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Removing the Block Site Access adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Block Site Access
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Block Site Access?

Our research team discovered the Block Site Access browser extension during a routine investigation of untrustworthy websites. This extension is described as a productivity tool capable of temporarily blocking distracting Web resources. However, our inspection of Block Site Access revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware).

Block Site Access adware asking for permissions

Block Site Access adware overview

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

The advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations – when clicked on.

Keep in mind that any legitimate content encountered via these ads is highly unlikely to be promoted by its developers. It is most probable that the endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if the Block Site Access extension does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, Block Site Access spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of adware on a system can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Block Site Access
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Block Site Access
Supposed Functionality Productivity tool for temporarily blocking distracting Internet content.
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

We have analyzed numerous adware samples; Block Access SiteToday Weather, and Tabs Organizer are just a few of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It entices users into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

How did Block Site Access install on my computer?

We acquired Block Site Access from a deceptive webpage. In addition to various scam sites, adware can have "official" promotional pages. Most users access such websites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

"Bundling" – packing regular software with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware is also distributed by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts 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. Furthermore, when installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.

We advise being cautious when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements can look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

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

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Block Site Access adware:

Deceptive website promoting Block Site Access 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:
▼ 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:

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.

Adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted applications, 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 Block Site Access adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted 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 "Block Site Access" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by block site access, 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 unwanted 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by block site access 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 block site access, 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 block site access 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 collects vulnerable information – therefore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy. Additionally, it displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues like system infections, financial losses, etc.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can cause redirects and gather highly sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc. Profit may come in the form of commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Block Site Access adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It must be stressed that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software 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 Block Site Access QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Block Site Access on your mobile device.
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