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Stop getting redirects to/from zfirst-news.com

Also Known As: zfirst-news.com pop-up
Damage level: Medium

What is zfirst-news[.]com?

Zfirst-news[.]com is a rogue website, practically identical to redtext.bizjoophesh.comdancewithlittleredpony.com and many others. It is designed to feed users unreliable content and generate redirects to untrustworthy and possibly malicious sites.

Most visitors to this website access it unwillingly, as they get redirected by intrusive adverts or by PUAs (potentially unwanted applications). It is pertinent to know, that these undesirable apps do not need explicit user permission to invade their devices. Once successfully infiltrated, PUAs cause redirects, deliver invasive advertisement campaigns and track data.

zfirst-news[.]com pop-up redirects

The first thing zfirst-news[.]com does is check visitor's IP address, in order to learn their geolocation. This data is key in determining the site's further course of action. According to user's geolocations, it either redirects them elsewhere and/or presents them with highly questionable content.

It is noteworthy, that this website uses browser notifications. By hiding the consent option beneath clickbait ("Press 'Allow' to verify, that you are not [a] robot"), zfirst-news[.]com tricks users into allowing its notifications. Once allowed, the website begins delivering intrusive advertisements.

These ads are deemed a security risk, due to the untrustworthy/malicious webpages they redirect to and for their ability to execute scripts, designed to autonomously download/install PUAs. As mentioned previously, unwanted applications are also capable of generating similar redirects to likewise hazardous websites.

They run invasive ad campaigns as well. By implementing a variety of tools, undesirable apps enable third party graphical content. Thereby, delivering adverts, which diminish browsing quality (limit site visibility and browsing speed).

However, PUAs are notorious for their data tracking abilities; information of interest being, IP address, browsing and search engine history, geolocation and personal details. What is important to know, is that this private data is then shared with third parties, intent on misusing it for financial gain.

Therefore, data tracking content present within systems can lead to severe privacy issues, even identity theft. To ensure device and users safety, it is highly recommended to remove all suspicious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins.

Threat Summary:
Name zfirst-news.com pop-up
Threat Type Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads
Serving IP Address 178.128.142.109
Observed Domains 0.zfirst-news[.]com, 10.zfirst-news[.]com, 3.zfirst-news[.]com, 6.zfirst-news[.]com, 9.zfirst-news[.]com
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, potentially unwanted applications (adware)
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 thousands of PUAs out there, most have certain similarities. The typically offer various features, ranging from weather forecasts to information on local traffic. While these features sound very useful, they are rarely functional. The only purpose of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for their developers; to users they are worthless.

Instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs cause redirects to sale-based, untrustworthy and malicious websites, run invasive advertisement campaigns and gather sensitive information.

How did adware install on my computer?

Invasive ads can download/install unwanted applications, by executing scripts designed to do so. PUAs are also spread though download/installation setups. The tactic of packing ordinary software with undesirable content is called "bundling".

By rushing through the download/installation processes (ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options) - users endanger their system with possible PUA invasions. Some unwanted apps also have "official" websites, where they are often endorsed as "free" software.

To summarize, user recklessness and haste while browsing and downloading/installing programs are the main reasons of PUA infiltrations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Users should choose their download sources carefully, it is recommended to use only official and verified channels. It is advised against using Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (e.g. BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders - as they are more likely to offer software bundled with malignant content.

When installing, users should pay attention to terms and explore possible options. Additionally, they should use "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from downloading/installing various additions.

Intrusive advertisements often look legitimate and harmless, however they usually redirect to questionable websites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and others). Should users encounter ads/redirects of this type, they are strongly advised to immediately remove all suspicious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins.

If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Appearance of zfirst-news[.]com website (GIF):

zfirst-news[.]com website appearance (GIF)

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:

Disable unwanted browser notifications:

Video showing how to disable web browser notifications:

Google Chrome logoRemove spam notifications from Google Chrome:

Click the Menu button (three dots) on the right upper corner of the screen and select "Settings". In the opened window select "Privacy and security", then click on "Site Settings" and choose "Notifications".

Disable web browser notifications in Google Chrome (step 1)

In the "Allowed to send notifications" list search for websites that you want to stop receiving notifications from. Click on the three dots icon near the website URL and click "Block" or "Remove" (if you click "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again).

Disable web browser notifications in Google Chrome (step 2)

Android logoRemove spam notifications from Google Chrome (Android):

Tap the Menu button (three dots) on the right upper corner of the screen and select "Settings". Scroll down, tap on "Site settings" and then "Notifications".

Disable web browser notifications in Google Chrome - Android (step 1)

In the opened window, locate all suspicious URLs and tap on them one-by-one. Once the pop-up shows up, select either "Block" or "Remove" (if you tap "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again).

Disable web browser notifications in Google Chrome - Android (step 2)

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove spam notifications from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Menu button (three bars) on the right upper corner of the screen. Select "Settings" and click on "Privacy & Security" in the toolbar on the left hand side of the screen. Scroll down to the "Permissions" section and click the "Settings" button next to "Notifications".

Disable web browser notifications in Mozilla Firefox (step 1)

In the opened window, locate all suspicious URLs and block them using the drop-down menu or either remove them by clicking "Remove Website" at the bottom of the window (if you click "Remove Website" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again).

Disable web browser notifications in Mozilla Firefox (step 2)

Microsoft Edge logoRemove spam notifications from Microsoft Edge:

Click the menu button (three dots) on the right upper corner of the Edge window and select "Settings". Click on "Cookies and site permissions" in the toolbar on the left hand side of the screen and select "Notifications".

Disable web browser notifications in Microsoft Edge (step 1)

Click three dots on the right hand side of each suspicious URL under "Allow" section and click "Block" or "Remove" (if you click "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again).

Disable web browser notifications in Microsoft Edge (step 2)

Safari logoRemove spam notifications from Safari (macOS):

Click "Safari" button on the left upper corner of the screen and select "Preferences...". Select the "Websites" tab and then select "Notifications" section on the left pane.

Disable web browser notifications in Safari - macOS (step 1)

Check for suspicious URLs and apply the "Deny" option using the drop-down menu or either remove them by clicking "Remove" at the bottom of the window (if you click "Remove" and visit the malicious site once more, it will ask to enable notifications again)

Disable web browser notifications in Safari - macOS (step 2)

How to avoid browser notification spam?

Internet users should be very skeptical when being asked to allow notifications. While this is a useful feature that allows you to receive timely news from websites you like, deceptive marketers frequently abuse it.

Only allow notifications from websites that you fully trust. For added security - use an anti-malware application with a real-time web browsing monitor to block shady websites that tries to trick you into allowing spam notifications. We recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

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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
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