What is ExoClick and how do I remove it?

ExoClick


Learn what ExoClick is and how to remove unwanted advertisements, malware, and other threats from your browser and computer.

Programs that remove adware

What is ExoClick?


ExoClick is one of the largest advertising networks and platforms in the world that is used by advertisers and publishers. ExoClick is not adware; However, some of their advertisements are questionable, potentially malicious, and not suitable for children or a professional environment. If you see ExoClick advertisements while browsing the web it is not because your computer is infected with adware, potentially unwanted programs, or malware. It is because a website owner has implemented code into their site to display the advertisements.

ExcoClick removal

The advertising network competes with Google AdSense advertisements and other popular ad networks. If an internet user visits a website that has ExoClick ad code inserted into it’s script they might notice generic pop-up advertisements, banners, automatic videos, in-text underlined hyperlink advertisements, video overlay ads, and more.

Although ExoClick is a legitimate advertising network that services many websites, some of ExoClick ads are found to be malicious. This is why so many internet security blogs attempt to frighten internet users into believing that the ExoClick ad network is some sort of malware or virus, often deceptively calling this platform the ExoClick virus. But, it is not a virus and there are not any security programs that can remove it.

Although the ad network is legitimate the website has been flagged in the past. In April of 2015 Google Safe Browsing flagged the network’s website exoclick.com for the following:

“Of the 7930 pages we tested on the site over the past 90 days, 8 page(s) resulted in malicious software being downloaded and installed without user consent. The last time Google visited this site was on 2015-04-16, and the last time suspicious content was found on this site was on 2015-04-08. Malicious software includes 2 exploit(s), 1 scripting exploit(s). Successful infection resulted in an average of 7 new process(es) on the target machine.”

Source: http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=exoclick.com/

Advertisements by ExoClick are often found on websites that have been rejected by Google AdSense and other more realistic advertising networks. This includes torrent websites, file sharing websites, illegal video streaming websites, pornography websites, and more. Google does not allow their advertisements to be displayed on these types of websites. Therefor, website owners and webmasters will seek to earn revenue through a more questionable platform that is capable with suspicious content.

ExoClick ads are not the result of adware or a computer infection, but they can still be blocked, for free. Free browser add-ons and extensions such as AdBlock and AdBlock Plus can be attached to internet browsers and used to automatically block all types of advertisements from appearing. Free browser add-ons and extensions can remove ExoClick ads entirely and also get rid of other advertisements, such as Facebook ads, banners, and more.

Also see: The best ad blocker extensions for Google Chrome

Even though free add-ons and extensions can be used to disable ExoClick ads while you browse the web we are going to list instructions to remove adware, malware, computer viruses, and unwanted programs that can be introduced to your machine through their ads.

How to remove ExoClick


Scan your computer for malware


1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan your computer and remove malicious files and potentially unwanted programs.

2. To install the program, click the file you just downloaded. It can usually be located in the Download folder.

install malwarebytes

3. A window that says “Welcome to the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard” will appear. Click Agree and Install to begin the installation. Once complete, click Finish.

scan now

4. Now the Malwarebytes is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

quarantine selected

5. When the scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.

6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.

7. Next, Download HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.

8. Once installed, open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

9. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

10. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

11. Click the Reboot button.

Uninstall unwanted programs from your computer


1. On most versions of the Windows Operating System, right click the start menu (bottom left corner of the task bar) and go to Apps and Features.

2. Find the unwanted programs you want to remove in the list of installed programs, click it with your mouse, and click the Uninstall button that appears to uninstall the program.

How to stay protected against future infections


AlertThe key to staying protected against future infections is to follow specific guidelines while you use your computer and to take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software that have real-time protection.

Real-time protection

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time potection features that can block malicious files before they get onto your computer. The two programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals in real-time; disallowing threats and hackers from getting onto your machine.

Guidelines

The guidelines listed below are a great way to help you maintain a safe environment and ensure that the files on your computer are intact.

  • Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
  • Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
  • Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
  • Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
  • Avoid visiting fake “spyware removal” blogs and websites that promote “spyware removal software.” These are usually malicious websites designed to phish your personal information, infect your computer with a rogue program and trick you into paying for rogue “spyware removal software.”
  • If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
  • Avoid torrents and P2P clients
  • Do not open email messages from senders you do not know

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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