How to remove GetItDark adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is GetItDark?
Our research team discovered the GetItDark browser extension while inspecting deceptive software promoting webpages. This piece of software promises to create a dark mode for simple design websites. However, our analysis of this rogue extension revealed that it operates as adware instead.
GetItDark adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces such as visited websites.
These ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and apps, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can perform stealthy downloads/installations once clicked on.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether the GetItDark extension displays adverts - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, GetItDark has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually targets visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance/banking-related data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like GetItDark on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GetItDark |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | GetItDark |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode enablement for simple design websites |
| 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; Images downloader, LightSurf, Power Colors, OpenSubtitles Uploader - are merely some of our newest finds. This software tends to look harmless and offer "handy" functions. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did GetItDark install on my computer?
We acquired GetItDark from a dubious download webpage. Adware is commonly promoted on deceptive/scam sites, which are typically accessed via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to open webpages).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We advise exercising caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary/harmless yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GetItDark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote GetItDark 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 GetItDark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall GetItDark application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove GetItDark ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by GetItDark' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove GetItDark extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
GetItDark 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 "GetItDark", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes GetItDark ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove GetItDark 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 "GetItDark" 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 getitdark, 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 "GetItDark" 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 getitdark 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 getitdark, 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 delivers deceptive/malicious advertisements, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software usually collects private data, which makes it a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can gather sensitive information and cause redirects.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GetItDark adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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