What is GifaPalooza Toolbar?
GifaPalooza Toolbar may seem like a good idea for a new free toolbar in your browsers that can provide you with easy access to GIF creating as well as a search engine, but we must warn you that this application comes from the notorious Mindspark family. This family is infamous for its useless and potentially risky tools, including HolidayPhotoEdit Toolbar, MetroWhiz Toolbar, and ConvertDocsOnline Toolbar. Since this browser extension does not really mean direct danger, our malware experts at anti-spyware-101.com have labeled it as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) just like all its predecessors from Mindspark. The truth is that this PUP along with all its siblings are totally redundant since you can substitute them easily by using the bookmarking function of your browsers. This application may show up in your major browsers, including Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer. If you do not want to be introduced to potentially unreliable third-party content, we advise you to remove GifaPalooza Toolbar from your computer.
Where does GifaPalooza Toolbar come from?
The official webpage can be found at gifapalooza.com/index.jhtml. This is the usual very simple Mindspark page that is so characteristic of all other PUPs in this family as well. You can directly install this tool here after you press "Add extension" on the pop-up that reveals the rights you are about to give to this PUP. We strongly advise you to always read this pop-up carefully before moving on because you may find some of these rights a bit risky if you are installing an unreliable tool. This is exactly why we emphasize the need for proper web search before downloading and installing any free software really. The other official channel for this application is the Chrome web store, chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gifapalooza/klknlgpmpobhjglggmdfimnpejpbdacn/. It seems that only one user has installed this tool since its launch a few days ago. Of course, we understand if this is not a reason for you to delete GifaPalooza Toolbar.
But what if we tell you that this PUP is also spread in freeware bundles, which is considered to be a deceptive distribution method since cyber crooks can spread several threats in one single package. The real problem is that the users are either not informed truly or visibly about the full content of a bundle, or the users rush to install it without opting out. You can easily end up with such a bundle if you click on the wrong content, such as a compromised third-party ad or link. You can be exposed to such content if you land on suspicious websites or if your system is infected with adware programs, for example. This is why it is essential that after you delete GifaPalooza Toolbar, you also run a full-system scan by using a trustworthy malware scanner.
How does GifaPalooza Toolbar work?
The only difference between the Mindspark bad toolbars are the main theme, i.e., the features they provide because otherwise they are practically all the same. This PUP gives you access to GIF creation tools and also displays trendy GIFs below the main search box. You can find the usual fake toolbar at the top, filled with buttons leading to third-party GIF-related pages, just like the thumbnails right below the main search field. We cannot claim that these GIF-related pages can pose a threat but it is advisable to be more cautious when visiting any content through this extension.
This PUP uses a questionable search engine called search.myway.com, which is known to display modified Google search results. This simply means that this free tool can generate revenue by promoting third parties. However, there is no guarantee about the reliability of all parties promoted here. So it is possible that you may be presented with questionable third-party ads and links that could take you to malicious pages on new tabs or directly drop infections. It is always risky to land on malicious pages because you could be easily scammed even to share your credit card details if this is a fake webshop where you end up. This is why we believe that it is important that you remove GifaPalooza Toolbar from your computer.
How can I delete GifaPalooza Toolbar?
Just like in all other previous Mindspark cases, you can only use the uninstaller in Control Panel to eliminate this PUP from Internet Explorer. You should reset the other two browsers for best results. Please follow our instructions below if you are ready to put an end to this useless application. It is important that you keep all your programs and drivers up-to-date if you want to lower your vulnerability level. However, the best way to protect your computer is to install a trustworthy anti-malware program like SpyHunter.
Remove GifaPalooza Toolbar from Internet Explorer
Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10
- Press Win+R and type control panel. Click OK.
- Choose Uninstall a program.
- Select the unwanted application and press Uninstall.
Windows XP
- Access the Start menu and go to Control Panel.
- Open Add or Remove Programs.
- Select the unwanted application and press Remove.
Remove GifaPalooza Toolbar from other browsers
Mozilla Firefox
- Press Alt+H to display the Help menu.
- Navigate to Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
- In the pop-up window, press Refresh Firefox.
Google Chrome
- Press Alt+F to display the menu.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Click the Advanced link at the bottom of the page.
- Click the Reset link at the bottom.
- Press Reset in the pop-up window.
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