What is Gstatic – 2022? And more About it

Gstatic is a legitimate Google service that eases low bandwidth usage and increases network performance. You can read more about it here.

It is normal to load website content (Google Maps, Gmail etc., Google services) using the gstatic.com website; however, in some cases, cybercriminals use this service to promote malware and scams. Therefore, if you frequently encounter pop-ups with gstatic.com, your computer is most likely infected with adware (or other malware).

More Information about the Gstatic Type of Adware and Other Software

These unwanted pop-ups it usually generated by adware-type software or browser hijackers that install without users’ consent. Adware delivers intrusive advertisements (such as coupons, signs, and pop-ups) served using tools (e.g. “virtual overlays”) that allow third-party graphical content to be placed on any site and hide the underlying content.

Also, these ads are annoying and often redirect users to other unreliable sites and even run scripts that download and install potentially malicious PUAs. In short, advertisements served by adware-type software can cause problems, including high-risk infections.

A browser hijacker is a software that modifies browser choices/settings, such as search engine, new tab URL and homepage (by setting it to the URL of a malicious website). Therefore, users may encounter redirects to unreliable websites.

Additionally, browser hijackers often collect data (counting IP addresses, keystrokes, search queries, geographic locations, URLs of websites visited, etc.), some of which may contain personal or sensitive details.

Browser hijacker developers then share these details with third parties (possibly cyber criminals) who misuse these details for revenue. As a result, users may experience various privacy/browsing security issues and even experience identity theft.

Generally Unwanted Apps

Potentially unwanted applications (such as adware and browser hijacking) often unintentionally install, or users trick into installing them. Although these apps usually advertise as ‘useful’, they supposedly provide features or tools but none of the promised features. Instead, they are used to generate income and only cause trouble.

How Did the Adware Get Installed on My Computer?

Browser hijackers spread using a deceptive marketing method called “packaging” or intrusive advertisements. “Packaging” is the covert installation of potentially unsolicited applications (adware or browser hijackers) and other third-party software.

In short, software developers avoid informing about properly included applications and hide them in the “Custom”, “Advanced”, and other similar settings/options of their installation process.

In addition, many users click on intrusive ads or skip installation steps, allowing potentially unwanted applications to install, putting their systems at risk of computer infection and jeopardizing their online privacy.

Download the software using official and reliable sources and direct links. Third-party software downloaders/installers, torrent clients, etc., do not use. Also, check “Custom”, “Advanced”, and other similar settings or options when installing software (especially free software). Finally, deselect the unwanted software bundled in addition and only then complete the installation.

Many intrusive ads attract users to gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc. Also, it redirects you to unreliable websites. If you encounter these redirects, check the extensions, plug-ins and plug-ins installed in your browser and immediately remove any unknown or unwanted entries.

If your computer already infects with unauthorized applications, we recommend running an image with a combo cleaner antivirus for Windows to remove them automatically.