Do not visit/use the untrustworthy torrentgalaxy.to website
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
Torrentgalaxy[.]to redirect removal instructions
What is the torrentgalaxy[.]to site?
Torrentgalaxy[.]to is an untrustworthy Torrent website, which uses rogue advertising networks. This is a common monetization technique and it operates by promoting (i.e. force-opening / causing redirects to) various unreliable and malicious sites. In addition to the threats posed by visiting the promoted webpages, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks infringe on copyright laws. It is also noteworthy that Torrent websites often offer PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) and even malware (e.g. ransomware, trojans, etc.) for downloading, disguised as or bundled with ordinary content. Therefore, it is strongly advised against visiting and/or using torrentgalaxy[.]to site.
Websites that employ rogue advertising networks promote various unreliable, sale-based/promotional, deceptive, scam, compromised and malicious pages. They do so by force-opening the sites when they are opened, or cause redirects to them once any of the hosted advertisements or other content (e.g. buttons, links, etc.) are clicked on. Rogue webpages typically host intrusive advertisements (e.g. pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.), which are more than just a nuisance. Aside from redirecting to dangerous websites, once clicked on - these ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install software. PUAs are a prime example of content infiltrated into systems in this fashion. These applications appear legitimate and harmless. Unwanted apps also offer a broad range of "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational. However, they can have unmentioned, heinous functions. Some PUAs can force-open harmful webpages. Adware-types enable the placement of intrusive adverts on any visited website. Another PUA type called browser hijackers make modifications to browser settings and restrict/deny access to them - in order to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers are seldom able to provide search results, so they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo and other legitimate search engines. What is more, most PUAs have data tracking abilities. They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information inferred from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data usually contains personally identifiable information. PUA developers monetize such data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user safety, it is crucial to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by torrentgalaxy.to |
Threat Type | Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads |
Serving IP Address | 185.100.87.40 |
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 Malwarebytes. |
Rarbg.to, magnetdl.com, zooqle.com, torrent9.so and 1337x.to are some examples of other Torrent sites similar to torrentgalaxy[.]to. Rogue advertising networks are not used solely by Peer-to-Peer sharing websites, they are employed by thousands of other types of pages. Therefore, sites of this type are common and due to this, it is recommended to exercise caution when browsing.
How did adware install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other programs. This false marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. by ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) - users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. Some PUAs have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software products to verify their legitimacy, prior to download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and trustworthy sources. Since dubious channels, e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders - commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so forth. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate, however they redirect to various unreliable and questionable sites (e.g. gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.). In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, users must inspect their devices and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance variants of the torrentgalaxy[.]to website (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes 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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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 Malwarebytes. 14 days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is torrentgalaxy[.]to?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
Adware removal:
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.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 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.
Mac 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 any potentially unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application that causes torrentgalaxy[.]to 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:
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 ads by torrentgalaxy.to, 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by torrentgalaxy.to 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 ads by torrentgalaxy.to, 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.
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 ads by torrentgalaxy.to, 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.
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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove ads by torrentgalaxy.to from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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