Remove COLUMNSTOODTH.COM virus (Removal Guide)

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What is Columnstoodth.com?

Columnstoodth.com site may harm your computer!

Columnstoodth.com infects various web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
Columnstoodth.com infects web browsers

COLUMNSTOODTH.COM infects web browsers.

Columnstoodth.com targets Windows PCs, Android phones/pads/Chromebooks, and Apple Mac OSX computers.

The COLUMNSTOODTH.COM risk level is Medium

Threat Summary:

Threat Name:
Columnstoodth.com
Classification:
Browser Notification Spam (Popup-Ads)

I received a lot of reports from users who experienced annoying pop-up notifications on their computers and mobile devices from a website called "Columnstoodth.com".
Such notifications prompt users to allow or enable push notifications from the site.

At first glance, the "Columnstoodth.com" may seem harmless, displaying a video player and prompting users to enable notifications to watch a video.

However, allowing notifications from this site leads to a flood of unwanted content, such as adult material, fake antivirus alerts, gambling ads, and other harmful pop-ups that persist even when the browser is closed.

Symptoms:

The "Columnstoodth.com" scam operates by deceiving users into enabling push notifications, allowing the site to bypass browser pop-up blockers and display content directly on the user's desktop.

The website does not clearly explain the type of notifications users will receive, creating the impression that enabling notifications is necessary to view video content or prove that they are not robots.

Distribution:

The "Columnstoodth.com" website relies on aggressive tactics to distribute its notification spam, including using misleading tactics to trick users into allowing notifications.

For example, the website may display a fake error message that prompts users to click on a notification to fix the issue.

Once users click on the notification, they unwittingly grant permission for the website to send them notifications.

Damage:

In reality, enabling notifications from "Columnstoodth.com" results in a flood of adult content, fake antivirus alerts, gambling and casino ads, and other harmful pop-ups.

These unwanted notifications persist on the desktop even after the browser is closed.

Or remove the virus without installing third-party software.

It is only for power users!

Remove the virus using UnHackMe - Ultimate Malware Killer

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Now, it removes all types of malicious software.

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Download and Install UnHackMe

  1. Download UnHackMe from the official website.

    Download UnHackMe

  2. Double-click on UnHackMe.zip.
    Unzip all files from the zip to a new folder.
  3. Double-click on the 'unhackme_setup.exe.'

  4. You will see a confirmation screen with the verified publisher: Greatis Software.
    Choose 'Yes'.
  5. Then, you have to accept the license agreement.

  6. Complete installation.

    7. Complete UnHackMe installation.

Scan for COLUMNSTOODTH.COM malware using UnHackMe

The first scan will start automatically.

Remove COLUMNSTOODTH.COM malware

  1. Carefully inspect found items.
    A red shield marks malicious items.
    Suspicious items are yellow.

    UnHackMe automatically creates a System Restore point before fixing!
    It is essential to have System Restore active to recover deleted files.

    Next, click the red button: Remove Checked!

  2. UnHackMe may ask for your confirmation to close all browsers.

    Do it!

  3. If you want to quarantine files before deleting, check the box 'Use file safe deleting.'

  4. And after all, you will see the results of your scanning and fixing process:

  5. Restart your computer to complete the removal process.
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Confirm that the computer is virus-free with the UnHackMe support team

  1. Open UnHackMe.
  2. Click the "Help in Removal" button on the main screen.
  3. Choose "Send us RegRunLog."
  4. Enter your e-mail, name, or nick.
  5. Describe your problem.
  6. Accept the Privacy Policy.
  7. Click the "Upload" button.
    You will receive the solution by e-mail within 24 hours.
If you have any trouble with it, you can manually attach "regrunlog.txt" from your desktop and send it to us using the Support Center.

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Remove the virus using Malwarebytes Antimalware:

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Windows. Download Malwarebytes
  2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file MBSetup.

    Accept the User Account Control question.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Malwarebytes installation.
  4. Click on the Scan button.

    Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

  5. Click on theQuarantinebutton to remove the malware found.
  6. Necessary: restart the computer to complete the removal.

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Protect your computer against the "COLUMNSTOODTH.COM" problem using AdGuard Ad Blocker

Adguard Ad Blocker:
  • Blocks all kinds of ads
  • Removes annoying web elements
  • Saves traffic and speeds up page loading
  • Works for browsers and apps
  • Maintains site functionality and appearance

  1. Download AdGuard
    Download Adguard
  2. When the download is finished, double-click on the file adguardInstaller.exe.
  3. Answer Yes to the question in the User Account Control dialog.
  4. Follow installer instructions.
  5. Click the Finish button.
  6. When the installation is complete, you will see the Quick Tour window.
  7. Click Let's do it! to start working with Adguard!

More info...

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How to remove COLUMNSTOODTH.COM virus manually?

  1. Disable Web Push Notifications in your browser.
    2. How to Manage Notifications in Your Browsers
    More info...
  2. After that, check the search settings and homepage of your browser. Reset them if needed.
    3. Set Chrome Search Engine and Homepage
  3. Check recently installed apps and uninstall unknown apps.
    4. Uninstall Unwanted Apps
    More info...
  4. Open Task Manager and close all unused programs.
    Use the Details tab in the Task Manager.
    Customize columns to display the "Command line".
    Virus programs often use random filenames.
    5. Close Malware Processes using Task Manager
    More info...
  5. Delete virus scheduled tasks.
    6. Remove malicious scheduled tasks
    More info...
  6. Find and delete all keys with virus name in it's content.
    7. run registry editor to find
    More info...
  7. After that, check the shortcuts of your browsers on having additional addresses at the end of the command line. Check if shortcuts run the actual browser and not the fake ones. Remember: Chromium is a fake browser, the real name has to be Chrome.
    8. check shortcut's end for additional line
  8. Stop and disable unknown services. Be careful! Do it only if you are fully sure that you do!
    9. Stop and Disable Malware Services
    More info...
  9. Remove all unused extensions (or plug-ins) in your browsers. If it does not help, you need totally reset your browser.
    10. check plugins
    More info...
  10. Next, you have to check your DNS settings. Follow your provider's instructions, delete all unknown DNS addresses.
    More info...
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Remove the COLUMNSTOODTH.COM website from Chrome on Android

  1. Open Chrome. Go to the main menu.
  2. Tap on the Settings.
  3. Select Notifications.
  4. Locate a malicious website.
  5. Switch off Allow notifications for the site.
  6. Return to Site Settings.
  7. Tap All Sites.
  8. Locate a malicious website.
  9. Tap the Clear & Reset button.
  10. Return to Chrome Settings.
  11. Tap the Homepage.
  12. Set your preferred homepage.
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Remove the virus from Android Core

Remove Suspicious Applications

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to the App Management.
  3. Tap Auto-launch apps.
  4. Uncheck all suspicious apps.
  5. Get back to the App List.
  6. Tap on the application name.
  7. Tap Uninstall.

Activate Google Play Protect

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Security.
  3. Choose Google Play Protect.
  4. Activate Google Play Protection.

Clear your cache and downloads

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to the Apps List.
  3. Locate the Chrome.
  4. Tap Storage usage.
  5. Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.

Restart your Android phone in the Safe Mode

if the Safe Mode is available.

  1. Press and hold the Power button.
  2. Choose the Safe Mode option.
  3. Restart your phone.
You will see the Safe Mode text in the corner of your screen after reboot.

If nothing helps, reset your phone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Additional Settings.
  3. Choose Backup and Reset. You can use the search to find Reset.
  4. Choose Erase all data (factory reset) and then tap Erase all data.
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Remove the virus using Malwarebytes for Android

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.
    Download Malwarebytes
  2. Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
  3. Open Malwarebytes for Android.
  4. Tap the Give Permissions button to set the permissions required for the scan.
  5. Toggle on Allow access to all files to allow Malwarebytes to access your files and folders.
  6. Tap Run a scan.
  7. Tap on Remove Selected to fix the threats.
  8. Restart your phone.
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Protect your computer against the "COLUMNSTOODTH.COM" problem using AdGuard Ad Blocker

Adguard Ad Blocker:
  • Blocks all kinds of ads
  • Removes annoying web elements
  • Saves traffic and speeds up page loading
  • Works for browsers and apps
  • Maintains site functionality and appearance

  1. Download AdGuard
    Download Adguard
  2. - For Android 8+: start downloading AdGuard apk (see next step), you'll be prompted to allow permission. Tap Settings in the opened window and enable Allow from this source switch. Then resume the installation.
    - For Android 6 and 7: open Settings, then select Additional settings in System & Device. Switch on Unknown sources and press OK in the system warning window.
    - For Android 5: open Settings, then select Security in the Personal section. Switch on Unknown sources and press OK in the system warning window.
  3. You can now install the app on your device. Start the browser and type in the following URL: https://adguard.com/apk.
  4. You will see the request to save the downloaded file. Press OK.
  5. When the download is complete, the system will ask you if you want to install the AdGuard app. Press Install.
  6. Accept he License agreement and AdGuard's Privacy Policy. You can also participate in product development. To do this, you should check boxes Send automatic crash reports and Send technical and interaction data. Tap Accept after that.
  7. Then you'll need to choose between a Quick and Thorough set-ups.
  8. The first one will ask you to enable local VPN which is required for AdGuard to function.
  9. The latter starts a first launch sequence to configure the app to suit your needs. First, you will be asked whether you want to enable search ads.
  10. The next step is to block or keep social widgets (e.g "Like" buttons):
  11. Next is Annoyances: cookie notifications, support windows etc.
  12. Up next is privacy settings. Choose a desirable protection level: Comfortable, High, Ultimate or No Protection.
  13. Choose the Security Warnings setting.
  14. Accept installing HTTPS filtering.
  15. Final step: click Create Local VPN.

More info...

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Remove the COLUMNSTOODTH.COM website from Safari

  1. In the Safari application, choose the menu Safari, Preferences.
  2. Click Websites, then click Notifications.
  3. Find the website in the list, then select Deny
  4. Choose the General tab on the Safari Preferences.
    Set your preferred Homepage setting.
  5. Switch to the Search tab.
    Set your Search Engine setting.
  6. Choose the Extensions tab.
    Remove unknown extensions.
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Remove the COLUMNSTOODTH.COM virus from Mac OSX

STEP1: End Virus-related Processes

  1. Use the Launchpad to open the Activity Monitor application.
  2. Locate the suspicious apps in the list.
  3. Close the processes using the [x] button.

STEP2: Remove Unwanted Login Items

  1. Go to the Mac System Preferences.
  2. Click the Users & Groups.
  3. Select your profile on the user's list, then choose the Login Items tab.
  4. Use the [-] button to remove the apps from Mac startup.

STEP3: Remove Unwanted Applications

  1. Open the Finder application.
  2. Choose the Applications folder.
  3. Select unwanted applications.
  4. Right-click on it and click Move to Trash in the popup menu.

STEP4: Remove Auto-Launch Daemons and Agents:

  1. Open the Finder application.
  2. Open in the menu Go, Go to Folder...
  3. Copy and paste: Library/LaunchAgents.
  4. Press the Enter key.
  5. Remove unwanted launch agents by dragging them to the Trash.

Repeat the same procedure for All User Launch Agents.

Go to the folder: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ if it exists.

Repeat the same procedure for Launch Daemons.

Go to the folder: /Library/LaunchDaemons/ if it exists.

STEP5: Empty the trash bin and reboot your Mac

  1. Click on the Trash icon in the Dock and choose Empty Trash.
  2. Go to the Mac main menu and click Restart.
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Remove the virus using Malwarebytes Antimalware

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac Download Malwarebytes
  2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file Malwarebytes-MacXXX.pkg.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Malwarebytes installation.
  4. Click on the Scan button.

    Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

  5. Click on the Quarantine button to remove the found malware.
  6. Important: restart the computer to complete the removal.
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Protect your computer against the "COLUMNSTOODTH.COM" problem using AdGuard Ad Blocker

Adguard Ad Blocker:
  • Blocks all kinds of ads
  • Removes annoying web elements
  • Saves traffic and speeds up page loading
  • Works for browsers and apps
  • Maintains site functionality and appearance

  1. Download AdGuard
    Download Adguard
  2. Double-click on the AdGuard icon in the opened installation window.
  3. You will be warned that this application was downloaded from the Internet. Click Open.
  4. In the next step, you'll need to click Install.
  5. Wait for the installer to download the required files.
  6. Enter the administrator password when propped in the dialogue box and press OK.
  7. Now, you'll see a quick installation wizard where we will offer you to configure protection to your needs.
  8. You can either start fine-tuning right away ("Let's do it!") or skip for now ("Leave as it is").

More info...

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Block COLUMNSTOODTH.COM website using uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin uBlock Origin is a completely free browser extension, used to block advertising banners and malicious websites.

Open Google Chrome Web Store if you are using Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or any Chrome-compatible web browser:
Download uBlock Origin for Chrome Click the "Add to Chrome" button.

Use this link for Mozilla Firefox:
Download uBlock Origin Click the "Add to Firefox" button.

uBlock Origin will start automatically blocking adware and malicious sites, scripts, and contents.

uBlock Origin Click on the uBlock Origin browser toolbar icon to block the site manually.

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