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Avoid the untrustworthy cpmlink.net URL-shortening website

Also Known As: Ads by cpmlink.net
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is cpmlink[.]net?

Cpmlink[.]net is an untrusted website offering URL (website address) shortening services. This site uses rogue advertising networks and, therefore, visitors to cpmlink[.]net might be presented with dubious advertisements and redirected to other bogus and even malicious websites.

These unwanted ads and untrusted websites pose a significant threat to device and user safety. Therefore, you are strongly advised against visiting and/or using cpmlink[.]net.

cpmlink[.]net pop-up redirects

Cpmlink[.]net overview

When sites using rogue advertising networks are accessed and people directly or indirectly interact with the content, this redirects to/force-opens various other dubious, deceptive and dangerous websites.

I.e., once the web pages are entered and ads, buttons, etc. are clicked (or otherwise interacted with), they can redirect to other sale-oriented/promotional (of legitimate products), rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious websites. These untrusted/harmful sites are also promoted by intrusive advertisements.

Additionally, some ads of this type can stealthily download/install software. Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) are a prime example of content infiltrated into systems in this manner, and these apps are commonly promoted by web pages such as cpmlink[.]net (via redirects).

This unwanted software usually seems legitimate and offers a broad range of "useful" functionality, ranging from system cleaning/optimization to easy access tools for online content, however, despite how good the features promised may sound, they are rarely operational (e.g. the features of fake anti-virus software).

Furthermore, PUAs often have undisclosed dangerous capabilities. Some PUAs can force-open dubious pages, similar to those promoted by rogue advertising networks. Adware-types run intrusive advertisement campaigns and deploy pop-ups, banners, coupons and other ads.

These overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed, as well as possing all of the aforementioned capabilities (e.g. causing redirects and stealthily downloading/installing bogus software). Browser hijackers are another type of PUA, which operate by making modifications to browser settings to promote fake search engines.

Therefore, with a browser hijacker installed, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar redirect to the address of the bogus web searcher. Fake search engines are seldom capable of providing search results, and so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine sites.

Browser hijackers can also restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. Furthermore, most PUAs have data tracking capabilities that are employed to monitor users' browsing activity. Data of interest includes URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, geolocations and other personally identifiable information.

The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by cpmlink.net
Threat Type Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads.
Detection Names CLEAN MX (Malicious), CRDF (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal).
Serving IP Address 104.28.12.121
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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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.

Examples of websites using rogue advertising networks

The use of rogue advertising networks is a common monetization technique and, hence, there are thousands of websites similar to cpmlink[.]net on the web - ytbmp3.clubyoutubetomp3music.comfile-upload.commyflixer.to, and magnetdl.com are just some examples of sites that employ this method to generate revenue.

You are strongly advised against visiting or using these sites, as this can lead to serious problems. Furthermore, it is possible to use legitimate and safe URL shortening services (e.g. the Google URL Shortener).

How did adware install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well.

When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).

If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. 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 variants of the cpmlink[.]net website (GIF):

cpmlink[.]net website appearance (GIF) 1

cpmlink[.]net website appearance (GIF) 2

cpmlink[.]net website appearance (GIF) 3

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:

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.

cpmlink[.]net adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any potentially unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes cpmlink[.]net redirects, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing cpmlink[.]net  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 cpmlink[.]net ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by cpmlink.net, 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 cpmlink[.]net 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing cpmlink[.]net ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by cpmlink.net 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 cpmlink.net, 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.

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing cpmlink[.]net 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 cpmlink[.]net ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by cpmlink.net, 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

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 cpmlink.net or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I have clicked on ads, is my computer infected?

Merely clicking on an advertisement is unlikely to result in a system infection, as this kind of malvertising is uncommon. It is far more likely for a malicious ad to redirect to a site designed to infiltrate malware into systems or deceive visitors into downloading/installing it.

Is cpmlink[.]net a virus?

No, websites like cpmlink[.]net are not considered to be viruses. However, these sites may endorse virulent content, such as online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware.

Will Combo Cleaner eliminate the threats posed by cpmlink[.]net website?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan visited websites for rogue, deceptive, and malicious content. Therefore, should you happen upon such a webpage – you will be warned immediately, and further access to it will be denied.

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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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