker ads) scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available.
Remove YouTube Ad Blocker from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click on the 'gear' icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer) select 'Manage Add-ons'. Look for 'websavve' and 'YoutubeAdblocker', select this entry and click 'Remove'.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the youtubeadblocker virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) select 'Tools' and click on 'Extensions'. Locate: 'YTBouMarek', 'Classic for Facebook', 'wEbsavve', and 'YoutubeAdblocker', select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the youtubeadblocker virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
If any browser add-ons that you wish to remove are greyed-out and you are unable to remove them ('Installed by enterprise policy'), follow this removal guide - how to remove a Google Chrome extension that is 'Installed by enterprise policy'?
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click on the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) select 'Add-ons'. Click on 'Extensions', in the opened window remove 'wEbsavve' and 'YoutubeAdblocker'.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with youtubeadblocker virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Does Malwarebytes Block Ads
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences...
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data..
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select 'Extensions'. Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click 'Remove' below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the youtubeadblocker virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free. software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove youtubeadblocker virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on youtubeadblocker virus or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Hello, I kind of did these steps on my own before finding this website. The problems is I cannot delete the file folder because the add-on cannot be removed from Internet Explorer! Google Chrome and Firefox are fine but it's internet explorer that I'm having trouble with. When I go to 'manage add-ons' it won't let me enable or disable this. The file that caused this to be downloaded on my computer can't be deleted either! Please help!
Hello, thanks for these instructions. I have followed them all, and I am still having problems with this Chrome Extension. It says 'installed by enterprise policy' and is greyed out. The name displayed is 'ToubeAdbloceker 1.0' and I cannot get rid of it no matter what I do. I have used malwarebytes, Iobit malware fighter, your directions, manually deleting it from the registry, removing all my add-ons, resetting chrome settings, and more. Nothing works! Do you have any suggestions for me? I would greatly appreciate the help.
