Shmokiads

It is hard to teach users to be wary of adware servers because adware servers do not actually get installed on their computer. Take Shmokiads, for example. If you see shmokiads.com on your browser, this is neither an adware program nor a browser hijacker. It is simply an adware server that is probably used by some application you have installed on your computer.So the point is that if you want to stop seeing this domain on your browser, you need to find the program that uses it to promote commercial content. Once you remove that program, Shmokiads will disappear.

It is very likely that a Mindspark toolbar uses Shmokiads to display commercial content because one of the websites this server redirects you to belongs to a Mindspark Toolbar. The website is located at free.fromdoctopdf.com, and it seems that it promotes an application that can convert Word documents into PDF files. While such function would be useful, you should know that this feature is built-in in almost all MS Word versions, and you can easily turn your document into a PDF file through the Save As options. So it is clear that there is no need to rely on a third-party application for that.

On the other hand, you must have installed several other unnecessary applications already, seeing how you need to deal with the Shmokiads ads every single day. Perhaps you were not aware of this when you downloaded some application from a file-sharing website, but the reality is that bundled downloads are one of the most common distribution methods employed by potentially unwanted applications. That is so because users seldom pay attention to the steps in the installation wizard, and they accidentally install a lot of unnecessary programs. Some of those programs might as well employ adware servers to promote third-party content.

So, as you can probably tell, it is possible to avoid redirections to Shmokiads if you are attentive and careful. You just need to refrain from downloading programs from unfamiliar websites. Or, if you do, you should still read the installation wizard carefully. Because quite often, it is possible to avoid installing unwanted applications if you deselect the unwanted features along the way. The point is that no program that makes use of Shmokiads enters target system without user’s permission. They are usually far from malware infections, but they can still cause quite a lot of chaos.

So what is the most dangerous about adware and adware servers? Perhaps, the most alarming thing about this type of software is its vulnerability. While the adware servers provide good service for those who want their content promoted, Shmokiads and other similar domains are just empty shells that can be used by almost anyone. As much as we would want it, the adware servers do not review the content they promote, and so even cyber criminals could make use of this domain to spread their content around. Perhaps, the next link this adware server displays will not lead you to a freeware website. It might open a dangerous page that will infect you with malware.

This is actually the main security concern associated with adware servers and adware application. They may inadvertently expose you to dangerous content, and eventually, you could even get infected with ransomware. Naturally, that is not something anyone wants, so you have to prevent it from happening. Computer security experts also maintain that such course of events is the worst-case scenario, but if there is a possibility, you have to consider the risks.

As mentioned you can get rid of Shmokiads by removing all the adware programs associated with the server. Perhaps you will find them at once, or maybe you will have to look at the list of installed programs longer. If you want to save your time, you can scan your PC with the SpyHunter free scanner, and the tool will list the potential threats in no time.

You will also be able to remove them all automatically, at the same time protecting your system from other potential security issues. Coupled with your upgraded web browsing habits, a security program of your choice will help you avoid similar intruders in the future. And you can always leave us a comment if you have more questions on the matter.