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Smart Application Controller Adware

Also Known As: Ads by Smart Application Controller
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Smart Application Controller?

Smart Application Controller is a rogue application that supposedly allows users to update other installed programs. This functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, this app typically infiltrates systems without permission. Furthermore, it delivers intrusive advertisements and gathers various information.

For these reasons, Smart Application Controller is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.

Smart Application Controller adware

Following infiltration, Smart Application Controller generates various intrusive advertisements such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and so on. These are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, most conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, intrusive ads often redirect to malicious sites and execute scripts designed to download/install malware or other PUPs. Even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking.

As with most adware, Smart Application Controller continually gathers information such as IP addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, and so on. Collected data usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties. These people (potentially, cyber criminals) generate revenue by misusing private information.

Therefore, having a data-tracking app such as Smart Application Controller installed on your computer might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall this adware immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Smart Application Controller
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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There are dozens of adware-type apps that have similar characteristics to Smart Application Controller. For example, Powzip, FAssistant, Check and Switch, and Weather For Chrome. By offering many 'useful functions', these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install.

In fact, rather than giving any real value for regular users, adware delivers intrusive ads and gathers sensitive information. The only purpose of adware is to generate revenue for the developers - all promises delivered are false.

How did Smart Application Controller install on my computer?

Smart Application Controller has an official download/installation website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, this app often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers promote it using intrusive ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party apps with regular software).

Developers hide "bundled" applications within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click various advertisements and skip steps. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs such as Smart Application Controller.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software.

Developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate, however, these ads typically lead to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you encounter any of these redirects, immediately check the list of installed applications/browser add-ons and eliminate any suspicious entries.

Furthermore, it is important to carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. In doing so, opt-out of additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. You are advised to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links.

Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus should not be used. If your computer is already infected with Smart Application Controller, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Deceptive installer distributing Smart Application Controller:

Smart Application Controller adware distributing setup

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT 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:
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Quick menu:

Smart Application Controller adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Smart Application Controller adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Smart Application Controller", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes Smart Application Controller ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Smart Application Controller adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Smart Application Controller did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Smart Application Controller ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Smart Application Controller ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by smart application controller, 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Smart Application Controller  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing Smart Application Controller ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by smart application controller, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Smart Application Controller ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Smart Application Controller ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by smart application controller removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by smart application controller, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by smart application controller or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Smart Application Controller QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Smart Application Controller on your mobile device.
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