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Ads by PublicHotspot

Also Known As: PublicHotspot adware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

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).

PublicHotspot adware

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
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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.

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:

PublicHotspot adware distributing 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:

PublicHotspot 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.

PublicHotspot adware uninstall via Control Panel

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:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing PublicHotspot 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 PublicHotspot ads from Internet Explorer step 2

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.

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 PublicHotspot  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 PublicHotspot ads from Google Chrome step 2

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 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 PublicHotspot 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 PublicHotspot ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

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, 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 publichotspot adware, 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.

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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
PublicHotspot adware QR code
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