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Removing DisLight adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays

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

What is DisLight?

DisLight is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting dubious software-promoting websites. This extension promises to enable dark mode for simple design webpages. Instead, it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

DisLight adware asking for permissions

DisLight adware overview

Adware enables the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It is noteworthy that this software may require specific conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether DisLight displays advertisements - its presence on a system threatens device/system safety.

Adware-delivered adverts push online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and apps, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations when clicked.

Note that any legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing a product's affiliate program to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, DisLight collects private data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like DisLight on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DisLight
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) DisLight
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.
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Adware examples

ClickDarkDarknesrefresh color, and Black-Lights are merely some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. This software typically looks harmless and offers useful features. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases - it is utterly nonfunctional.

How did DisLight install on my computer?

We obtained DisLight from a suspicious download page. In addition to such sites, adware is promoted on scam websites. Most access webpages of this kind via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supporting software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.

We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material tends to appear legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

Screenshots of the websites used to promote DisLight adware:

Website promoting DisLight adware 1 Website promoting DisLight adware 2

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:

DisLight 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.

DisLight adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove DisLight adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

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

Removing DisLight ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by dislight, 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 DisLight 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 "DisLight" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing DisLight ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by dislight 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 dislight, 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 dislight or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data tracking functionalities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat. Additionally, adware delivers ads that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware enables the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their revenue via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DisLight adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. These components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware 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 DisLight QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by DisLight on your mobile device.
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