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Removal instructions for the Communique adware and the ads it delivers

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

What kind of application is Communique?

Communique is a rogue application that we discovered while investigating suspicious sites. After inspecting this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful abilities.

Communique adware process on Windows Task Manager (Communique technologies Copyright (c) - process name)

Communique adware overview

Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software is designed to display ads on various interfaces, such as visited webpages, desktops, etc. These adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.

Advertising-supported software might not display adverts if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., browser/system is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, etc.). However, even if Communique does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, this rogue app may have data-tracking abilities. Adware typically collects the following information: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like Communique on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Communique
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Detection Names (app) Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Tedy.306085), Gridinsoft (no cloud) (Ransom.Win64.Wacatac.oa!s1), MAX (Malware (ai Score=87)), McAfee (Artemis!30AEC42B8366), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (installer) Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.Win32.Stealer.gen), Webroot (W32.Adware.Gen), ZoneAlarm by Check Point HEUR:Trojan-Spy.Win32.Stealer.gen(), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Rogue Process Name Communique technologies Copyright © (process name may vary)
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).
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; Zoco PDF ViewerPdf download toolInfo, and Buzz are merely some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Communique install on my computer?

We downloaded Communique from a suspicious software-promoting webpage. Adware often has "official" download sites, and it is endorsed through online scams. Most users access such websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with unwanted/malicious supplements. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware is also distributed via intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, and so on.

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

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

Screenshot of the website used to promote Communique adware:

Website promoting Communique adware

Screenshot of Communique adware's installation setup:

Communique adware installer

Screenshot of Communique adware's installation folder:

Communique adware install folder

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:

Communique 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.

Communique adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Communique ads), 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:

At time of research, Communique did not install browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it may be bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

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 all 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 communique, 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 plug-ins 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 all 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 communique 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 communique, 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 communique 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 displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of causing redirects and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, apps, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Communique adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Additionally, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, 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.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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