What is Flashblock (Flash Block/Flashblock Malware)?

Flashblock is an unethical browser attachment for popular internet browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome that is allegedly used to block Flash-based items on the internet, including advertisements and videos, as well as Shockwave, Silverlight, and Authorware. Though Flashblock may block some forms of Flash on the internet, Flashblock has been reported to associate with adware. In particular, in-text Text Enhance advertisements, that are mostly generated via Flash.

Flashblock claims to be a legitimate browser attachment that can successfully be used to remove Flash advertisements, etc., from the internet and replace them with a placeholder (circular button with a Flash logo on it) that gives the user the option to view the flash item (image above).

Flashblock software exist on multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Macintosh, as well a multiple internet browsers. Please note, while there may be legitimate versions of software labeled Flashblock, the popular software known as Flashblock (Flashblock malware) can be downloaded from sources such as download.com.

Flashblock, also referred to as Flashblock malware, Flashblock virus, Flashblock browser hijacker, and simply Flashblock is not to be confused with the Flashback trojan, nor can the Flashblock successfully prevent the infection of a Flashback trojan.

Is Flashblock safe (Flash Block)?

Flashblock is not safe to use for a variety of reasons, mostly concerning severe forms of criminal behavior, unethical marketing tactics, entrapment, and the documented installation of additional Flash-based adware.

Issues with Flashblock (Flash Block)

• The developer of Flashblock has been documented to distribute and host malware on a variety of websites, including ruzanow.ru. The website ruzanow.ru, linked to the developer of Flashblock software, is documented to install a HTTP Fake AV Redirect Request from the location http://ruzanow.ru/index/0-8.

• Flashblock promotes itself as legitimate freeware or free browser tool used to block advertisements but Flashblock displays in-text and pop-up advertisements via third-party adware platforms.
• A large sample concludes that Flashblock may be difficult to uninstall or conflict with the continued use of Flash once removed.

Use the instructions to remove Flashblock malware, including third-party adware and spyware, as well as to troubleshoot uninstall issues. To automatically remove Flashblock malware from your computer simply perform a full system scan using the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software (Instructions are included below #3).

1. Uninstall Flashblock

Versions of Flashblock software may install across several platforms. The instructions below are for Microsoft Windows users.

Flashblock may install as a standalone BHO and/or attachment. Use the instructions below to uninstall Flashblock. If you are experiencing issues of third-party malware it is likely that third-party software may be present on the computer system.

Windows Uninstall

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

3. In the list of installed programs, search for any suspicious third-party software and uninstall the software by double clicking the program’s icon, or highlight the program in the list and click Uninstall.

Troubleshoot Uninstall (Flashblock)

If Flashblock is difficult to uninstall, use the instructions below to automatically remove Flashblock using CCleaner by Piriform.

CCleaner

1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.

2. Open the program and navigate to Tools > Uninstall tab. Find Flashblock in the list of installed programs and Uninstall the program (the image below shows the Startup tab open).

2. Remove Flashblock browser attachment (Add-on/Extension)

Use the instructions below to remove the Flashblock browser attachment. If you are experiencing issues of third-party malware, including unwanted advertisements, it is likely that a third-party browser add-on, extension, plugin, or toolbar is present on the computer and internet browser.

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.

2. Locate the Flashblock browser extension and/or any third party extensions and remove them by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Flashblock browser add-on and/or any third party add-ons and remove them.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.

2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Flashblock browser add-on and/or any third party add-ons and remove them.

3. Scan computer for Malware (Automatic Malware Removal)

Use the instructions below to automatically remove malware associated with Flashblock. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software will automatically detect malware and remove malicious files once located.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Software

1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, open the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, please do so. If you are using an existing version of Malwarebytes on your computer, make sure you update the software by navigating to the Update tab.

3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.

4. Once the scan is over, Malwarebytes will prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected).

4. System Restore (Troubleshoot)

Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week and during system updates. A system restore can be used to remove new installments of unwanted software.

System Restores can be used to remove entire installments without harming your computer or removing any data including documents, images, and videos.

• Windows XP – 7 instructions
• Windows 8 instructions