Ads by PublicHotspot
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PublicHotspot?
PublicHotspot is a deceptive application that typically infiltrates systems without users' consent - developers distribute it using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". After system infiltration, PublicHotspot delivers intrusive advertisements and gathers sensitive information. For these reasons, it is categorized as adware and a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Immediately after infiltration, PublicHotspot delivers coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements marked as "Ads by PublicHotspot". These are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
In addition, these advertisements can lead to malicious websites and run scripts designed to download and install other potentially unwanted applications or even high-risk malware. Even a single accidental click can result in system infection. Another important issue is information tracking.
As mentioned above, PublicHotspot records various information relating to browsing habits. Collected data typically includes personal information that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information.
Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you eliminate PublicHotspot adware immediately.
Name | PublicHotspot adware |
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. |
There are hundreds of adware-type applications, all of which are virtually identical to PublicHotspot, including HidenGate, Amazon Shopping Assistant, and Smart Application Controller. These are just some examples from many. Research shows that adware-type applications offer "useful features", however, these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.
In fact, potentially unwanted applications are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.
How did PublicHotspot install on my computer?
As mentioned above, PublicHotspot is distributed using the "bundling" method - stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications together with regular software/apps. Developers know that many users rush download/installation processes and skip steps.
Therefore, "bundled" applications (such as PublicHotspot) are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. By rushing and skipping steps, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. We advise you to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are often monetized using the aforementioned "bundling" method, and thus these tools should never be used.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted applications are also distributed using intrusive ads. Most seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into intrusive ads design, but these ads often lead to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and similar). If you experience these redirects, uninstall all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PublicHotspot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Deceptive free software installer distributing PublicHotspot adware:
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is PublicHotspot?
- STEP 1. Uninstall PublicHotspot application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove PublicHotspot adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove PublicHotspot ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by PublicHotspot' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove PublicHotspot extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
PublicHotspot adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "PublicHotspot", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes PublicHotspot ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove PublicHotspot adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, PublicHotspot 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:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the publichotspot adware, 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the publichotspot adware, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (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.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with publichotspot adware removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the publichotspot adware, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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 publichotspot adware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
▼ Show Discussion