Removing the deceptive "Skip Over Ads" adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Skip Over Ads?
Skip Over Ads is the name of a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting dubious download sites. This piece of software promises to block and/or auto-skip advertisements on YouTube. Instead, as our analysis revealed, Skip Over Ads operates like adware - software that displays ads.
Skip Over Ads adware overview
Advertising-supported software is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, adware displays adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The advertisements promote unreliable/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be endorsed by their developers. This promotion is primarily undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware (Skip Over Ads included) might not display advertisements if the browser/system is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other requirements are unmet. However, the presence of such software on systems endangers device and user safety regardless.
What is more, Skip Over Ads has data tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Skip Over Ads on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by "Skip Over Ads" |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Skip Over Ads |
| Supposed Functionality | YouTube adblocker |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have inspected thousands of adware samples; MinimalLight, Ultimate Video Adblocker, Simple Files Downloader, DimScreen, and Auto Skip Ads are merely some of our newest finds.
This software typically looks legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" features, which are usually nonoperational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also threatens device integrity and user privacy.
How did Skip Over Ads install on my computer?
We obtained Skip Over Ads from its "official" download webpage. In addition to such promotional sites, adware is also pushed via scam websites.
Most users access these webpages through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Furthermore, adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of permitting bundled content into devices.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you experience ads and/or redirects of this type, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Skip Over Ads, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the websites used to promote Skip Over Ads 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Skip Over Ads?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Skip Over Ads application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Skip Over Ads ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Skip Over Ads' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Skip Over Ads extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Skip Over Ads 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 "Skip Over Ads", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Skip Over Ads ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Skip Over Ads 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 "Skip Over Ads" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by "skip over ads", 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Skip Over Ads" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by "skip over ads" 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 "skip over ads", 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements endorse hazardous content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver advertisements by placing them on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Skip Over Ads adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. What is more, the leftover content might continue running and causing issues. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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