How to remove "Giant ad blocker" adware-type browser extension

What kind of software is Giant ad blocker?

While investigating deceptive websites, we discovered the Giant ad blocker. It is promoted as an advertisement-blocking tool that can eliminate intrusive banners, autoplay videos, and pop-ups – according to its promotional material. Upon inspection, we determined that this browser extension operates as adware (advertising-supported software).

Giant ad blocker adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. Typically, software within this classification enables the placement of adverts (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Giant ad blocker displays ads – its presence remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements can promote online scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), unreliable/harmful software (adware, fake antivirus tools, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.

Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered via these adverts are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, adware usually has data tracking abilities, and Giant ad blocker is no exception. The software may target browsing histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like Giant ad blocker on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Adware examples

DesignHub, Hero Ad Blocker, and Popup Blocker Max are just a couple of our newest articles on adware. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Remember that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did Giant ad blocker install on my computer?

Giant ad blocker has an "official" promotional webpage. However, software of this kind is endorsed through scam sites as well. These pages are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is proliferated 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 highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installations must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

Screenshot of the permissions asked by Giant ad blocker adware:

Screenshots of Giant ad blocker adware's "official" promotional website:

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is Giant ad blocker?
• STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

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 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 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Giant ad blocker" 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 giant ad blocker, 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by giant ad blocker 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 giant ad blocker, 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?

Serious threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware typically possesses data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content, and most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Giant ad blocker adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type applications. Remember that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.