What is KNCTR?
KNCTR is a known form of adware, a type of malicious software that runs on your computer to display unwanted advertisements without your consent. KNCTR is considered a web browser add-on: it is installed without your knowledge as a plug-in or extension on your browser.
After installation, KNCTR starts showing unwanted ads when you browse the Internet with your browser. This type of adware is not limited to displaying ads, it can also redirect you to other malicious websites and constantly display annoying pop-up ads.
The most common methods by which KNCTR may gain access to your browser are by accidentally clicking on “sponsored links,” installing legitimate software provided with this type of adware, or installing an infected browser plugin or duration. KNCTR can also infect your computer if you open an email attachment or download a program already infected by KNCTR.
Once your computer is infected by KNCTR, it will immediately start behaving maliciously. While displaying unsolicited advertisements, KNCTR may ask you to install fake software updates or submit your personal and confidential information for collection.
At the same time, adware like KNCTR may also change your browser settings. It is common for browsers infected by KNCTR to change their default settings in an unwanted way. In extreme cases, KNCTR can cause very serious damage to your system by manipulating the Windows registry and security settings on your computer.
KNCTR Details
- Name of adware: KNCTR
- Risk level: Means, medium
- Discovery date: 18/09/2016
- File length: Unknown
- Subtype: Adware
- Category: Adware
Alias KNCTR
KNCTR is also known by these other aliases:
- Adware.Mutabaha.919
- Win32/ELEX.FZ application
- BrowserModifier: Win32/SupTab
What is adware?
Adware is a software application that displays advertisements during the execution of a program. The advertisements are provided through pop-up windows or bars that appear within the user interface of the program. Adware is often created for computers, but can also be found on mobile devices. The basic reason for adware is that it helps cover the cost of developing the program for the software developer and lower or eliminate costs for the user.
Adware generates revenue for its developer by automatically displaying commercial promotion in the software's user interface or on a screen that appears on the user's face during the installation procedure. You may also open new tabs, see a change to your home page, see results from a search engine you've never heard of, or even be redirected to an NSFW web portal.
How did KNCTR get on my computer?
KNCTR is sometimes integrated into free software that a user has downloaded from somewhere. After installation, the user has the option to continue using the software as is with commercial promotion or purchase a version of the software without commercial promotion.
Software makers pay for ads to appear when you search for certain software. These ads will lead you to download software that may not even install the software you are looking for, but you will still get adware. So while you think all you get is decent free software, you really get a lot of ads.
Along with replacing the ads with its own and taking money from search engines, the adware will also come up with even more questionable offers, like asking you to install an “update” for Adobe Flash. All this for something that the customer can download for free from the right site. None of the proceeds go to the free software developer; in reality, their status has probably been damaged.
What are the symptoms of KNCTR?
If you suspect that your computer is infected with adware, look for any of the following signs:
- Your browser suddenly runs slower than before and / or crashes very frequently.
- Banners and advertisements appear on sites they have never had before.
- Your home page has changed in some way and you cannot reset it.
- Every time you want to visit a web portal, you will be redirected to a different page.
- You will notice new toolbars, plugins or extensions in your browser.
- Clicking anywhere on the page will open one or more pop-up windows.
- Your computer starts installing unwanted applications without your permission.
How to remove KNCTR?
Disconnect from the Internet
Close all open browser windows and applications (including email), and then disconnect your computer from the Internet.
If you are connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable, the easiest way to disconnect is to basically remove the cable from your computer.
If you are connected via Wi-Fi
For Windows 10:
- When searching, type "Network Connections" and select "Show Network Connections". Identify the connection that you want to disable.
- Right-click on the connection and select Disable / Enable.
For Windows 8:
- Press the Windows button to launch the start interface, then type wirelessly.
- Click Settings to display a list of wireless settings.
- Click Enable or disable wireless communication.
Uninstall any malicious programs from Windows
In this step, we will try to identify and remove any malware that may be installed on your computer.
- Go to "Programs and Features".
- Find the malware and uninstall it.
- The Programs and Features screen displays a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll down the list until you find the malware, then click on it to highlight it, then click the "Uninstall" button that appears on the top toolbar.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstallation procedure by clicking Yes, then follow the instructions to uninstall the program.
Clean KNCTR from your browser
Even if the previous step worked for you, it is likely that the adware has already infected your browser and uninstalling the program will not remove the ads. To clean up the browser, basically restart your search engine (if it has changed) and look for extensions or add-ons that it doesn't recognize.
To reset the search engine:
- Go to your browser settings and look for the search header. It should be in the general section.
- From the drop-down menu, select the search engine you want to clean (for example, Google).
To search for an adware extension or add-on, I recommend that you use a third-party tool that displays all the extensions and add-ons from all your browsers in one window, including the hidden ones.
Use an anti-spyware program
In short, you may need a anti-spyware program It works in the background on your computer. Requires a program that can detect and intercept spyware when it tries to access your computer; it should also be able to scan your computer for existing spyware and isolate it. Be sure to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date with new daily or weekly "definition files" to keep it working effectively. You never want to leave your computer unprotected and exposed to spyware or adware.
