Smart zoom
Smart zoom adware is an ad-serving program that attaches to the infected users primary web browser and posts misleading advertisements. Many of these advertisements lead to malicious content that could cause more damage to the user’s system. The advertisements used by Smart zoom adware are convincing and practically indistinguishable from standard advertisements. A noticeable difference is the tag, Smart zoom advertisements will contain a tag such as “Ads by Smart zoom.” in your web browser. If your system is infected then immediately begin cleaning your system, steps are provided below.
Smart zoom adware is generally downloaded without the consent or knowledge of the user. When downloading programs such as freeware, download managers, and torrent files you are likely downloading potentially unwanted programs as well. When disreputable clients offer downloads they tend to include malicious programs bundled together with the offered program. If the user had previously downloaded a malicious program then Smart zoom adware may have been downloaded sometime after the initial infection. Some untrustworthy web sites may advertise Smart Zoom as a browser extension to improve the user’s browsing experience. It is important to follow the steps for removal immediately if your system is infected.
Smart zoom adware will attach itself to your primary web browser after infection for the purpose of placing misleading advertisements throughout your browser. Since smart zoom is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari most people are vulnerable to attack. Once infected, Smart zoom will begin recording the user’s browsing activity, using it to create tempting ads. Some of these advertisements are misleading and will redirect the user to a malicious site. Clicking on these ads could lead to more potentially unwanted programs infecting your system. The most common indicators of infection are decreased browser speed and ads by Smart Zoom. If your system is infected begin scanning your system and removing malicious programs.
If you notice ads by Smart zoom in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari it is recommended to remove the adware immediately and scan your computer with reputable software to locate additional threats that may have been introduced to your system by Smart zoom. Our test machine was able to locate hundreds of malicious files that were introduced to our machine alongside this adware.
Threat Details
| Name | Smart zoom, Smart zoom virus *This infection is not technically defined as a computer virus |
| Detection Categories | Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Publisher Description | N/A |
| Symptoms | Advertisements in the web browser Browser redirects to sponsored webpages Decreased internet speed and performance Decreased computer functionality and performance Bundles with malware and other potentially unwanted programs |
| Common Path(s) | C:\Program Files (x86) C:\Users\{USER}\Downloads\ C:\Users\{USER}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage\ |
| Quick Detection & Removal Tool | Click Here To Download Malwarebytes |
How to remove Smart zoom (Virus Removal Guide)
This Smart zoom removal guide will remove Smart zoom, viruses, malware, and other threats from your computer and browser.
- Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
- Scan your computer with HitmanPro
- Uninstall Smart zoom and unwanted programs
- Remove Smart zoom extension
- Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
Call Virus Removal Helpline: 1-866-521-2427
1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
The first step to remove this adware is to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
3. When the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.
4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.
2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
The second step to remove this adware is to download and install a second opinion scanner called HitmanPro by Surfright in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.
1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.
2. 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.
3. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
5. Click the Reboot button.
3. Uninstall Smart zoom and unwanted programs
The third step to remove this adware is to uninstall Smart zoom and other unwanted programs in Windows Control Panel.
1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”
3. Search for Smart zoom Supporting Application in the list and double click it.
4. Once you have uninstalled Smart zoom Supporting Application search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer and uninstall them as well.
4. Remove Smart zoom extension
The fourth step to remove this adware is to remove unwanted browser add-ons and extensions from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari.
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the Smart zoom extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the Smart zoom add-on and click Remove.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.
2. Search for the Smart zoom add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the Smart zoom extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
The fifth step to remove this adware is to download and install CCleaner by Piriform in order to delete leftover junk files, tracking cookies, registry entries, unwanted start-up tasks, and more.
1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.
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