Pushtoday.icu is a potentially dangerous advertising service, which is closely related to adware programs
Pushtoday.icu is a rogue website that tricks users into subscribing push notifications[1] service. Typically, people start receiving notifications saying that this domain wants to show notifications when the system is infected by an adware-type program. Nevertheless, there is a risk of landing on this website by clicking on some ads or hyperlinks positioned on poorly protected websites.
It is not recommended to click the Allow button on pop-ups saying “Pushtoday.icu wants to show notifications.” If permission is granted, this dubious website automatically enables a Chrome extension and schedules multiple tasks to display ads directly on the PC’s screen. Due to the aggressive advertising strategies, this rogue website is dubbed as a virus by many cybersecurity vendors.
| Name | Pushtoday.icu |
| Classification | Adware / rogue website |
| Symptoms | The initial symptom of this adware is a pop-up saying “Pushtoday.icu wants to show notifications.” It emerges on random websites. In addition, multiple suspicious-looking ads emerge on the desktop. Web browser redirects to unknown domains with potentially dangerous content |
| Distribution | The adware is typically distributed via software bundling. Nevertheless, it may be downloaded via pirated software, rogue websites, and ads |
| Danger | This ad-supported website is more intrusive than dangerous. It enables various on-screen and browser-based pop-ups and banners that cover the website’s content. However, it poses a risk of redirects to potentially dangerous domains or phishing websites |
| Compatibility | It can settle down on Windows and Mac OS. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and other web browsers can be affected by this adware |
| Removal options | The extension that triggers Pushtoday.icu ads can be disabled manually via web browser’s settings. However, it is advisable to use a reputable AV engine to clean the system from adware or other related potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) |
| PUP damage | PUPs are capable of modifying some of the system’s files that are not restored by AV tools. Thus, upon adware removal, it’s advisable to scan PC with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or similar utility |
In comparison to trojan or spyware, this rogue website can hardly be called a Pushtoday.icu virus. Its purpose is to generate revenue from the pop-ups and redirects to the websites of its sponsors. Thus, it’s activity is not very likely to cause problems like identity theft or data loss.
Nevertheless, Pushtoday.icu malware capabilities should not be underestimated. As soon as the related adware is installed on the system, web browsers, be it Chrome or Safari, start initiating continuous redirects to the Push Today domain, which asks to Allow notifications in order to view a video or see the content of the loaded website. If the visitor grants permission to display notifications, an extension is immediately installed within settings and an attack of ads, banners, pop-ups, and other intrusive content begins.
In most of the cases, Pushtoday.icu ads are prepared in a catchy way. They may contain coupons, offers to download supposedly useful applications, or purchase popular products. However, these pop-ups may contain pornographic content, promote gambling, or actively spread other malware.
It’s important to keep in mind that Pushtoday.icu ads and redirects have no real value to the user. This ad-supported website has been developed with the sole purpose – to generate pay-per-click[2] revenue, increase the traffic of affiliate websites, or promote PUPs.
In addition to misleading advertising, Pushtoday.icu virus is capable of spying on its users and harvesting browsing-related information. Although the data it collects is not personally identifiable, most of the users disapprove off giving away browsing history to unreliable third parties. If you see the related extension enabled within the web browser, it means that the following information is recorded and transmitted to the advertisers:
- IP address;
- Geolocation;
- Search queries;
- Websites visited;
- Advertising content viewed on visited sites;
- E-mail address;
- Specificities of browser settings, etc.
Pushtoday.icu is an ad-supported website, which causes the web browser’s redirects and promotes suspicious content
Pushtoday.icu is an ad-supported website, which causes the web browser’s redirects and promotes suspicious content
If you do not remove Pushtoday.icu virus, it may engage the information about your web browsing activities for the development of more catchy ads. Besides, intrusive redirects to potentially dangerous websites can become more and more frequent. As a result, you may get tricked into download more malware to the system.
In general, PUP on the system increases its vulnerability, cases slowdowns, and minimizes user’s control over the web browsers. The most effective way to remove Pushtoday.icu along with relevant programs and files is a thorough system’s scan with a professional antivirus program. For that, we recommend using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes tools for help.
User’s cautiousness is the main precautionary measure against the installation of PUPs
PUPs or Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) arise many discussions among cybersecurity experts. Although there’s a unified agreement that such programs are not dangerous, there are many factors why they must be included in the database of AV engines.
The reason why PUPs, such as adware or browser hijackers, are listed as unwanted is mainly related to their installation process. Reliable programs must ask for the user’s permission to get installed straightforwardly[3]. Unfortunately, in practice, there are thousands of applications that deliver poor installation experience to the users because unwanted software gets installed bundled with freeware and shareware without revoking the user’s authorization.
According to cybersecurity experts from NoVirus.uk[4], poor installation experience can be avoided in several ways. First of all, people should be more careful with free applications promoted on third-party download sources like Download, Cnet, Softonic, and others. Second of all, selecting Advanced or Custom installation of apps is key to safety. Such installation technique discloses if the freeware carries pre-selected additional components and allow users to deselect unwanted items. Thir of all, the user must be attentive during freeware installation and read all the terms and conditions. Do not rush to click the Next button before unchecking checkmarks saying that you agree to install add-on or toolbar.
Pushtoday.icu virus can redirect to fake online surveys, rogue websites, adult-content websites
Pushtoday.icu virus can redirect to fake online surveys, rogue websites, adult-content websites
Last but not least, you should not doubt about purchasing a full package of a reliable anti-virus program. Real-time protection, PUP block, ads block, and similar functions can prevent you from the unpleasant browsing experience. There are many professional AV engines on the market, so make a small research on it before paying the money.
Remove Pushtoday.icu pop-up virus from Chrome and other web browsers
Intrusive ads and redirects to third-party websites are intrusive. However, such adware behavior often becomes more than intrusive and may end up with malware infiltration and browsing-related data harvesting. Having this in mind, Pushtoday.icu removal is the first thing that you should do.
It is possible to remove Pushtoday.icu extension from the system manually. For this purpose, you should perform the following steps:
- Open Settings on your web browser.
- Navigate to the Extensions section and disable all unknown extensions or add-ons.
- After that, open the Privacy and Security section on the Settings window.
- Select Content settings and open Notifications.
- Click on the three horizontal dots next to the Pushtoday.icu entry and select Block or Remove option.
Nevertheless, displaying a potentially unwanted extension does not mean a complete Pushtoday.icu removal. Redirects to this potentially malicious website are usually triggered by a potentially unwanted program. Therefore, you should also check the system for unwanted apps. You can do that manually or use a professional AV engine that will detect and decontaminate the malware. For this purpose, we recommend using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes programs.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
