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How to remove the Filmedia adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Filmedia
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Filmedia?

While inspecting dubious software-promoting websites, our researchers discovered the Filmedia browser extension. This piece of software is endorsed as an easy-access tool for movies. It is supposedly capable of providing the appropriate streaming services when users enter a film's title. However, our analysis of Filmedia revealed that it operates as adware.

Filmedia adware asking for permissions

Filmedia adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays intrusive advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The ads promote untrustworthy/harmful webpages and apps, online scams, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered via adware-delivered ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific sites are not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether Filmedia displays adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.

Furthermore, Filmedia spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of adware like Filmedia on browsers/systems can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Filmedia
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Filmedia
Supposed Functionality Quick access to film streaming services
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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; ClearBrowserSuper ColorsZip Like a Pro, and Magnifying Glass Zoom are merely some of our latest finds. This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did Filmedia install on my computer?

We acquired Filmedia from its "official" download webpage. Adware is also promoted on scam sites. Both types of pages are typically accessed via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed advertising-supported software (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread adware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

This software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

We advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Filmedia, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshots of the websites used to promote Filmedia adware:

Filmedia adware-promoting website (sample 1) Filmedia adware-promoting website (sample 2) Filmedia adware-promoting website (sample 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:

Filmedia 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.

Filmedia adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Filmedia", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Filmedia ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Filmedia adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Filmedia adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Filmedia 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 "Filmedia" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Filmedia ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by filmedia, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Filmedia 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Filmedia" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing Filmedia ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by filmedia 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 filmedia, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by filmedia or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-delivered ads diminish the browsing experience and promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Filmedia adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - remnants (i.e., files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue running and causing problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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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.

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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
Ads by Filmedia QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Filmedia on your mobile device.
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