Highspeedads.top is a deceptive website that bombards users with intrusive browser notifications and redirects them to potentially harmful sites. This behavior is often linked to adware infections or misleading prompts that trick users into enabling notifications.
Threat Overview
Threat Type | Adware / Browser Notification Spam |
---|---|
Associated Domain | highspeedads.top |
Detection Names | N/A (Not listed on VirusTotal) |
Symptoms of Infection | Unwanted pop-up ads, browser redirects, decreased browsing speed |
Damage | Privacy issues, potential malware infections, decreased system performance |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, misleading prompts, potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) |
Danger Level | Medium |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
Understanding the Threat
How Did I Get Infected?
Users typically encounter Highspeedads.top through deceptive websites or pop-up ads that prompt them to allow notifications. Once permission is granted, the site can send continuous advertisements directly to the user’s desktop or browser, leading to further redirects and potential exposure to malicious content.(PCRisk)
What Does It Do?
Highspeedads.top exploits browser notification features to deliver a barrage of unwanted ads. These notifications can promote scams, phishing attempts, or prompt downloads of unwanted software. The constant interruptions can degrade the user experience and may lead to more severe security risks if interacted with.
Should You Be Concerned?
While the notifications themselves are not inherently malicious, they serve as a gateway to more dangerous threats. Engaging with these ads can result in downloading malware, exposing personal information, or falling victim to scams. Therefore, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly.
Manual Removal Guide for Browser Hijackers
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows & Mac)
Before resetting your browser, remove any software that may have installed the hijacker.
Windows (10, 11, 8, 7)
- Press
Win + R
, typeappwiz.cpl
, and hit Enter. - Find Unwanted Applications
- Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
- Uninstall
- Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.
Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)
- Open Finder and go to Applications.
- Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
- Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.
Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers
Google Chrome
- Reset Chrome to Default Settings
- Open Chrome > Click ⋮ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings.
- Scroll down and select Reset settings > Click Restore settings to original defaults > Confirm.
- Remove Suspicious Extensions
- Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
- Change Default Search Engine & Homepage
- Go to Settings > Search engine > Select Google or another trusted search engine.
- Under On Startup, remove any unwanted URLs.
Mozilla Firefox
- Reset Firefox
- Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
- Remove Unknown Extensions
- Open Add-ons Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + A
) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
- Open Add-ons Manager (
- Change Search Engine & Homepage
- Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.
Microsoft Edge
- Reset Edge
- Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
- Remove Unwanted Extensions
- Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.
Safari (Mac Only)
- Reset Safari & Clear Data
- Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
- Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
- Delete Suspicious Extensions
- Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
- Change Homepage & Search Engine
- Open Preferences > General > Change your homepage to a trusted site.
- In Search, set your search engine to Google or a preferred option.
Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes
Windows – Check the Hosts File
- Open Notepad as Administrator (
Win + S
, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator). - Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEdit
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
- If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
- Save changes and restart your computer.
Mac – Check the Hosts File
- Open Terminal (
Command + Space
, typeTerminal
). - Type:bashCopyEdit
sudo nano /etc/hosts
- Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
- Press
Ctrl + X
, thenY
, thenEnter
to save.
Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)
For those who prefer a quick, hassle-free removal process, using SpyHunter is highly recommended.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Click here to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter
Step 2: Install & Run SpyHunter
- Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
- Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.
Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers
- SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
- Restart your device to complete the cleanup process.
Step 4: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)
Even after SpyHunter removes the hijacker, you may need to reset your browser settings manually (refer to browser-specific instructions above).
Preventing Future Browser Hijacker Infections
- Be cautious when installing free software – opt for Custom Installation to avoid bundled malware.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – they often distribute browser hijackers.
- Keep your operating system and software updated – outdated programs are more vulnerable to infections.
- Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to provide real-time protection against threats.
Conclusion
Highspeedads.top is a nuisance that can lead to significant security concerns if not addressed. Users should be cautious about granting notification permissions and should regularly review and manage browser settings to prevent such intrusions. Utilizing reputable anti-malware tools like SpyHunter can aid in detecting and removing associated threats.(PCRisk)