Adware.LoadBlanks

Short bio

Adware.LoadBlanks is Malwarebytes’ detection name for a shortcut hijacker for Windows systems.

Type and source of infection

Adware.LoadBlanks alters the shortcuts to browsers on the user’s desktop, in the taskbar, and in the Start menu. The shortcuts are redirected to .BAT files in the folder %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Browsers. These .BAT files then load loadblanks[dot]ru on the browser. The installer for the hijacker is offered on media download sites under false pretenses.

Protection

Malwarebytes protects systems infected with Adware.LoadBlanks by blocking the ad-rotators they hijack.

Malwarebytes blocks nextlnk24.com

Remediation

Malwarebytes can detect and remove Adware.LoadBlanks without further user interaction.

1. Please download Malwarebytes to your desktop.
2. Double-click MBSetup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
3. When your Malwarebytes for Windows installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.
4. Click on the Get started button.
5. Click Scan to start a Threat Scan.
6. Click Quarantine to remove the found threats.
7. Reboot the system if prompted to complete the removal process.