When annoying ads hijack your internet browser, here is how to shut them down

Here’s a few suggestions for PC users:

• Press the “Ctrl” and “W” buttons on your keyboard to close that specific tab/Window.
• Using Google Chrome? Go to Chrome’s settings (the three vertical dots in the right corner), then “More Tools” and “Task Manager.” This brings up every tab you have open in Google Chrome so that you can highlight the page and click the “End Process” button.
• There are also third-party software tools that will clean up browser hijackers. The popular security software Norton offers Power Eraser, which scans the device and shows you potentially unwanted apps that can be removed.
• Of course if all that fails, then press “Ctrl” and “Alt” and “Delete” to open the Windows Task Manager and then close the internet browser you’re using.

To prevent this from happening again, try these tweaks:

• Make sure your software is up to date. You can typically find whether you have the latest version by going to the “About” page.
• Check the settings of your internet browser to make sure the built-in pop-up blocker is turned on. In FireFox, for example, go to “Settings” and then “Content” to check the Block pop-up windows.
• Turn off Javascript, which is a popular way for nasty ads to get through. The on/off button is usually in a browser’s security settings. Google your own browser and “how to turn off Javascript” if you need the step by step.
• Even gamers aren’t immune to unwanted pop ups. Microsoft offers the steps to close malicious pop ups/tabs for Xbox users: support.xbox.com /en-US/xbox-one/console/how- to-close-malicious-tabs-micros oft-edge

As for attacking mobile pop ups and browser attackers, a few suggestions:

• The worst hijackers could be malware and will have to be cleaned from your mobile device. Malwarebytes, Norton, Webroot all have mobile versions of their anti-malware software. Some are free.
• Go to the Google Play store and type in “pop-up blocker” or “ad blocker.” Look for apps with positive reviews and then read them to make sure they seem legit. You should also research your top picks to see if any tech sites have reviewed them.
• If an annoying screen is constantly popping up, it may be lingering in the browser’s memory. Clear the memory by going to Android’s “Settings” then “Apps” and find the internet browser and select “Clear Cache.” (If you don’t see this, hit “Storage” to find “Clear Cache.”) Reboot and hopefully the annoying ad will be wiped from your phone.
• Make sure your mobile browser is at least blocking pop-ups or ads. In Chrome, do this:
  1. Open Chrome in Android
  2. Select the three vertical dots in the upper right
  3. Select “Settings”
  4. Select “Site Settings”
  5. Make sure settings for “Pop-ups” is on blocked.
• If you don’t use Chrome or Android, it’s probably built into the mobile browser you’re using. Go to settings and investigate the “security” and “privacy” areas of your mobile browser. You’ll probably find a lot of other useful tweaks.