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Information Vent Adware

Also Known As: Ads by Information Vent
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Information Vent?

Developed and released by SuperWeb LLC, Information Vent is an adware-type browser extension offering a wide range of supposedly useful features such as comparison shopping, coupons, etc. Some users may find this add-on legitimate and useful, however, Information Vent is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

SuperWeb LLC distribute this bogus extension using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', which enables them to stealthily install applications together with regular software. After infiltration on popular Internet browsers including Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, Information Vent delivers a number of intrusive online advertisement types that can redirect to untrusted websites.

Clicking pop-up, coupon, interstitial, transitional, full-page, banner (usually marked as 'ads by information vent) or other advertisements generated by this application can lead to high-risk computer infections.

Information Vent adware

Information Vent tracks Internet browsing activity and records various software and hardware information that might be valuable to cyber criminals.

This information includes Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, unique identifier numbers and other types of data that can contain personally identifiable details and are later shared with third parties. Therefore, the presence of Information Vent adware on your system may result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

SuperWeb LLC has released several hundred PUPs identical to Information Vent. The Results Hub, Square Corner, Write Results, and hundreds of other identical applications are released under different names to avoid detection by legitimate anti-spyware and anti-virus suites.

Although Information Vent claims to provide features to significantly improve the Internet browsing experience, it has no real value to the user.

The purpose of adware applications is to generate revenue by the display of intrusive online advertisements and sharing collected data with third parties. Therefore, you are strongly advised to uninstall Information Vent from your system immediately.

Most popular freeware download websites such as downloads.com, soft32.com, and softonic.com promote 'download managers' as effective tools to ease the download process. In fact, download managers (also called 'installers', 'download tools', 'download clients', etc.) offer installation of third party applications together with the chosen software.

Installation is sometimes hidden within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options. Although these promoted applications are presented as 'legitimate and virus-free', most are categorized as adware or malware.

Do not accept installation of these applications. If you feel that Information Vent installed on your system without your consent, the following guidelines will help you to eliminate this PUP.

How did Information Vent install on my computer?

Although this application is available for download on the developer website, it is likely to install without users' consent. The main reason for this is a distribution method called 'bundling' - stealth installation of third party applications (mostly rogue) together with regular software.

Bundling is employed by the developers of Information Vent adware. Download managers and software installers used to distribute this app often do not provide descriptions of what is being installed, thereby tricking users into installing adware.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Closely analyse each step of the free software download procedure and ensure that only the chosen software is downloaded. Additionally, express caution when installing software and confirm that there are no additional programs listed for installation. Download free software only from the developer page.

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Quick menu:

Information Vent 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.

Information Vent adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes Information Vent ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove information vent adware from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Information Vent ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Information Vent", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Information Vent ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by information vent, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Information Vent  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Information Vent", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Information Vent ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by information vent, 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 Information Vent 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". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Information Vent".

Removing Information Vent ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

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